South Padre - Birding

We learned that South Padre is a crucial first landfall - a lifesaver for birds (ie warblers, tanagers, orioles, & thrushes) making a arduous cross-Gulf migration from Southern Mexico & Central America. We enjoyed bird watching at a nice Nature & Bird Center on the island. With 2 kids in tow - I didn't get many pictures.

My birdwatcher!

Paradise in Texas

Here we are...340 miles from home...on the beach!
We're loving every minute of this little vacation.

...Trevin says that the sand has passed the taste test!
...Benjamin says that looking for shells & turtles is lots of fun.
...Russell says that walking to "work" each morning on the beach and being the only person on the beach is fantastic.
...Andrea says that this is just the kind of therapy she needs - beach therapy. The sights & sounds of the surf and beach are very relaxing.

We're enjoying the fresh seafood too!

Today's activities include...

Morning walk on the beach
Exploring the Turtle Rescue Center
Naps
Swimming in the pool
More seafood for dinner tonight
Beach time

More Adventures

Benjamin couldn't have been happier playing minature golf on a fun course full of surprises. This one had bells & chimes that would play depending on where your ball went.

Fun in the sand at Cocoa Beach

He was completely content to stay here all day if we would have let him

Saturday night supper with a special buddy, Jesse. He and his parents happened to be in town for a little vacation too.

Sunny Days in Florida

Russell had a conference in Orlando this last week, so Benjamin & I tagged along. We had a great trip (after the first day when there was rain, hail, winds & tornado warnings). More pictures to follow - but this is an overview of our adventures

Cocoa Beach - there is nothing like sitting on the beach listening & watching the waves

A great Lego store in Downtown Disney

We 3 spent one day at the Magic Kingdom. Benjamin's favorite activities included: riding on Dumbo with Daddy, riding on the boat thru It's a Small World, & watching the parade

Getting to meet Donald Duck on the day that he & I visited the Animal Kingdom. He can't stop talking about this!

Galavanting in Galveston

Benjamin & I enjoyed tagging along with Russ this week as he had a conference at the Moody Gardens Hotel/Convention Center on Galveston Island. His schedule was pretty full, however Benjamin & I enjoyed touring around on our own. Benjamin was fascinated by the penguins at the Moody Garden Aquarium. Walking along Seawall Blvd was nice - but very windey & a bit noisy from the traffic, hungry seagulls squawking & the ocean waves. The historic downtown part of Galveston had fun shops & this is where Benjamin learned to play chess. The beach was great - soft sand, quite clean & warm water. Considering our hotel room was paid for by Russ' company, it was a 'cheap' vacation!

Up next:
Galveston Dining Guide
Spending the day with Jesse