Back in Dallas, Texas, USA

22 Jan, 2014

After our Road Trip we returned to Dallas to spend a little more time with the family before flying back to Hamamas in Finike Turkey on 27 Jan. We thoroughly enjoyed being involved in some of Ashley and Brenton's school activities and it was great to finally see their schools because as "distant grandparents" we rarely get the chance to see them in their educational environment.

Ashley's first award at her new school.

Ashley looks pleased to have us attend her assembly.

Brenton at his Kindy Farm Day

Having fun with other kids.

Waiting for a pony ride.

Cowboy Brenton

Howdy Partner!

Frank Buck's Zoo, Dallas, Texas, USA, 2014

22 Jan, 2014

Our fun continued when we visited Frank Buck's Zoo which is about an hours drive  away from Dallas near Gainesville. This Zoo was founded in 1930 and currently houses more than 130 very well kept animals. It is a great place to wander around with the family as there is something for all ages including feeding some animals, even the giraffe! Ashley and Brenton (and the rest of us) were just a tad hesitant with feeding the animals because of the long tongues and the slobber!" 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Buck_Zoo

(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Zoo Entrance

Flamingo


Ashley helping to feed the Giraffe

A special moment for each bison.

Feeding the huge billy goat,

This is Keira Lee Reaction after feeding the  billy goat!

Cameron encouraging Ashley to feed the goats.

Brenton thinking maybe the goat would escape.

Brenton and Ashley having fun!

Old Spring Town, Texas, 2014

20 Jan, 2014

During our road trip in Texas we visited cute and pretty Old Spring Town where many of the old stores have been revamped as tourist attractions. We arrived very early in the morning and there was hardly anyone around so we were able to amble around at our leisure but were we unable to find a coffee shop open! In fact it almost felt like a ghost town. It may well be a different story in the tourist season

(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, Galveston, Texas, USA, 2014

19 Jan, 2014

It is only a a short walk from the touristy area  in Galveston along the lively water front to the excellent Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum. It is housed in a retired oil platform  and has a very informative exhibition about the drilling process and the oil and gas industry in general. We spent almost half the day there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Star_Offshore_Drilling_Rig_%26_Museum

(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them.)

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

Model of the Harvest Platform

Fran messing around again!

Tom checking out the large machinery.

Cementing Unit

Subsea Christmas Tree

Blow Out Preventer

Escape Pod

Submersible

Deep Sea Diving Suits

Diamond Drill Bits

Billy Pugh Personal Basket transfer personnel and gear from a Ship to the  Platform

Model of an Oil Platform

Petrolum