This past weekend we went to Zapata to spend the weekend with Fred. It's 3.5 hour drive and over 200+ miles one way. A lot of people are like Eww why would you want to go to Zapata, which is on the Texas-Mexico Border...But I find it exciting to go see different parts of our beautiful state. Zapata and surrounding area has a beauty all it's own...Yes it's mainly short brush and very dry but you can find beauty there...On our drive down I saw a Coyote, roadrunners, Common Black Hawks, Javelina, Green Jays, etc...Wildlife abounds and you all know I love wildlife.
There is also
Falcon Lake Reservoir, which after reading up on it, it is known for it's Bass fishing (hmm, very interesting)...The reservoir was created in the 1950's when a dam was built on the Rio Grande river. A lot of history can be found here too, which always interests me. Most of these border towns were relocated when the reservoir was created...
A small Part of Falcon Lake as seen from the Hotel.
The Rio Grande river...on the left is Mexico and on the right Texas.
We went to Laredo for a few hours and stopped on our way back at a scenic overlook. The water off in the distance is another part of Falcon Lake. Falcon Lake is over 60 miles long.
Michael checking things out...lol and doing a serious pose for his Mom!
Grrrrrrrrrrr to the darn graffiti...I hate it!! Wish people had more respect for their countries history and were not such freak'in idiots!! But I posted this so you could read the history on a small town that was located on the Rio Grande before the 1950's and the dam was built. Click on the photo for a closer look and to read the plaque on Uribeno.
Another pet peeve I have is the stupid electric poles...they're all over the place and totally ruin what otherwise might be a decent photo...This is a view looking South East towards Zapata from Hwy 83.
We had a nice drive and did some exploring...
Looked at some beautiful houses and awesome country side...
Spent the day together and talked about possibly doing some Kayaking and fishing on Falcon lake. I've been doing a lot of reading and it looks very interesting.
Fred was able to go to the Dallas Cowboy store in Laredo and spend his gift certificate from Christmas 2007, lol better late than never! Michael got to play at the play area in the mall. Laredo has a beautiful Mall and lots and lots of shops. It was super busy so we didn't spend much time there, I was not in the mood for crowds...Michael wanted to get back to the Hotel and do some swimming...Fred took me to the import stores downtown Laredo but I told him not to stop, funds are a bit tight right now and I knew I'd see something I'd like (grin) best not to be tempted...I'm sure we'll go back at a later date...
Now off to do some swimming and have some fun quality family time...Fred was on call for work and we were really glad he didn't get called out...
Here we go...he's getting upset!!
Whaaaa....
He's losing and he is NOT happy!!
We had a really nice weekend and I'm glad I decided to go! It was a long drive but well worth it.
See Daddy, don't let Michael fool you...he can swim on his own!! LOL...
Taking photos of flowers.
Laughing at the look Fred is giving Michael...
Daddy helping Michael...
Oh how I love that smile :o)
And this smile too...
One very happy kiddo!!
A small Part of Falcon Lake as seen from the Hotel.
The Rio Grande river...on the left is Mexico and on the right Texas.
We went to Laredo for a few hours and stopped on our way back at a scenic overlook. The water off in the distance is another part of Falcon Lake. Falcon Lake is over 60 miles long.
To us it doesn't look like much but Michael was loving it! 
Happy Birthday Michael and Trey!
Fred and I don't believe in throwing Huge Expensive Birthday parties every year for our boy! We do believe in spending quality time with him and letting him know he is very special to us. And I think we accomplished that feat this weekend. Michael was Happy!