I went to the Dr. Pepper Company. I usually am not allowed to have soda because I get hyper. I tried it and I did like it, except then I had to pee. I was kinda bored.
Bye!
Stripes
Bye!
Stripes
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
By Samuel - 7/30/08
I went to the Dr. Pepper Plant/Bottling Company thingy. I don't drink soda, so I sat out in the car and got really hot because it's really hot in Texas. I was really, really bored.
After my family finished the tour, which was hours and hours, they came out to the car to check on me. They love me and don't want me to have a heat stroke or somethin'.
I saw a train engine. I love trains, so we followed it. I didn't know trains went backwards, even though I went to the 14th grade. It was really cool and I had fun.
Samuel S. (Smart) Elphick
After my family finished the tour, which was hours and hours, they came out to the car to check on me. They love me and don't want me to have a heat stroke or somethin'.
I saw a train engine. I love trains, so we followed it. I didn't know trains went backwards, even though I went to the 14th grade. It was really cool and I had fun.
Samuel S. (Smart) Elphick
By Amanda - 7/30/08
There’s not much to do in the one-horse town of Dublin, Texas. However, one of the most trademarked sodas in America has a bottling plant here- Dr. Pepper. This is also the only plant in the United States to make Dublin Dr. Pepper, the original soda manufactured by the company. The difference? Dublin Dr. Pepper is made with imperial pure cane sugar, while today’s soda is made with high fructose corn syrup, a cheaper method of sweetening the soda. In fact, all sodas at this plant are made with sugar, true to their original formulas. They were bottling Dr. Pepper today, so we got to see how it is made.
Glass bottles are inspected for any chips or cracks, and if they pass inspection, they are put through a rigorous washing process. The bottles are cleaned with a detergent 10 times stronger than the average dishwasher’s, and water temperatures top out at 160°. The bottles are then run through water of 95°, in order to make them easier to handle, as well as to reduce the risk of temperature shock as the bottles go from the dishwasher to the outside air.
Plastic tubes fill each bottle with syrup, about 1 ½ inches worth. The rest of the bottle is filled with carbonated water, and then a cap is pushed onto the bottle. Any bottles that are not filled with a proper amount of soda are pulled out. The content of these bottles is poured out, and then they go to the dishwasher to start the process over again. Any remaining bottles are turned upside down 3 times, resulting in a perfectly mixed Dr. Pepper. From here, some bottles are packaged in cases and can either be shipped to individuals who ordered them, or they are bought by convenience stores/small businesses within a 40 mile radius. Bottles may also be put in the Soda Fountain, an old-time soda shop housed in the same building as the manufacturing plant.
After seeing how the soda is made, your tour guide takes you through three rooms full of Dr. Pepper memorabilia. Jumbo vintage bottle caps and numerous advertisements line the walls of these rooms. The last room is full of old Dr. Pepper, 7-Up Big Red, Triple-X Root Beer, and Suncrest Orange Soda bottles. Al of these sodas, except for 7-Up, are made in this manufacturing plant.
Once the tour was over, you go back into the Soda Shop. There are soda fountains here, and you can buy cups of the soda. I shoes Big Red, which our tour guide described as “super sweet liquid bubble gum.” It was the worst soda I’d ever had!
We passed a family-owned cheese shop on the way home called Veldhuizen Cheese. The owner let us sample the available cheeses, and after purchasing a few, we drove home.
Glass bottles are inspected for any chips or cracks, and if they pass inspection, they are put through a rigorous washing process. The bottles are cleaned with a detergent 10 times stronger than the average dishwasher’s, and water temperatures top out at 160°. The bottles are then run through water of 95°, in order to make them easier to handle, as well as to reduce the risk of temperature shock as the bottles go from the dishwasher to the outside air.
Plastic tubes fill each bottle with syrup, about 1 ½ inches worth. The rest of the bottle is filled with carbonated water, and then a cap is pushed onto the bottle. Any bottles that are not filled with a proper amount of soda are pulled out. The content of these bottles is poured out, and then they go to the dishwasher to start the process over again. Any remaining bottles are turned upside down 3 times, resulting in a perfectly mixed Dr. Pepper. From here, some bottles are packaged in cases and can either be shipped to individuals who ordered them, or they are bought by convenience stores/small businesses within a 40 mile radius. Bottles may also be put in the Soda Fountain, an old-time soda shop housed in the same building as the manufacturing plant.
After seeing how the soda is made, your tour guide takes you through three rooms full of Dr. Pepper memorabilia. Jumbo vintage bottle caps and numerous advertisements line the walls of these rooms. The last room is full of old Dr. Pepper, 7-Up Big Red, Triple-X Root Beer, and Suncrest Orange Soda bottles. Al of these sodas, except for 7-Up, are made in this manufacturing plant.
Once the tour was over, you go back into the Soda Shop. There are soda fountains here, and you can buy cups of the soda. I shoes Big Red, which our tour guide described as “super sweet liquid bubble gum.” It was the worst soda I’d ever had!
We passed a family-owned cheese shop on the way home called Veldhuizen Cheese. The owner let us sample the available cheeses, and after purchasing a few, we drove home.
By Rachel - 7/30/08
Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper, DR. PEPPER! Yes, we went to the Dr. Pepper Bottling Plant today. The plant is located about 90 miles from Dallas in a little town called Dublin. The old Dr. Pepper was called Dublin Dr. Pepper. Dr. Pepper bottled here today still has the “Dublin Dr. Pepper” logo on the bottles.
On our tour, we got a FREE Dublin Dr. Pepper. Our tour guide reminded us of our Uncle Scott, (only our tour guide was NORMAL!) Dr. Pepper was invented in June of 1891. It is the oldest soda still produced.
Dr. Pepper and its other lines of sodas are sweetened by pure cane sugar. Since the 1970’s, other soda companies sweeten their soda with high fructose corn syrup. My favorite soda is Diet Dr. Pepper. The bottling plant that we visited only produces glass bottles. About 7000 bottles of soda can be produced each day in eight hours of work. After he showed us how Dr. Pepper is produced, we went into a three-room museum. The first room had one of the first vending machines. This one looked more like an old cooler.
One of the most famous stars of Dr. Pepper advertising was Pretty Peggy Pepper. She was a 16-year old girl that advertised Dr. Pepper in the middle of the 1930’s. During World War II, they had soldiers with Dr. Pepper for advertisement. After World War II, they did not hire Pretty Peggy Pepper back, and no one knows what happened to her. She has the whole second room to herself.
The last room was full of memorabilia of old Dr. Pepper and all the other sodas Dr. Pepper has manufactured. After our tour was over, we went to the gift shop/café. The soda that you can buy is made on the spot from a fountain. First she put syrup in the cup, then added carbonated water, and last she added ice. I got Seven-Up, and Sis got Big Red. Big Red tasted like liquid bubble gum/bubble gum flavored medicine with a touch of strawberry. It was NASTY! However, my Seven-Up was the best Seven-Up I’ve had!
Next we went to Veldhuizen Cheese. The cheese was A-maaa-zing! I don’t like blue cheese at all!!!! but his was okay. Mr. Veldhuizen has been making cheese for six years and opened their small family business three years ago. The owners of the business have seven children. The Veldhuizen family is descended from the Netherlands. After tasting the A-maaa-zing cheese, we went back to the motorhome.
On our tour, we got a FREE Dublin Dr. Pepper. Our tour guide reminded us of our Uncle Scott, (only our tour guide was NORMAL!) Dr. Pepper was invented in June of 1891. It is the oldest soda still produced.
Dr. Pepper and its other lines of sodas are sweetened by pure cane sugar. Since the 1970’s, other soda companies sweeten their soda with high fructose corn syrup. My favorite soda is Diet Dr. Pepper. The bottling plant that we visited only produces glass bottles. About 7000 bottles of soda can be produced each day in eight hours of work. After he showed us how Dr. Pepper is produced, we went into a three-room museum. The first room had one of the first vending machines. This one looked more like an old cooler.
One of the most famous stars of Dr. Pepper advertising was Pretty Peggy Pepper. She was a 16-year old girl that advertised Dr. Pepper in the middle of the 1930’s. During World War II, they had soldiers with Dr. Pepper for advertisement. After World War II, they did not hire Pretty Peggy Pepper back, and no one knows what happened to her. She has the whole second room to herself.
The last room was full of memorabilia of old Dr. Pepper and all the other sodas Dr. Pepper has manufactured. After our tour was over, we went to the gift shop/café. The soda that you can buy is made on the spot from a fountain. First she put syrup in the cup, then added carbonated water, and last she added ice. I got Seven-Up, and Sis got Big Red. Big Red tasted like liquid bubble gum/bubble gum flavored medicine with a touch of strawberry. It was NASTY! However, my Seven-Up was the best Seven-Up I’ve had!
Next we went to Veldhuizen Cheese. The cheese was A-maaa-zing! I don’t like blue cheese at all!!!! but his was okay. Mr. Veldhuizen has been making cheese for six years and opened their small family business three years ago. The owners of the business have seven children. The Veldhuizen family is descended from the Netherlands. After tasting the A-maaa-zing cheese, we went back to the motorhome.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
By Rosie - 7/29/08
The summer morning blossoms were blooming. For breakfast, I had steak. I took a little nap, then had lunch. For lunch, I ate a peach.
After having lunch, I enjoyed reading Romeo and Juliet. After reading, my wonderful family returned home.
Oh, how I miss my husband, Russ and our puppies. I guess I should go.
Rosie Ann
By Rachel - 7/29/08
Today we went to Texas Stadium and a farmer’s market. Texas Stadium is home of the Dallas Cowboys. Texas Stadium is a dome and it was opened in 1971. We waited around in the gift shop for awhile until our tour started.
On our tour, we got to go into a box suite, the Cowboys’ locker room, and on the field. Since the stadium is a dome, they don’t have real grass. Because they don’t have real grass, they don’t need dirt. As a replacement for dirt, they use recycled tire rubber. Our tour guide had footballs that he tossed out to us, and we got to play on the field!
Once we arrived back at the gift shop, we made our purchases and then went to the farmer’s market. At the farmer’s market they gave samples. With all the samples I got of fruit, I could have had lunch Most of the fruits I had were pineapple and mango. On guy gave me almost a whole orange.
After we had “lunch” at the farmer’s market, we went back to the motorhome to enjoy the rest of the day.
On our tour, we got to go into a box suite, the Cowboys’ locker room, and on the field. Since the stadium is a dome, they don’t have real grass. Because they don’t have real grass, they don’t need dirt. As a replacement for dirt, they use recycled tire rubber. Our tour guide had footballs that he tossed out to us, and we got to play on the field!
Once we arrived back at the gift shop, we made our purchases and then went to the farmer’s market. At the farmer’s market they gave samples. With all the samples I got of fruit, I could have had lunch Most of the fruits I had were pineapple and mango. On guy gave me almost a whole orange.
After we had “lunch” at the farmer’s market, we went back to the motorhome to enjoy the rest of the day.
By Amanda - 7/29/08
Irving, Texas may be the home to the most famous team in America, the Dallas Cowboys. They have been Super Bowl Champions five times in years 1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, and 1995. This team, known for its outstanding quarterbacks, has not had a Super Bowl run since the legendary quarterback line came to a halt around 1996.
During the 2006 season, the Cowboys acquired Tony Romo, a QB, and put him in the game instead of their regular starting quarterback, Drew Bledsoe. The legacy continues, as American’s team flew out to California for training camp this week. Dallas fans are hoping this is their year, and it’s looking good as long as Romo continues to practice well. Everyone thinks that it would be nice to send the old Texas Stadium out with a bang.
Texas Stadium has been hosting football games for almost 40 years. Its signature hole in the roof has become a familiar sight to Dallas citizens everywhere, not just football fans. This is its final year because the Cowboys are moving into a $1 billion stadium in the 2009 season. It’s pretty neat that we toured a stadium that will, after this season, be long gone.
We were able to see one of the air conditioned suites which can have catering services provided for parties held there. They have a really good view of the field, making them great seats.
We also got to see the Cowboys’ locker room. There are a few pieces of equipment hanging inside some of the spaces, but all of the team’s equipment is out in California with them. Each player’s locker has his name and number on a plaque above the locker, as well as shelves and hooks to hang up uniforms and equipment.
After the locker room, we went down onto the field. So many great players have walked on the same turf, and not just Cowboys players. Every team in the NFL has played here at least once, which is pretty cool to behold.
Once the tour was over, we spent some time in the Pro Shop, and then drove to a nearby farmer’s market. Mom was dying for some good peaches, so after sampling a few, she bought some. We also bought some other produce which we’ll eat in the coming days.
Oh, and a side note…it was only 102 degrees today!
During the 2006 season, the Cowboys acquired Tony Romo, a QB, and put him in the game instead of their regular starting quarterback, Drew Bledsoe. The legacy continues, as American’s team flew out to California for training camp this week. Dallas fans are hoping this is their year, and it’s looking good as long as Romo continues to practice well. Everyone thinks that it would be nice to send the old Texas Stadium out with a bang.
Texas Stadium has been hosting football games for almost 40 years. Its signature hole in the roof has become a familiar sight to Dallas citizens everywhere, not just football fans. This is its final year because the Cowboys are moving into a $1 billion stadium in the 2009 season. It’s pretty neat that we toured a stadium that will, after this season, be long gone.
We were able to see one of the air conditioned suites which can have catering services provided for parties held there. They have a really good view of the field, making them great seats.
We also got to see the Cowboys’ locker room. There are a few pieces of equipment hanging inside some of the spaces, but all of the team’s equipment is out in California with them. Each player’s locker has his name and number on a plaque above the locker, as well as shelves and hooks to hang up uniforms and equipment.
After the locker room, we went down onto the field. So many great players have walked on the same turf, and not just Cowboys players. Every team in the NFL has played here at least once, which is pretty cool to behold.
Once the tour was over, we spent some time in the Pro Shop, and then drove to a nearby farmer’s market. Mom was dying for some good peaches, so after sampling a few, she bought some. We also bought some other produce which we’ll eat in the coming days.
Oh, and a side note…it was only 102 degrees today!
Monday, July 28, 2008
By Amanda - 7/28/08
Today we visited two sports complexes, Texas Motor Speedway (where Carl Edwards won in 2005), and Arlington Park (home of the Texas Rangers). We toured both stadiums today, the first of which was Arlington Park.
The park was opened in April of 1994. Its seats hold over 49,000 fans and holds some special pieces. The home run porch (located in right-center field) was built to look like the old Arlington Stadium. The hitter’s eye is fashioned after Camden Yards (the Baltimore Oriole’s park), and the outside brickwork is a semi-replica of the current Yankee Stadium (not the 2009 stadium being built). Also, both foul poles were brought over from Arlington Stadium. All of these come together to give the ballpark a look all its own.
We were able to walk along the main concourse, and from here we went to see the luxury suites and the press box. We then went down beneath the field where both clubhouses are, as well as the batting cages. The players use these to practice their swing or warm up before pinch-hitting. Mirrors are positioned so that the players can watch themselves swing, or they can watch previous swings during a game on the monitors outside the cages.
Our tour guide took us down to the home team dugout. I like when you get to sit on the dugout bench, because who knows, you might be sitting where your favorite player sits during games. My favorite player, Jarred Saltalamacchia (back-up catcher who has the longest name in MLB history) normally sits toward the middle of the dugout, so I had a pretty good chance.
Once the tour was finished, we went in the Rangers’ team store. One of the unique things about this shop was that they have merchandise from when they play different teams. The Braves played the Rangers earlier this year and they have some pins and baseballs with the vintage “a” on them. Very cool stuff!
Texas Motor Speedway is about 35 minutes away from the ballpark and this was our next stop. A 1.5 mile track owned by Bruton Smith & Speedway Motorsports Incorporated (SMI) this is the 3rd largest sporting event facility in the United States. I really enjoyed this track because my favorite driver (Carl Edwards - #99, Office Depot Ford) has won here three times, twice in 2005 and in the spring race earlier this year.
We got to see one of the luxury suites, victory lane, both garage buildings, as well as the dirt track that is located behind the backstretch. TMS also has an infield road course which they can expand by opening up the inner walls. Overall, the track is pretty neat, and hopefully they can add Carl Edwards to their Wall of Champions again this fall.
The park was opened in April of 1994. Its seats hold over 49,000 fans and holds some special pieces. The home run porch (located in right-center field) was built to look like the old Arlington Stadium. The hitter’s eye is fashioned after Camden Yards (the Baltimore Oriole’s park), and the outside brickwork is a semi-replica of the current Yankee Stadium (not the 2009 stadium being built). Also, both foul poles were brought over from Arlington Stadium. All of these come together to give the ballpark a look all its own.
We were able to walk along the main concourse, and from here we went to see the luxury suites and the press box. We then went down beneath the field where both clubhouses are, as well as the batting cages. The players use these to practice their swing or warm up before pinch-hitting. Mirrors are positioned so that the players can watch themselves swing, or they can watch previous swings during a game on the monitors outside the cages.
Our tour guide took us down to the home team dugout. I like when you get to sit on the dugout bench, because who knows, you might be sitting where your favorite player sits during games. My favorite player, Jarred Saltalamacchia (back-up catcher who has the longest name in MLB history) normally sits toward the middle of the dugout, so I had a pretty good chance.
Once the tour was finished, we went in the Rangers’ team store. One of the unique things about this shop was that they have merchandise from when they play different teams. The Braves played the Rangers earlier this year and they have some pins and baseballs with the vintage “a” on them. Very cool stuff!
Texas Motor Speedway is about 35 minutes away from the ballpark and this was our next stop. A 1.5 mile track owned by Bruton Smith & Speedway Motorsports Incorporated (SMI) this is the 3rd largest sporting event facility in the United States. I really enjoyed this track because my favorite driver (Carl Edwards - #99, Office Depot Ford) has won here three times, twice in 2005 and in the spring race earlier this year.
We got to see one of the luxury suites, victory lane, both garage buildings, as well as the dirt track that is located behind the backstretch. TMS also has an infield road course which they can expand by opening up the inner walls. Overall, the track is pretty neat, and hopefully they can add Carl Edwards to their Wall of Champions again this fall.
By Rachel - 7/28/08
Today we went to Arlington Park, home of the Texas Rangers. Arlington Park opened in April of 1994. It seats 49,200 people. In 1995, they hosted the All-Star game.
On our tour we got to see the new Dallas Cowboy’s stadium being built. In 2009, they are going to have their first home game there. It is already sold out. In 2011, they will host Super Bowl VL.
Arlington Park is a replica of three other ballparks: Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees), Old Arlington Park (Ranger’s old stadium), and Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles). The outside of it looks much like Yankee Stadium (from the outside brick “shell”). The hitter’s eye in center field is like Camden Yards.
We got to go in the batting cages, the owner’s suite, the press box, and also the media room. The owner of the Ranger’s owns the Rangers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Mesquite Rodeo, but not the Dallas Cowboys. We got to go in the dugouts, but not on the field or in the clubhouse because they have a day game at home today.
After we were done on our tour, we went to the museum. This museum has over 100 Cooperstown artifacts. They had wooden models of Arlington field. On the second level, they had the top 25 moments in baseball. Number 4 was Hank Aaron’s homerun that passed Babe Ruth on the all time list to make him #1.
The third floor was different. It was a hands-on museum for all ages. This area was my favorite. They had touch-screen computers for baseball quizzes. Everything on the top floor I LOVED! I think Amanda enjoyed it too.
Next we went to the gift shop. They still had merchandise from the Interleague play when the Rangers played the Braves! I actually got a souvenir baseball from that game.
About 35 miles away from Arlington Park is Texas Motor Speedway. Texas Motor Speedway had its first race in 1997. The track is 1.5 miles long.
We took a tour of the track and I think it was the best one. We got to go in the box suites. They host four series of racing: Sprint Nextel Cup, Nationwide, Craftsman Truck, and Indy. The outlining blocks of the victory lane were shaped as the state of Texas.
Once we got back to the gift shop, we looked around a little bit. We then went to Wal-Mart & then back to the motorhome to enjoy our YUMMY! supper (spaghetti).
On our tour we got to see the new Dallas Cowboy’s stadium being built. In 2009, they are going to have their first home game there. It is already sold out. In 2011, they will host Super Bowl VL.
Arlington Park is a replica of three other ballparks: Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees), Old Arlington Park (Ranger’s old stadium), and Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles). The outside of it looks much like Yankee Stadium (from the outside brick “shell”). The hitter’s eye in center field is like Camden Yards.
We got to go in the batting cages, the owner’s suite, the press box, and also the media room. The owner of the Ranger’s owns the Rangers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Mesquite Rodeo, but not the Dallas Cowboys. We got to go in the dugouts, but not on the field or in the clubhouse because they have a day game at home today.
After we were done on our tour, we went to the museum. This museum has over 100 Cooperstown artifacts. They had wooden models of Arlington field. On the second level, they had the top 25 moments in baseball. Number 4 was Hank Aaron’s homerun that passed Babe Ruth on the all time list to make him #1.
The third floor was different. It was a hands-on museum for all ages. This area was my favorite. They had touch-screen computers for baseball quizzes. Everything on the top floor I LOVED! I think Amanda enjoyed it too.
Next we went to the gift shop. They still had merchandise from the Interleague play when the Rangers played the Braves! I actually got a souvenir baseball from that game.
About 35 miles away from Arlington Park is Texas Motor Speedway. Texas Motor Speedway had its first race in 1997. The track is 1.5 miles long.
We took a tour of the track and I think it was the best one. We got to go in the box suites. They host four series of racing: Sprint Nextel Cup, Nationwide, Craftsman Truck, and Indy. The outlining blocks of the victory lane were shaped as the state of Texas.
Once we got back to the gift shop, we looked around a little bit. We then went to Wal-Mart & then back to the motorhome to enjoy our YUMMY! supper (spaghetti).
Sunday, July 27, 2008
By Rachel - 7/26/08
Today we went to Fort Worth for the day. Since today is National Day of the American Cowboy, there were all kinds of activities of cowboys. First we watched a cattle drive, right on Exchange Avenue. They even had a carriage to seat two people, pulled by a miniature pony.
After watching the cattle drive, we watch one activity, a quick draw competition. The next was branding. I got my initials (RE) on a board.
We walked through quite a few gift shops until we headed to the show. The Wild West show was called Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show. They had stunt riders that would attempt all kinds of stunts.
After watching the show, I rode a mechanical bull. I didn’t fall off, so I guess I did pretty well. We also got shaved ice. I got Mango, and Sis got Cherry Cola.
We walked around at the shops a little more, and then went for some DELICIOUS food. I got Mesquite Barbecued Shrimp, fried okra, and French fries. Yum! We made some final purchases, then went back to the motorhome and watched a movie.
After watching the cattle drive, we watch one activity, a quick draw competition. The next was branding. I got my initials (RE) on a board.
We walked through quite a few gift shops until we headed to the show. The Wild West show was called Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show. They had stunt riders that would attempt all kinds of stunts.
After watching the show, I rode a mechanical bull. I didn’t fall off, so I guess I did pretty well. We also got shaved ice. I got Mango, and Sis got Cherry Cola.
We walked around at the shops a little more, and then went for some DELICIOUS food. I got Mesquite Barbecued Shrimp, fried okra, and French fries. Yum! We made some final purchases, then went back to the motorhome and watched a movie.
By Amanda - 7/26/08
Today was the celebration of the American Cowboy in Fort Worth, Texas. Exchange Avenue was packed with people on both sides of the street, all waiting for the daily cattle drive, as well as the western parade. Businesses drove smaller chuck wagons, and many Fort Worth citizens rode horses, while the cattle led the way.
Once the parade went past, we checked out the kid’s activities. Rachel did a branded board with the letters “RE” intertwined. We also stood and watched a 6-and-under shooting match, with cap guns, of course. One little boy went for over 20 minutes without losing a round. Pretty impressive for a six year old!
We walked through most of the shops along Exchange Avenue, as well as the stores lining the Stockyard Train Station. Rachel collected her souvenirs, and both Rachel and I found t-shirts. We also had to stop at the candy store for no apparent reason, other than the fact that Grandpa wanted to… surprise, right?
There was an arena on Exchange Avenue, where they hold rodeo, livestock auctions, and a Wild West show. We bought tickets for the 2:30 show time, and then went to find our seats. The show consisted of trick riding, roping, bullwhip tricks, sharp shooting, and cowboy songs. After watching the show, we sat down for some Texas steaks, which hit the spot after a long day in the Texas heat.
Once the parade went past, we checked out the kid’s activities. Rachel did a branded board with the letters “RE” intertwined. We also stood and watched a 6-and-under shooting match, with cap guns, of course. One little boy went for over 20 minutes without losing a round. Pretty impressive for a six year old!
We walked through most of the shops along Exchange Avenue, as well as the stores lining the Stockyard Train Station. Rachel collected her souvenirs, and both Rachel and I found t-shirts. We also had to stop at the candy store for no apparent reason, other than the fact that Grandpa wanted to… surprise, right?
There was an arena on Exchange Avenue, where they hold rodeo, livestock auctions, and a Wild West show. We bought tickets for the 2:30 show time, and then went to find our seats. The show consisted of trick riding, roping, bullwhip tricks, sharp shooting, and cowboy songs. After watching the show, we sat down for some Texas steaks, which hit the spot after a long day in the Texas heat.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
By Amanda - 7/25/08
We left Houston today and drove the 4 ½ hours to Fort Worth. Because it wasn’t a very long drive, Rachel and I went swimming for a few hours before getting ready for a signature Texas rodeo. We went out to try some Texas barbeque, which turned out to be delicious. Between the four of us, we tried all of the meats – beef, chicken, and pork. I decided on a beef brisket sandwich, and it was one of the best that I had ever tasted. Besides, any place with pickle spears like Spring Creek Barbeque’s can’t be all that bad. I wish we had one of those in Greenville!
After we finished eating, we headed over to the Mesquite Rodeo, which has been entertaining Texans for 51 years. The two-hour long show included PBR (Professional Bull Riders) bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and a few other “sports” if that’s what they could be called.
I only recognized one of the bull riders, Cody Hart, who is sitting in the #45 spot for the World Championship PBR. Also only three riders all night stayed on their bulls for 8 seconds. The rest of the competitors lasted about 4 seconds each.
Most of the bronc riders fared better, and the barrel racing competition was varied. The barrel racing winner had a 16.49 time, with second place being 16.59. The rodeo was definitely an enjoyable Texas experience.
After we finished eating, we headed over to the Mesquite Rodeo, which has been entertaining Texans for 51 years. The two-hour long show included PBR (Professional Bull Riders) bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and a few other “sports” if that’s what they could be called.
I only recognized one of the bull riders, Cody Hart, who is sitting in the #45 spot for the World Championship PBR. Also only three riders all night stayed on their bulls for 8 seconds. The rest of the competitors lasted about 4 seconds each.
Most of the bronc riders fared better, and the barrel racing competition was varied. The barrel racing winner had a 16.49 time, with second place being 16.59. The rodeo was definitely an enjoyable Texas experience.
By Rachel - 7/25/08
Today we traveled from Houston to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. After our 5-hour drive, we got settled in at the campground and then went swimming for about two hours. We then had to get showers to go out for the evening.
We ate at Spring Creek Barbeque. This restaurant would be considered “cafeteria style”. After eating, we went to the Mesquite Rodeo. They had bull riding, barrel racing, sheep racing, bronco riding, and a dog-riding monkey.
The sheep racing was for children. The longest time a guy was on a bull was 9.6 seconds. The shortest time for the barrel racing was 16.49 seconds.
My favorite part of the rodeo was the dog-riding monkey. The monkey’s name was Whiplash. The show lasted until 10:00 and it took about an hour to get back to the motorhome. By then, it was time for bed.
We ate at Spring Creek Barbeque. This restaurant would be considered “cafeteria style”. After eating, we went to the Mesquite Rodeo. They had bull riding, barrel racing, sheep racing, bronco riding, and a dog-riding monkey.
The sheep racing was for children. The longest time a guy was on a bull was 9.6 seconds. The shortest time for the barrel racing was 16.49 seconds.
My favorite part of the rodeo was the dog-riding monkey. The monkey’s name was Whiplash. The show lasted until 10:00 and it took about an hour to get back to the motorhome. By then, it was time for bed.
By Rachel - 7/24/08
If you have a love for ice cream, then you would have loved what we did today. We went to the main Blue Bell Ice Cream plant. It is located about 75 miles away from Houston in a town called Brenham.
Blue Bell was started in 1907, so it just celebrated its 100th birthday last year. Blue Bell is the 3rd best selling ice cream in the United States. The catch is that they only distribute to 17 states. The other two that beat out Blue Bell are Breyer’s and Edy’s/Dreyer’s.
On our very first trip is when we found out that Edy’s and Dreyer’s are the same company. Edy’s sells ice cream on the east coast, and Dreyer’s sells ice cream on the west coast. Edy’s/Dreyer’s and Breyer’s are both national companies.
Most of what I just wrote about Blue Bell was what I heard on our tour. On the tour, we got to see the production of Blue Bell Ice Cream. People actually get paid to taste ice cream! Our tour guide said, “Does anybody want a job application after this?” After the tour was done, they treated us to ice cream! The flavor I got then was chocolate chip cookie dough. After that, we went to the gift shop where we got some more ice cream. That time, I got mint chocolate chip and lemon. YUM!
After gaining five pounds, we went to Horseshoe Junction (which is a small amusement park). They have an indoor arcade, go-carts, mini-golf, bumper boats, laser tag, rock climbing, and bungee jumping. I did everything but mini-golf. In the process, I got soaked on the bumper boats.
On our way back to the motorhome, we stopped at a few little road side stands and a sausage company. Once we got back to the motorhome, we went to the clubhouse, ate, and then back to the clubhouse for our last evening here.
Blue Bell was started in 1907, so it just celebrated its 100th birthday last year. Blue Bell is the 3rd best selling ice cream in the United States. The catch is that they only distribute to 17 states. The other two that beat out Blue Bell are Breyer’s and Edy’s/Dreyer’s.
On our very first trip is when we found out that Edy’s and Dreyer’s are the same company. Edy’s sells ice cream on the east coast, and Dreyer’s sells ice cream on the west coast. Edy’s/Dreyer’s and Breyer’s are both national companies.
Most of what I just wrote about Blue Bell was what I heard on our tour. On the tour, we got to see the production of Blue Bell Ice Cream. People actually get paid to taste ice cream! Our tour guide said, “Does anybody want a job application after this?” After the tour was done, they treated us to ice cream! The flavor I got then was chocolate chip cookie dough. After that, we went to the gift shop where we got some more ice cream. That time, I got mint chocolate chip and lemon. YUM!
After gaining five pounds, we went to Horseshoe Junction (which is a small amusement park). They have an indoor arcade, go-carts, mini-golf, bumper boats, laser tag, rock climbing, and bungee jumping. I did everything but mini-golf. In the process, I got soaked on the bumper boats.
On our way back to the motorhome, we stopped at a few little road side stands and a sausage company. Once we got back to the motorhome, we went to the clubhouse, ate, and then back to the clubhouse for our last evening here.
By Amanda - 7/24/08
About 75 miles from Houston sits a little town called Branham. In Brenham is the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory, the third-best selling ice cream in the United States. Blue Bell actually has three manufacturing plants; one in Oklahoma, one in Alabama, as well as the one in Texas. The largest plant is the one in Brenham, however, and they give tours to show you how ice cream is made.
They showed us the storeroom first, which is where they keep dry ingredients such as flour and sugar. From here, they take you into the mixing room. They pasteurize the milk once, and then break up any milk fat. The milk is then churned, flavoring is added, and then it gets pasteurized a second time.
Now is when workers combine the milk with any additions, such as caramel, fruit, sprinkles, or fudge (my personal favorite!). Nuts and candy pieces may be added here also. Next, the ice cream is packaged and frozen and after being put into boxes, trucks will carry the finished ice cream to any of the 17 Southern states.
Once you complete your our, they take you to a mini ice cream parlor where you get a free scoop of ice cream. There are 16 different flavors here to choose from. Rachel had Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Grandpa had Birthday Cake, Mom chose Blackberry Cobbler, and I picked Moose Tracks. They also sell ice cream in their gift shop, so after walking around the store, we samples a few more flavors. Everything we tried was delicious!
Once we finished at Blue Bell Creamery, we drove to Horseshow Junction, an outdoor/indoor amusement park containing a go-kart track, bumper boats, rock climbing, and bungee jumping, in addition to an indoor arcade and laser tag. We played one game of laser tag, and then went outside. I found out that I was really good at the go-karts, so after taking Rachel around (she wasn’t tall enough to ride them by herself), I went out to win a few races. I finished first when I took Rachel then went on to finish 4th, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th. That makes my average finish 3.7, better than my favorite NASCAR driver! Maybe instead of covering the sports stories, I could be a NASCAR driver and have someone writing about me beating Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart. Wouldn’t that be fun?!
They showed us the storeroom first, which is where they keep dry ingredients such as flour and sugar. From here, they take you into the mixing room. They pasteurize the milk once, and then break up any milk fat. The milk is then churned, flavoring is added, and then it gets pasteurized a second time.
Now is when workers combine the milk with any additions, such as caramel, fruit, sprinkles, or fudge (my personal favorite!). Nuts and candy pieces may be added here also. Next, the ice cream is packaged and frozen and after being put into boxes, trucks will carry the finished ice cream to any of the 17 Southern states.
Once you complete your our, they take you to a mini ice cream parlor where you get a free scoop of ice cream. There are 16 different flavors here to choose from. Rachel had Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Grandpa had Birthday Cake, Mom chose Blackberry Cobbler, and I picked Moose Tracks. They also sell ice cream in their gift shop, so after walking around the store, we samples a few more flavors. Everything we tried was delicious!
Once we finished at Blue Bell Creamery, we drove to Horseshow Junction, an outdoor/indoor amusement park containing a go-kart track, bumper boats, rock climbing, and bungee jumping, in addition to an indoor arcade and laser tag. We played one game of laser tag, and then went outside. I found out that I was really good at the go-karts, so after taking Rachel around (she wasn’t tall enough to ride them by herself), I went out to win a few races. I finished first when I took Rachel then went on to finish 4th, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th. That makes my average finish 3.7, better than my favorite NASCAR driver! Maybe instead of covering the sports stories, I could be a NASCAR driver and have someone writing about me beating Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart. Wouldn’t that be fun?!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
By Amanda - 7/23/08
We toured the city of Houston, TX today. This large city is the home of the Houston Astros and Blue Bell Ice Cream. We started our day with a tour of Minute Maid Park, which is where the Astros play.
This gigantic ballpark is definitely something special because very few franchises have a dome stadium. For those of you who don’t know, a dome is just a roof for a stadium. In this case, it comes in handy on hot summer days. Our tour guide said that if the outside temperature reaches above 85°, or if there is a possibility of rain, that stadium workers will close the roof. It takes approximately 13 minutes for the dome to completely open.
The main entrance to the ballpark was actually built on the site on union Station. The workers restored the columns that support the building, as well as all of the intricate ceiling work. The first floor houses the gift shop/team apparel store and the ticket booths, and both the second and third floors hold offices for stadium employees. It was here that we began our tour.
From Union Station, we entered the main concourse. This is where all the food vendors set up, as well as small team apparel stores. You can also access most of the seats from the concourse.
Our tour guide then took us to the club level seats, the upper deck, the owner’s executive suites, and the television broadcasting booth. Most of the suites were rented out, but the Astro’s owner has two party suites, which we entered. There were about 20 seats outside the room, which sits directly behind home plate. You had a good view of the field, and there is also access to many conveniences.
The broadcasting booth was not much different than in other ballparks. Our tour guide said that sometimes, before games, the sportscasters will be in the booth preparing for the game, and if they’re not very busy, they will sign autographs. However, I wouldn’t know an Astro’s broadcaster if I saw one, because I don’t make a habit of watching Astro’s baseball unless they’re playing my team.
After we finished in the booth, we went own through the Diamond Club (an exclusive club giving patrons access to a full-service restaurant), and out to the field-level seats. Because there was a day game stating at 1:05, some players were beginning to warm up. Also at field level is a marble table with two seats on each side. On the right ride of the table are the seats where the owner and his wife sit, and on the left side are the seats where George and Barbara Bush sit. When we went down to watch the players practice, Rachel sat in George Bush’s seat. How many 11 year olds can say that?
This gigantic ballpark is definitely something special because very few franchises have a dome stadium. For those of you who don’t know, a dome is just a roof for a stadium. In this case, it comes in handy on hot summer days. Our tour guide said that if the outside temperature reaches above 85°, or if there is a possibility of rain, that stadium workers will close the roof. It takes approximately 13 minutes for the dome to completely open.
The main entrance to the ballpark was actually built on the site on union Station. The workers restored the columns that support the building, as well as all of the intricate ceiling work. The first floor houses the gift shop/team apparel store and the ticket booths, and both the second and third floors hold offices for stadium employees. It was here that we began our tour.
From Union Station, we entered the main concourse. This is where all the food vendors set up, as well as small team apparel stores. You can also access most of the seats from the concourse.
Our tour guide then took us to the club level seats, the upper deck, the owner’s executive suites, and the television broadcasting booth. Most of the suites were rented out, but the Astro’s owner has two party suites, which we entered. There were about 20 seats outside the room, which sits directly behind home plate. You had a good view of the field, and there is also access to many conveniences.
The broadcasting booth was not much different than in other ballparks. Our tour guide said that sometimes, before games, the sportscasters will be in the booth preparing for the game, and if they’re not very busy, they will sign autographs. However, I wouldn’t know an Astro’s broadcaster if I saw one, because I don’t make a habit of watching Astro’s baseball unless they’re playing my team.
After we finished in the booth, we went own through the Diamond Club (an exclusive club giving patrons access to a full-service restaurant), and out to the field-level seats. Because there was a day game stating at 1:05, some players were beginning to warm up. Also at field level is a marble table with two seats on each side. On the right ride of the table are the seats where the owner and his wife sit, and on the left side are the seats where George and Barbara Bush sit. When we went down to watch the players practice, Rachel sat in George Bush’s seat. How many 11 year olds can say that?
By Rachel - 7/23/08
Today we went to Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. Minute Maid Park is a dome like the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays. There is a difference between Minute Maid Park and the two other fields. The Twins and Blue Jays’ domes only have dirt around the bases. Minute Maid Park’s actual field is like any other field.
The Astros old dome, the AstroDome, was the first baseball dome. The AstroDome was the 8th wonder of the world. Instead of grass, the AstroDome had Astroturf. It was built in the early 1980’s.
Minute Maid Park’s main entrance is a restored train station. THE last train ran through Union Station around 1970, but there was no exact date. Minute Maid Park was opened in 2000. It has a seating capacity of 40,976.
We got to go into the owner’s suites. The one suite had a bunch of Astro’s memorabilia. Today, the Astros had a home afternoon game. Because of that, we couldn’t go down on the field or in the dugouts. WE did get to go down to the seats behind home plate. There are four special seats. Obviously, they are going to be some of the best seats possible. These four seats are for the owner of the Astros and his wife, and George H. G. Bush and his wife, Barbara. After finishing our tour we went into the team store (gift shop). We got back to the motorhome and went to the clubhouse, ate, and back up to the clubhouse to play pool.
The Astros old dome, the AstroDome, was the first baseball dome. The AstroDome was the 8th wonder of the world. Instead of grass, the AstroDome had Astroturf. It was built in the early 1980’s.
Minute Maid Park’s main entrance is a restored train station. THE last train ran through Union Station around 1970, but there was no exact date. Minute Maid Park was opened in 2000. It has a seating capacity of 40,976.
We got to go into the owner’s suites. The one suite had a bunch of Astro’s memorabilia. Today, the Astros had a home afternoon game. Because of that, we couldn’t go down on the field or in the dugouts. WE did get to go down to the seats behind home plate. There are four special seats. Obviously, they are going to be some of the best seats possible. These four seats are for the owner of the Astros and his wife, and George H. G. Bush and his wife, Barbara. After finishing our tour we went into the team store (gift shop). We got back to the motorhome and went to the clubhouse, ate, and back up to the clubhouse to play pool.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
By Amanda - 7/22/08
We traveled to the coastal town of Galveston, Texas today. Despite the foreboding storm, we were able to visit the Ocean Star Off-shore Oil Rig, as well as the Kemah Boardwalk.
The Ocean Star Off-shore Oil Rig is a retired oil rig now used as a museum, set out from the Galveston coast by a few hundred feet. A short film explained the different structures used to hold the refining equipment as well as the people harvesting it. It also showed how the oil is formed, and what technology is used to harvest it.
The formation of oil was very surprising to me. Millions of microorganisms are born every day, and die within 2 hours. The remains decompose into oil, and eventually, after long periods of time, come together to form an oil field. These oil fields are then located by many tests, and are examined by scientists. The scientists look at the field and determine whether it is worth drilling. If the answer is yes, these scientists look at the size of the field and estimate the time it will take to harvest all the oil. From here, plans are made to get a structure erected, so that the oil may begin being harvested.
Once we finished at the Ocean Star, we drove through Galveston to get to the Kemah Boardwalk. Here are rides, shops, restaurants, as well as Stingray Reef. We rode two rides first, then went to Stingray Reef. Here, you can feel stingrays in a large, shallow tank much like you can at Sea World. After the stingrays, we walked in several of the shops along the back of the park. We rode one more ride before heading back to the motorhome.
By Rachel - 7/22/08
Yesterday we left New Orleans to come to Houston, Texas. Today we went to Galveston.
Once we got to Galveston, we went to Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig, which is a museum. First, they start you out with a short movie. This short introduction movie explains to you what offshore oil drilling is, and explains to you how it’s done.
After that, we explored the rest of the museum. Then we headed towards where we were going to take a tour. However, it left earlier than it was supposed to, so we missed it. Instead, we went to Kemah Boardwalk. Kemah Boardwalk is an amusement park.
We rode two rides, and both of them go upside-down! We also went to String Ray Lagoon. Then we went back to the motorhome to eat. After we ate, we went to the clubhouse.
By Amanda - 7/20/08
We has planned on driving to Biloxi, MS today. However, it seems that almost everything is closed from Hurricane Katrina. However, Biloxi got the worst of Hurricane Rita, New Orleans took the brunt of Katrina, but Biloxi also got some of the storm. Only a few days after Katrina hit the coats, Rita came and desolated Biloxi. Although New Orleans is far from a normal way of life, Biloxi may never fully recuperate.
So we opted for a day at the campground. We swam for several hours, and then we went out to eat. It was our last night in Louisiana, and Mom and I wanted to try both crawfish and seafood gumbo. The restaurant that we had originally chosen was closed on Sunday so after asking the locals, we ended at a little packed-out place called Harbor Seafood. We actually got the last table!
Mom and I shared the Boiled Special. It comes with 2 ears of corn, 6 crabs, new potatoes (which are fabulous when sprinkled with hot sauce!), shrimp, and 3 pounds of crawfish! Everything was boiled in a Cajun seasoning, and we cleaned up the whole thing… even the crawfish.
By Rachel - 7/19-08
Yesterday we left Alabama, and headed for Louisiana. Today we went to New Orleans. For breakfast, we had beignets, which are fried pieces of dough from Café du Monde. After finishing our delicious breakfast, we headed over to the Gray Line Tour Bus Station. Our tour was of Hurricane Katrina and its destruction.
Our tour was three hours long, with one stop. So that’s to show that there is a lot of damage still 3 years later. Actually, New Orleans is only 60% built up to what it was.
Later, after our tour was done, we looked at all of the shops. Then we walked a good bit to the place we went to eat. After that we walked back to the car to go back to the motorhome.
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