More about lost time...or is it gained?!

So...as I was saying...our trip to Texas. Lots of roadside picnics:

After our package delivery and a pit stop in South Houston for Dan to check out his International Scout, we made it to Galveston, Texas for a day at the Gulf:

Dan actually spent much of the day back in South Houston loading up the Scout. We had a blast and have the peeling sunburn to show for it! On to the Rainforest Cafe for some din din and souvenirs...

After our meal, we headed over to a park where there was a real submarine and battleship. Very cool tour and whew...tuckered us right out.

Back on the road again, heading up to Arkansas to see Steve and Amy in Bella Vista. Not without a typical Topel incident, though! Dan and I started hearing a noise coming from the shifter area and discovered that it sounded like a bearing. After our last trip to Florida and our 6 hour tow back home, we decided to be a bit more proactive this time...checked the transmission fluid and found it was VERY low. No external leaks though...hmmm...so the noise got better after we filled it and a few hour set-back: we were on our way.

Made our way up to their house and visited with them and their 4 dogs, 4 cats, and bird!! Dan is pictured with Big Boy, one of two Great Dane's. Amy works at the Animal Shelter!

Spent the night there, then on to visit Karl's in Cedar Rapids. Had dinner and visited with them. Always great seeing them and the girls. The flooding was just starting to get bad when we arrived in Iowa, but got way worse after we left. Not too sure how we got from Cedar Rapids home, as both Dan and I were wiped OUT!

Oh yeah...The mystery of the transmission fluid was soon solved en route home. The fluid was actually leaking into the transfer case (which became way overfull). Good thing we own a repair shop!

Trip summary: Kids proved they can co-exist in a very small area for long periods of time and get along wonderfully. Had some great family time and confirmed that Tara cannot stand sleeping in hot trucks all night long! Also noted that preventative vehicle care has advantages! (check Arkansas off of the Cracker Barrel visited state list).