San Antonio

 The Tuesday after Christmas Scott, Chantel, Jena and I headed down to San Antonio.  My nephew, Niles was getting married in the San Antonio Temple on Tuesday evening.  We arrived in time to get checked into the hotel, change to Church clothes and grab a bite to eat before heading to the temple.  It was a beautiful place with water fall fountains in front and even a small one inside the temple itself.  The ceremony was beautiful and Niles and Rachel make a great couple.  It was wonderful to be there with them.

Jena and I headed up to Buda, TX where my brother Todd lives with his family and joined in family games and conversation with some other Gibersons who gathered there.

Scott and Chantel stayed in San Antonio and picked up Jessica and Tosha who couldn't head out as early as us.  Wednesday evening we had the reception at Texas Old Town complete with a Texas BBQ dinner, dancing and the famous Texas march and ending the evening with sparkles and real fireworks (which would not be legal in Utah).  It was a fun time to be with my family and to see my kids have some Giberson cousin time.

                                                                                       Chantel and Jena at the reception

My four brothers: Scott, Mike, Todd (father of the groom), and Rick

We (the Halls) ended back to San Antonio to enjoy some of what San Antonio had to offer.  We had never really made a trip down here while we lived in Plano, Texas, so we decided to take advantage of the opportunities.  Good timing since it was in the 20s in Utah, and we enjoyed weather in the 70s!

                                                 Waiting for a show at San Antonio Sea World

                                                          Christmas at Sea World

We did the usual things.  We went to Sea World--I know, it seems odd since we are in the middle of Texas and no ocean nearby, but there it is complete with Shamu and all of the other cast of characters.  Where ever you see them, sea animals are amazing.

We also visited the Alamo which is an important place for anyone who ever lived in Texas.  It is the 50th anniversary year of the the famous John Wayne movie called the Alamo.  It is important to remember those who gave their lives defending the desire for freedom and the blessings of being an American.

 There is a short walk down some blocks form the Alamo to the famous River walk.  There was a small stream and a number of water features (as well as shops) along the way.  Jessica was shopping when we took this "action" shot.

 The River Walk or at least the section we walked along.  Fall colors (which are part of their winter season) were every where and it was very beautiful.  Here Tosha is taking a picture of the scene ahead of us.

Jessica Tosha and Jena along the River Walk 

Scott and Chantel and my nephew Scottie waiting for the ride to start

You can't miss Six Flags.  That is where we spent New Year Eve...at least until 11:15 p.m. when we were too cold to continue and Jena had reminded everyone that it was past her bedtime....several times.  She was tired.  We headed back to the hotel and got settled back into our rooms and watched fireworks out our window.  All except Jena who fell asleep within a minute or two of getting in bed.

Roller coaster fun...except for Jena and I.  Jena isn't a big fan yet.

Saturday morning everyone except for me headed back to Utah on a early (meaning very early) flight.  I sat in the airport for a couple of hours and then headed to Dallas/Plano for a few more days of visiting family and friends.