Origin of "toodles"...a shortened version of the spoken word "toodaloo," from the French phrase "a`tout a`l'heure" which means "see you later."

(How fun...first time I've ever gotten to use that ` symbol key!  It's the little things, folks!)

Texas boasts such beautiful wildflowers in the springtime.  Our last visit was prime time for bluebonnets, and I was disappointed they had already bloomed when we were there in early April. But still some lovely ones to enjoy...

The butterflies enjoyed them too!

Look at this pretty wildflower!  Seven-year-old Scout loves unprompted, impromptu posing for Aunt Terry.  "Take my picture!"

No one has to tell me twice...

I think the Easter Bunny lives behind this fence...

Knitting...

Mama and Scout were always knitting...

And when they weren't knitting, they were untangling yarn.  How can this even happen?!

Food highlights (because isn't food always a highlight of any vacation....???)...Sunday brunch at a fun tiny restaurant called Union Street Station, where Mark knew (of course he did...New Braunfels is a big place, but Mark seemed to know people everywhere we went) the owner. Great pancakes!

Nabs.  Mama ate lots of nabs.

Does anyone else call these "nabs," or is it just my Mama?  I think it must be short for the original maker "Nabisco"...however these nabs were made by Austin.

Does that still make them nabs?  Inquiring minds want to know...

Swallows were nesting on Mark and Alli's porch, and they fussed at us in their little bird-chirpy-voices every time we were out there.  Which was a lot...

A morning visit to the oldest bakery in Texas...

How does a girl even choose???

Buc-ee's, the largest convenient store in the country.  Eighty-some gas pumps....

A brief visit to New Braunfels High School, where Mark runs the Junior ROTC program.  This is just outside of his building.

He needed me to take his official photo to renew his ROTC teaching license.

Mark keeps himself in great shape...looking good, Baby Brother!

Love him!  As a 9-year-old girl with 2 sisters already, when Mama was pregnant I prayed every day for a BOY.  I have to remind him often that I prayed him into existence, that he owes his very life to me!

Mama with her baby...and only son.

Thanks for your hospitality, Mark and Alli!  We had a great time!

Now it's YOUR turn to come to Indiana...

Until next time...

Toodles, Texas!