Since he moved to Tomball, GGF has been wanting to go to Galveston.  The last time he was there was 70 years ago.   A plan was all set to make the trip for his 90th birthday, but a last minute Bates reunion was held in Claremore, Oklahoma and they went there instead.  Well, today was the make-up day for the trip to Galveston.  PaPa and Grandma came to the house to get GGM and GGF at 8:30a and they returned them at 5pm.  They all enjoyed the day.

GGM's highlight was seeing the town filled with thousands of motorcycles.  They were flooding into town non-stop for an event to be held this weekend.  They expect 400,000 motorcycle enthusiasts.  GGM said, "Mason would love seeing this"  (Oh, I wish I could have been there.)  The motorcycles were the worst part for PaPa because it made driving and sightseeing a nightmare.  (He likes motorcycles and at one time owned one.  He even went on a motorcycle vacation riding the perimeter of the USA before he was married.)

They went to a place where trees destroyed in the last big hurricane had been carved into sculptures. 

They went on a Ferry boat ride in the Gulf.

 GGF and GGM on the beach.

 GGF was impressed with the large number of birds everywhere.  I think this is a nice picture of the pelicans.

At the seafood restaurant they were getting ready to honor veterans on Tuesday.  Grandma had GGF pose in front of this tank.  At the restaurant GGF and PaPa shared a shrimp platter.  Of course, Grandma and GGM had hamburgers.  I can't wait until I am old enough to go on vacations with my family. --------------------------

 The vultures have discovered that our fence is nice and wide and is a good place to spread their wings and get some sun.

These birds are huge.  In this picture you can see a couple of these birds perched on the tall dead tree at the top center.

Mommy took me to Mimz home, Mimz took me to school.  On Friday's they have pizza so instead of taking my lunch, Mimz let me buy my lunch.

I was happy to see who came to pick me up: Barbara and ANNA KATE!  She was awake part of the time and asleep at times.  She never cried, she was just looking around.   I was in for another treat: A Happy Meal at McDonald's.  Barbara was taking the easy way out and getting fast food rather than try to fix snacks while taking care of both of us kids.

I wanted to ride my bike as soon as we got home, but Barbara had to feed Anna Kate.  It was agreed that I could ride, but I had to come back inside in a few minutes so Barbara would know I was okay.  I rode around my dead-end street a couple of times, then I came running inside and said: "I am reporting in as I promised!"    Barbara wondered where I had learned "reporting in."  I use vocabulary all the time that impress her.  I spend a lot of time with adults, so that probably helps me learn new words.

I enjoyed a Popsicle while watching Chips.  When I finished I laid down on the sofa. Barbara asked if I wanted to watch another TV program.  I said no.  So she offered to make up a song for me.  That song was about everything that happens at school and it was a long song.

 It did put me.....

 ... and Anna Kate to sleep.  I slept an hour and a half.  I still am a little tired from my recent illness.

 Anna Kate has definitely learned to put her thumb in her mouth and suck on it.  She started out using her left hand thumb...

... but she is now able to use her right hand thumb also.  So cute!

Barbara was so pleased with my attitude this entire day.  I was pleasant, kind to Anna Kate (which I always am), and patiently waited for attention.   I knew I had been good all day.

At 5pm my grandparents arrived at the same time Kristan arrived.  After they watched me ride my bike and cooed at Anna Kate, PaPa told Grandma to get in the car or she could spend the night here.  And in just a few minutes everyone was gone and my great-grandparents told us about their Galveston trip.

 GGF and I went outside to rake up leaves. 

 I am such a good worker.

And of course, I got an ant bite.  They only bite me, I guess because my skin is young and soft, not old and tough.  Barbara used my little purple rake to put the piles of leaves into a leaf bag.  She told me to go help GGF in another area.  I looked around and didn't see him.  Barbara pointed and I said, "Oh, he blended in and I couldn't see him."   (Another smart use of a term.)
 I rode my bike and when it was just too dark, Barbara and I played catch in the garage.   At 6:30pm Uncle Brad got home, and I rode my bike over to thank him and let him see how much I love my bike.  I asked if he could lower the seat.  He said give him a couple of minutes to go inside and then he would be right back outside.   At that same time, my parents drove up.  I showed them how I can ride my new bike and how I struggle just a bit getting started and stopping because my legs are just a tad to short to reach the ground.   Daddy said he could lower the seat, but I insisted it had to be Uncle Brad since he got me the bike.  Brad came out and he and Daddy decided they could lower the seat if they removed one of the reflectors.  They did and, low and behold, I have a much easier time.  This bike can grow with me and will last me a long time.  Oh, I did show and tell how much I love my kickstand.  Uncle Brad said we could go on a long ride soon.  I insisted on picking a date right then.  Tuesday.  Tuesday after school.     I love all of my bikes!  I am a lucky boy.

Daddy stopped at Taco Bell and bought me two soft tacos.  I watched a part of an episode of "Chips" then I was ready for bed before 8pm.