Dad came to visit!

Last week my dad came to visit. He was able to see the best of McAllen, South Padre Island, deep sea fishing off of Port Mansfield and the Gladys Porter Zoo. We laughed so hard we had tears. Such a great trip!

On our way out to go fishin'! What a beautiful morning.


See the fin in the wake? We saw about 4 pods of dolphins.


Dad reeling his first one in!


Action shot


Dad's catch of the day - 14 pound Red Snapper - The biggest on the boat!


Of course it was me and all guys on the deep sea fishing trip - many said "Oh look, she even baits her own hook" and we were using little squids but look who caught the coolest fish of all!
Hammerhead shark - just under 2 feet so he was not able to be kept


Better view of the Hammerhead


Gladys Porter Zoo - The best small zoo in the world
We had quite a show from all the animals - they were all in rare form showing off. Plus we had the whole zoo to ourselves. That doesn't happen often.
Roseate Spoonbill in the open aviary


Scarlett Ibis


Action shot of pygmy hippos


Sea lion jumping the fence


Sea lion showing off sliding down the rocks


The greatest of all is the unicorn...


Two teenage gorillas were outside without their father. They were putting on a hell of a show - thumping their chests, chasing each other and musking all over the place


And he's still a teenager!


Dad and I did a lot more than just this, but its more the experience than the pictures. Almost done here in Texas. Next stop, Shenandoah National Park area of Virginia.

Mexican Flea Market

I went with Kat, Chris and Aaron to the Mexican Flea Market down the street. It was there, in the pouring rain, where I was lucky enough to have my first Spirro Papas (Deep Fried Spiral Potato Chips on a Stick). You add hot sauce, lime juice, ketchup and salt or any combination of the above. And then you try not to get it all over you.


And yes, this is the most exciting thing that has happened lately. :)

Random Rendezvous

Wow, It's been forever since I've posted anything. I'm sorry everyone. I have a random compilation of all my doings over the past few months.

Mi Casa

Karl came to visit! We went out on the South jetties of the island to scout out some sea turtles swimming in the wild and we saw some!



More turtle - Merry Christmas is her name...

The Christmas Parade at South Padre Island - a cute gymnastics crew able to be in only leotards in December.

Hidalgo Light Festival - Javier tricked me so we randomly showed up at this awesome light festival! I love the hippo and Mr. and Mrs. Claus (who may have been drunk).





House at the end of my street - Must be winter Texans


Another Javier trip - Tricked me into going to the Rio Grande River cause I would never go any other way - Needless to say, I didn't die that day

I'm officially Allison's Lifeguard


Iza's Posada - A Posada is a Mexican tradition that is performed for the 9 days before Christmas - Family and friends go to a different persons house every night and sings a series of songs (in very monotonous tones) that mimic what Joseph and Mary went through the night they were trying to find shelter (i.e. "Can we come in?" "No, we're sleeping, go away." "But we're carrying the baby Jesus." "Well why didn't you say so? Come on in!" all in Spanish). So I was invited and got to experience everyone singing and speaking in Spanish and it was quite an experience. Here is my picture log of the event.



Pozole - A traditional soup


Tostadas - Yum!


Chocoflan - Even yummier!


Christmas in San Antonio with Joe - The Riverwalk will never be the same





Sorry about the long wait - I will try to not be so negligent next time!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - 13 days late!

Dad got a bear!!!

So it's been 28 years but my dad finally got a bear! The bear was 170 pounds of steel. He wrestled it the whole way down the mountain and finally killed it with a knife. Ha, just kidding, his gun worked fine but he deserves this one. I'm so happy for him!

28 years and long overdue


The crew


Uncle Curt letting the bear in on the party


Dad and his bear


So happy - Cheers Pops!

South Padre Island and being Allison's Lifeguard

I spent the past weekend soaking up the sun and volunteering on South Padre Island. I learned how to be Allison's Lifeguard and helped with a booth at the Kite Fest.

Allison with her prosthesis - if it comes off it is my job to scoop her out or she could drown.

Allison in action

Allison coming up for a breath - I take a breath of relief everytime


By popular request, Allison swimming with her prosthesis


Laguna Atascosa - A wildlife refuge right off the island

A ten point buck at Laguna Atascosa - zoom in, he's a dandy


Kat and Ryan releasing a Texas Spiny Softshell Turtle



Sunset through the Yuccas


Sea Turtle, Inc. booth at the Kite Fest - Hey Kat!


Kat's puppy Azulita (Little Blue) - Zuli for short


Let's go fly a kite!

Up to the highest heights!

Our turtle kite.


Remember, these are kites they're flying all choreographed





Japanese Man of War - There were more on the beach this weekend

Another pretty one.