San Antonio

I can't get anywhere close to San Antonio and not stop for a visit. The Elks Lodge in Sequin provided us a place to park and we headed to the market along with many others on the Friday before St. Patrick's Day. Several bands were playing on the outdoor stages throughout the market.

Leon managed to weave through the crowd where folks were busy buying food from the many vendors.

With decent food and drink, music and people to watch all we needed was a place to sit in the shade and enjoy. 

We eventually hopped the trolley over to the Alamo area and descended to the riverwalk where we found more crowds, food, music, and beverage.

We thought we would have to return on St. Patrick's Day to watch the river turn green but they did it two days. I guess we were still recuperating from such a busy schedule in Austin as we hardly even walked the river and decided to move on to Corpus Christi for St. Patrick's Day.

Lackland AFB final two days

On Saturday we really had a feast when we got to eat some Texas Bar B Q. At Bill Miller's we had a choice of brisket, chicken, ribs, and much more. This may be where I gained my four pounds.

The rest of the folks did some shopping before Trish and Steve had to catch a plane. Leon and I went back to our camping spot to do some work.

After he use his ingenious method of adding water we decided to go tour the missions and botanical gardens.

On Sunday Tina and Robert came over and we grilled for Gunnar's final big meal in Texas. Gunnar had to stay on base this day.

Grandpa and Gunnar chowed .. Leon had soy, Gunnar had a T-bone.

This was the first time to set the table and have real company for dinner.

After Tina and Robert headed back to California we visited some of the airplanes on base.

At 6 Gunnar headed back to his barracks in the nick of time! He did make one final visit to Burger King before hurrying across the street.

We are still on base Monday morning and he is already in Ft. Worth eating at Luby's and heading to his next assignment. What a wonderful few days it was of visiting with family in the warm San Antonio sunshine.

Lackland to San Antonio: Freedom at last

"Airman Bird, what would you like to do?"     ...   "Get a hamburger."

The County Line on the Riverwalk was a good place to visit and satisfy our appetites. Rick, a friend of Steve's, joined us.

I always stop for mariachis. They were playing at several Mexican restaurants along the riverwalk.

Gunnar and his mom Trisha.

The group is now ready for a riverboat tour. It was actually very pleasant and informative. Leon and I had already walked it all but a good way for the group to see it.

Dad Robert and Gunnar at the La Villita church. This is a beautiful little church in the old shopping center of La Villita. Not many of the shops were open when we went through.

As we were strolling the streets I had to go in the Hilton and check out the gingerbread house.

The chef was keeping a watchful eye.

Are these papayas growing outside the Alamo?

Of course everyone who visits San Antonio must tour the Alamo. It was one of the five missions in San Antonio which became famous for the battle fought there for Texas' independence.

Gunnar and Robert look at a display while I get in trouble for taking a photo.

After touring the Rivercenter, visiting Starbucks, and much more strolling we arrived at the Spurs basketball game. This way Gunnar could stay off base a little longer. It was really quite fun and my first pro basketball game.  The Spurs managed a comeback to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves by two points.

What an exhilarating and exhausting day!!!

Lackland AFB graduation

This was the big day. Graduation from basic military training for Gunnar.

Dad, Tina, Grandpa, Mom and Steve all settled in on the bleachers.

How happy can one be!

Tina and Robert are so proud and glad to be out of California for a few days!

The squadrons passed in front of the reviewing stand.

Such precision!

The flyover salute was impressive.

Yes, Gunnar is in the group to the left of the band.

Some of the men in Airman Bird's life: Steve, Dad, and Grandpa.

After graduation we toured the barracks. Grandpa gave the bed the quarter test.

Check out these smiling socks.

I bet this is a new way for Gunnar to live.

And now it is time to spend the afternoon off base!

Lackland Air Force Base day 1

Leon's grandson, Gunnar Bird, has spent 8 weeks at basic military training, aka boot camp, in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland Air Force Base. At last we have arrived for his much anticipated graduation.

Before we can take the trailer on base we had to go through an inspection.

Funny how they even look under the hood. If you just drive the truck onto base they don't check hoods.

As we drove to the fam camp we passed new recruits going through their training.

At 7 am there was a runby of those graduating. I have never seen anyone built like this guy on the left. I would not want him in my face!

The squadrons ran by while families shouted and cheered.

Later in the day we went to the coin ceremony. Gunnar's parents are so very proud of him!

Grandpa and Airman Bird salute (army and air force).

The coin ceremony was most impressive.

After the ceremony we spent much of the afternoon visiting at the campground. Tina, Steve, and Trisha listed to one of his many experiences. Yes, that is Gunnar. He lost 17 pounds and five inches from his waist. Perhaps we should start running.