Hurricane Ike took over 40,000 Oak trees from Galveston leaving many stumps as a reminder. Artists have been sculpting those tree stumps making something creative and beautiful as a memorial to those trees. It has become a tourist attraction and should I say a project to get around to see the various sculptures. Here are a few photos that Bob took. I was the chauffeur while Bob and his sister Angela took most of the pictures. As a photography team they did very well. You may notice some of the architecture and gardening in the background of the sculptures. I will posts some additional homes and gardens later.

Galveston's Lost Memorial to Oak Trees

Dog with Tin Man, Wood Tree Sculpture

The Tin Man, Wood Tree Sculpture

Asian Lady, Wood Tree Sculpture

Angel, Wood Tree Sculpture

Frog, Wood Tree Sculpture

Guitar in Progress, Wood Tree Sculpture

Owl, Wood Tree Sculpture

Squirrel, Wood Tree Sculpture

Mother Pelican with Baby, Wood Tree Sculpture

Pelican on a Stump, Wood Tree Sculpture

No Dog, Wood Tree Sculpture

Dog Leaning on Fence, Wood Tree Sculpture

Dolphin and Mermaid, Wood Tree Sculpture

Pelicans on a Branch, Wood Tree Sculpture

Multi Pelican, Wood Tree Sculpture

Mermaid, Wood Tree Sculpture

Pelican, Wood Tree Sculpture

We boarded a small tour boat to see the dolphins. It was informative, fun and exiting to watch the dolphins play.

Cute Dolphin Faces

Where the Dolphin Tour Begins

Pulling Away from the Dock at Galveston Bay

Ship Passing in Galveston Bay

ExonMobil, Ocean Star, Galveston Bay

Barge by the Shores of Galveston Bay

Two Ships Very Close Together

It looked as thought they were going to collide.

Two Dolphins in Galveston Bay

Opera House in Galveston, TX.

The Opera House is a across the street from the Salt Water Restaurant. Still in operation they do more than 25 productions per year.

Before I get back to our mini TX. vacation I wanted to share this photo of Brooke with her horse "Starbuck." Last Sunday Starbuck was in his first ever competition. They took 2nd place in the Western Halter Competition. Great job!

Brooke with Starbuck

This is an interruption from the photos of our little vacation last week to wish our son-in-law Ben a Happy Birthday! I wish we were closer so we could celebrate with him.

Ben, Jane and Jake

Did I forget to mention that we celebrated our daughter-in-law Casey's birthday last month!

Casey and Peyton

After settling into our room in Galveston we had dinner at the Salt Water Sea Food Restaurant down town. It was superb!

Me, Doug and Angela

Sculptured Decor on Walls of Salt Water Restaurant

Interior Walls of Salt Water Restaurant

Sea Food at Salt Water

We arrived in Galveston around seven PM. After Hurricane Ike a couple of years ago I didn't know what to expect. I think it had been five or six years since we have visited Galveston. To my surprise most things were cleaned up and everything looked perhaps better than I have ever seen the island look. We only live five hours from Galveston and I think we will try and visit at least once a year. There is so much to do and see there. I will have some photos to share of a boat ride to observe Dolphins, some restaurants, some architecture of old homes and some tree sculptures.

Evening Shores of Galveston TX.

After leaving Austin we made a stop in Shiner TX. on our way to Galveston. Several years ago Bob and I toured the Shiner Bock Brewery. It has grown in size since then. Angela said they can buy Shiner in North Dekota. Even with the expansion of the brewery the town remains small and quaint. After touring the brewery they passed out sample tastings in the gift shop.

Angela and Doug taking photos of each other in Shiner TX.

Downtown Shiner TX.

Courthouse in Shiner TX.

Bobbie's Barber Shop

I was wondering why Bob took this picture until I looked a little closer.

Do to the tropical storms from the hurricane last week our plans to go to Austin and Galveston were changed a little. To avoid the storm we drove east to Forney to look in some antique shops and then to Austin. This was supposed to be a way of getting around the rain but the storm turned unexpectedly and the drive to Austin was fierce. It was late when we arrived. We had a nice dinner at Sullivan's. Unfortunately Angela and Doug didn't get much of a concept on what Austin is like. But, there is always next time.

Antiques - Forney TX.

Last Sunday we were visited by Bob's sister Angela and her husband Doug. They stayed all week and left today. We began our week with a boat ride on Eagle Mountain Lake, then visited Austin, Galveston and ended our trip visiting Ft. Worth. I will share a few photos with you in the next few days of some of our adventures while they were here. We had wonderful experiences but the best thing was getting to spend time together. Why does time seem to go so fast when you are having fun? We hated to see them go.

Angela and Doug

Marina At Eagle Mountain Lake

Sydney Arrives by Storm

Yesterday was fun! I went to Tamara's house to sit with Liam and Liam's Great Grandmother while Tamara was giving birth to Sydney. Bill's Grandmother Dodo (short for Delores) was visiting from Chicago. Liam, Sydney's big brother of 3 years old was anxiously waiting because his Dad told him he would come and get him as soon as Sydney arrived. Bob joined us as Tamara's house is on his way home from work and he didn't want to miss the excitement. When we received the call to get ready to go Liam asked for a glass of milk. Once he had the glass of milk he didn't drink it because he said he was taking it to Sydney. Bob broke the news to Liam that Sydney has special milk. Bob and I also went for a short visit to welcome Sydney into the world. Another cute Liam story is that after he was looking at Sydney he walked over to Tamara and said "she is so cute! Thank you so much!" This was a sure sign of acceptance after many months of rejecting the idea of having a sister. On our way to the hospital there were two beautiful rainbows side by side also welcoming Sydney into the world. What a special day!

Liam and Sydney

Tamara's Mom, Gill holding Sydney

Tamara and Bill

Sidney, Born Sept. 1, 2010 at 6:22 PM, 7lbs&9oz.

Liam with Bill's Grandmother

Tamara with her Mom, Gill