Texas History, Spanish Revival Decor and Elmo

Fisherman is on a road trip this week with his class from school. Seventh grade studies Texas History and to top off an exciting year, the class travels to Austin and San Antonio to actually see some of the places they have been learning about. God bless them. The chaperones consist of some of our dedicated teachers, their spouses and other gracious volunteers. Parents of seventh graders are NOT allowed to go! Hallelujah! 

You can imagine the excitement that has been brewing over the trip. Fisherman requested a trip to Target for some last minute provisions: new deodorant, Axe body spray (Can you imagine the stench of a bus load of adolescents wearing that stuff?), hair gel and various candy goodness for the bus ride. Oh to be in seventh grade again! We have been to the places they are visiting on the trip many times as a family, but Fisherman is seeing them in a new light. It's amazing how things that bring groans and moans on a family vacay are all of a sudden the most interesting things in the world when you are getting to see them with out said family and in the presence of your peeps.

Austin is our state capital and the kids will tour the capital building and see how our great state is run. San Antonio is home to the Alamo. Most of you have probably heard of the Alamo, but in case you haven't, here is today's Texas history lesson... The Alamo was originally settled as a remote religious outpost in Mexican-held Texas. It is part of a series of beautiful missions in the area. The Alamo became a makeshift fort during the Texas Revolution from Mexico. Americans were coming to settle Texas, that was still under Mexican rule. Afraid of a rebellion, Mexican troops were sent in and the battle began. Many fled the area in fear of their lives but a strong, proud few stayed and fought the massive, Mexican army. A ragtag bunch of Texans, including James Bowie, William B. Travis and Davy Crockett along with scarcely two hundred souls, prepared to fight General Santa Anna and over 1500 Mexican troops. The siege lasted thirteen days in late February and early March of 1836 and all Texans who fought at the Alamo died, but so did many more from the Mexican army. Although it was a defeat for Texas, the Mexicans were defeated in April, 1836 at the Battle of San Jacinto. Aren't you glad you read that?

The first time we took Fisherman to see the Alamo at age two, he took-off out of the car and was so excited! Mr. P and I could not figure out why our very smart (but too young to understand) toddler would be so anxious to see the Alamo. We walked-up to the front of the Alamo and our precious boy starts looking around everywhere and then his huge grin fell. He looked up at us with sad eyes and said, "Where's Elmo?".

Elmo/Alamo - this was last summer - the mini-pearls were not impressed


All that is left of the mission complex and outbuildings at the Alamo is the chapel. Just a handful of people survived the siege, mostly women and children, and they were within the walls of this chapel. It really is a beautiful, simple space. A visit to the Alamo and the city of San Antonio is always a fun trip. The Spanish and Mexican influence can be seen everywhere in the architecture, design and feel of the area. Spanish Colonial Revival, Mexican Hacienda and a dash of western flair make for a vibrant culture all our own here in Texas. Here are some spaces that portray this unique recipe.

See y'all later!

Krissy

Photos via Pinterest with the exception of the Alamo, that one is mine!