Sunday was ds's 12th birthday!  Eversince his arrival into the world, he has been full of boundless energy and I've been wiped out!  lol  In fact, he was so excited about making his appearance into the world, he was born 6 weeks early!  He's had more than his share of doctor appointments for various issues, one of which was diagnosed by 1 year of age, Sensory Integration Disorder.  He had seriously fallen off of the growth chart, not enjoying most textures in foods.  His wonderful occupational therapist gave me tons of OJT in how to incorporate a sensory diet to nourish his vestibular, proprioceptor and texture senses.  In fact, dd was also diagnosed.  One of the best things I learned was that the outdoors makes for wonderful sensory diet experiences.  Even though we were then living 350 miles away, we often came back to the San Antonio area, mostly for medical check ups with specialists.  To celebrate his birthday, we started a tradition of taking him to Landa Park in New Braunfels, about 30 miles north. (By the way, the elementary school where I student taught is in view of the park.) He continues to enjoy going to this park every birthday. DS grew up loving trains, and this park has a wonderful train ride around the lovely park.  DH told the train conductor it was ds's birthday and he got a free ride!

After a picnic lunch and train ride, we headed for the springs.  There aren't a lot of springs in TX.  But in central Texas, an ancient earthquake left huge changes.  Numerous springs from Austin to San Antonio pump water from an aquifer.  This is how we get our water supply.  So we watch the aquifer levels daily.  During drought, I have seen these springs dried up.  Heavy rains this summer has caused the springs to flow in abundance this year.  These are the Comal Springs.  While looking at these springs, to the left of us for miles to the gulf coast extends the flat  Blackland Prairie.  To our immediate right begins the Hill Country.

Look how crystal clear the water is...

Looking towards the springs...

Further upstream looking towards the springs...

Looking upstream....

We usually have a science lesson here, talking about the springs and their formation.  I wasn't even thinking of doing that, since I was so busy taking pictures.  But ds started asking me about specific details, pointing to the diagrams on the signboards.  I told him I have tons of material on the subject at home that we could incorporate into his science lessons.  He's excited about that!  Where the stream becomes a lake (that's a pink and purple paddleboat out there, time for us to catch one!)...

We all got on the same paddle boat and the guys did the paddling.  I had to work at not falling out while I tried to keep my balance and take pictures (I have only 1 balance nerve because of previous head surgery....makes life interesting at times!)

Can anyone identify this fruit????

Turtles sunbathing...

Another sunbather....

Fine feathered friends coming to greet us...

The train...

You can see the play area in the spring fed pool where the water is a constant 68-72 degrees year round...

The first hill of the hill country up ahead...

Impermeable limestone...this is the type in our backyard.  No water from our backyard can seep into the aquifer, even though our house sits on top of the aquifer.

Permeable limestone...that type that makes up the ground in the recharge zone.  When it rains, water drips through those cracks where it is purified by the time it reaches the underground aquifer.

The lake becomes a river again...you can see the water spilling over the banks...

Looking at the edge of the park at the dam...

Further down river, families often tube....something we've not done yet!  This is the Comal River, the shortest river in Texas.

Giant oak...bet you never thought Texas had trees and water!  I don't know how many people I've met who thought that all of Texas looked like the cowboy movies!  lol