Tropical Storm Alex

...or, Hurricane Alex. We'll know in the next 24 hours. Like I always say with our family, it's never a dull moment! Now we are facing a tropical storm that has potential for hurricane status. Here are some 'early' photos of the family homestead, affectionately known as 'Villa Blanca'...the White House!

This view is of the orchard across the road.

This view is from the road.

From behind the barn.

Rodriguez-Perez Family Reunion 2010

One of the main reasons we traveled to Texas this summer is to attend the family reunion. We started off on Friday night with a pachanga at one of the cousin's home in Donna, Tx. Then on Saturday, the family picnic was held at my in-laws ranch in La Feria, Tx. We had nice weather, albeit the heat. Lots of dancing, food, and live entertainment. It was nice to mingle with the other branches of the family.

Our line is from Alejandro.

Marisa with her cute cousin, Ben (also my godson).

My kids with their cousin, Michael (my oldest nephew).

Me and Danny, who is affectionately known in the family as 'the favorite one'. He's my fav, too!

South Padre Island

Spent the day on the island yesterday with family and friends. Gleaned these pics from Marisa's camera.

Port Isabel Lighthouse at the beginning of the bridge

The island skyline

The shoreline

The sunset on the beach

Inner Space Caverns

When the kids were little and we took long road trips, we used to stop at sites along the way to our destination to break up the time in the car. Marisa wanted to revisit one of the sites on this trip. The choices were the caverns or the rattlesnake farm. The caverns won. So, we stopped at Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, Tx.

Amazing what is 'alive' underground.

Can you image being the first on in the cave?

No, I can't, but I can enjoy the tour.

The smartest animal today, the prairie dog.
Why? Only remains of animals found in the bone pit still in existence.

Father's Day

Danny and his crew

Brother Jase and his boys

My Daddy and his pride and joy

Home

While the trip by car is long, it's so worth the result...being at home. Every trip home I have certain routines and places to visit. For instance, today after unpacking, Danny and I went to Green's Produce. We start off with getting fresh fruits and veggies from this local produce market icon!

I have to stop by Wishes & Dreams to refill my stash of DeeJays Candles. Then, a trip to The Book Rack is a must! Even though I have a Kindle, I still need to trade out my good ol' fashioned paperbacks.

I also have to hit the restaurants: Candlelight Inn, Shipleys Donuts, Catfish Sam's, and more.

I love sleeping in my own room that I had growing up. I love listening to my kids laughing and wrestling around with their cousins. I love the sound the A/C clicking on and off (remember I don't have an air conditioner in my house in CO). I love walking to the Bicentennial Park and getting snow cones with my kids. There are lots more, but for today, these will do.

My home. My roots. My memories.

Aveeno

This is the best stuff! I absolutely love it!

Country Commandments

Saw this on a t-shirt while volunteer at Habitat for Humanity's thrift store today. Thought it was cute and wanted to share it.

On A Roll

Sorry about yet another puppy posting, but whatever! Here is Marisa explaining to KC the hail storm. I swear KC is 'listening'! Note the bunny on Marisa's bed? She's had that thing since she was a pup herself. And, don't mind the graffiti on the wall...we plan to paint over it before we move again.

The Dutch Shepherd

Breeders say this dog possesses a keen and cunning intelligence, has indefatigable curiosity, and...

...is in perpetual motion, challenging its master to provide activity, new experiences and training.

But, like yesterday's post, this pooch monster is a master of chillaxin' after a day of rompin'. Boundless energy ceases at 4pm.

KC Revisited

After a day outside, digging, barking, running, fetching, slobbering, chasing birds and squirrels, KC finds the perfect resting spot.

15

The day has arrived. My baby turned 15 years old. He was up at 6:38am, ready to open presents. I guess that part of celebrating a birthday doesn't go away. I still like to open presents, too, but I can wait until later in the morning.

He got one BIG present, an iTouch. Still, we must have other presents to open. What fun is opening just one? Tony gleened the mail this past week to get his collection of 'cards' from out-of-town family. If you sent something via mail...HE DID GET IT.

Then, off to a new sushi resaurant we went. Here is Marisa, better known these days as "Sissy Risa". I am so glad I caught her smiling (a rarity). My mom started a tradition long ago to give the non-birthday kid a small gift, as to not feel left out. Well, yesterday, we took Sissy Risa shopping. We had to remind her that it was Tony's birthday we were celebrating, not hers.

The sibs. Marisa took this picture. All those times snapping away in the bathroom mirror paid off. Great shot! *Notice the iTouch earbud in the Birthday Boy's ear?

And here we are, the Parental Units, aka the Checkbook, aka the Ride...you get the idea. Nonetheless, we had fun. After lunch, the kids decided to hang out with friends, so the cheesecake will be served later. That's right, Tony wanted a cheesecake for his birthday.

Pensive Beauty

My little girl has such a wistful expression about her.

She has always projected this reflective quality in photographs.

Even today, she portrays pensive beauty.

In The Blink Of An Eye

On Sunday, this darn cute little boy...


will become this darn handsome young man!
Tony turns 15 years old.

Which Is It?

Snake or Stick

Initially, I couldn't tell! I didn't see this thing when I took the picture of the flower bed. I made Danny go back to the garden and see if it was still there. It's a stick.