Caprock Canyons State Park RV Trip 2021

 This magnificent canyon has been on my bucket list for a very LONG time, and we were able to finally go last week.  I hated coming home because of the incredible nature that we were surrounded by.  One cannot doubt the existence of God when you see the beauty unfolding before your eyes.

The tiny, little town of Quitaque, Texas, just outside of the canyon, was filled with some of the most eye-catching murals painted on the sides of the very old buildings.  I made my husband stop so I could take a picture of some of them.

Then it was on to the state park.

We had a fantastic site, up front and near the canyon rim.  We were delighted to find that a family of prairie dogs had created a home right by our site.  But what was the most amazing of all, was the gorgeous bison that freely roamed the park, and walked within 30 yards of our camper!!

Speaking of bison, my themed drink for this trip was called, Baby Bison.  It couldn't have more any more fitting! (And it is delicious!)

We saw road runners, mule deer, and coyotes well.  And boy was it hot out there on the first day.  The temps were in the 90's, so we looked forward to the cold front that move in overnight.  And wow! The view of the Milky Way in the dark sky area will render anyone speechless! 

We woke up to a beautiful day on day 2.  We postponed breakfast and headed out onto the trails before the day heated up.

In the truck driving further into the canyon, we came across this herd of cows and baby bison.  They are something to see!  Amazing creatures!  (As long as you don't approach them, trying to stay 50 yards away outside of a vehicle, they won't hurt you.)

Texas is sooooo huge and BEAUTIFUL!

Those are dung beetles and some kind of Texas-sized millipede.

And yes, we even had some schooling to work on.  The classroom had the most fantastic view ever though, if I don't mind saying so. :)

The rains came in on the evening of the second day.  It rained and rained for the remaining part of the trip.  But in between the storms, we got in one more short hike and a trip into the little town for some ice cream.  

Oh my gosh!  This was such an incredible adventure and we came home so refreshed.  I love this state.  I love traveling and exploring it because there's so much to see and do.  Since we purchased this new travel trailer in April, we have put on 3,000 miles!  We are grateful for the opportunities and the safe travels.

Until the next time...

Patty

Milestone Birthdays 2021

 Two of our children recently celebrated milestone birthdays. 

I cannot believe that my Maria turned 18!  Life has her moving ahead with goals in mind, and she will obtain them because of who she is.  We love her and are so proud of her.  She is looking forward to celebrating BIG with her older sisters.  They will be heading out soon to a honky tonk for some dancing!  You have to be 18 to get in without a parent ;)

Stan the man recently turned the BIG 16! He is in the process of taking driver's education, has plans to graduate early so he can go into the marines, and looks forward to having a big, family celebration very soon! We love this young man and are encouraged with his future goals.

We pray that God blesses you both and wraps his mighty arms of protection around you on your special day and forever! 

Love,

Dad and Mom

XOXO

A New Chapter in the Lives of These Girls!

Daughter #2 and Daughter #3, whom we are so proud of!

Emma is an EMT, a first responder.  Beside working on an ambulance, she volunteers at a fire department out in the country.  She recently graduated from Fire Academy and is currently working her way through the (very tough) application process.  On top of the new certification behind her name, she moved out on her own.  We are so excited for her as she begins this new chapter in her life!  God bless all first responders!

Maria is planning on becoming a first responder as well.  She is attending the local college where she is studying fire science.  She is currently juggling school and her job as a life guard and swim instructor for a local school district.  Maria turns 18 in less than a week, and we are very proud of her as well!  We look forward to seeing what God has planned in her future.

Don't be afraid to encourage your kids to think outside the box!  You'll be amazed at the opportunities that are out there for them.

Patty

Hickory Creek Camping Trip / Labor Day Weekend 2021

 

It was a lovely weekend filled with some much-needed R&R.  My husband hauled the camper out to this spot on Thursday so we could enjoy nature for four nights and days.  The first 24 hours, Miss Clementine had a friend stay with us.  

On the second day, Miss Clementine met a few new friends who were also at the lake camping.  They were such sweet kids who love being outdoors just as much as our little one.  I can't tell you how refreshing it is to hear squeals of laughter coming from a lake.

(I was Face Timing my mom when I snapped the two photos above.  I had such a gorgeous view all weekend.)

It was so bloody hot out.  All weekend!  But the heat didn't stop her from having a great time. :)

David, Stan the Man, and Mabel came out on Sunday and stayed until Monday, when we packed up and headed back home. 

Our August ended up being pretty hectic, so this time away was welcomed.  Next up is a trip to the canyons.  I've been looking forward to this next one for a long time!

Until then...

Patty

Back-to-School 2021

 

Stan the Man is a sophomore this year and his first day of school was last week. He is really looking forward to driver’s ed. This is his third year in the public school system. 

Miss Clementine is a fourth grader this year. She actually is on her sixth week of school! (I love the perks of homeschooling.) This girl finished school by early-April last spring. For realz. I couldn’t let her sit around for 4 months, although she preferred that. Ha ha!

Since school started in June for her, her teacher threw in plenty of RVing trips to ease the pain. ;) 

Prayers for all students and teachers this year.  May the year be fruitful for all!

Patty

Tubing the Guadalupe River - RV Trip 2021

 Y'all!  It is HOT in Texas in July, and nothing feels better than cooling off in a frigid, Texas river that is usually fed by natural springs.  This is actually a favorite past time for Texans.  There are so many rivers to choose from, especially in the Hill Country Region.

We took a trip down to the Guadalupe River this week and stayed a few nights at Rio Guadalupe Resort, near Canyon Lake, Northwest of San Antonio. 

It was so! much! fun!

For 20 bucks at this particular resort, you can rent a tube, a cooler tube, a cooler, and catch a ride to one of two drop off points.  You end up floating right back to the resort.

We chose the shorter one, which was 3.5 hours long.

On day two, we hung out in the clean, refeshing pool and then went into town for a little sightseeing.

Gruene Hall.  If you know, you know.

Day three had us using our pool floats in the river, anchored close to shore.

We had only two of the kids with us on this trip.  The others stayed home because of work schedules.  

It had been 10 years since we last went tubing on the river with the kids, and I was pregnant with Miss Clementine!

Getting this in right before the start of school was a good idea.  One last hurrah for them.  

Does anyone else have a last hurrah planned before the start of school?

Until the next one...

Patty