Two Weeks in Texas

We were lucky enough to spend two weeks in Texas with M and E.   We ran into Spring in Kansas on the way down, but it was more like ND summer in Texas.  
I fixed M's scooter so he was trying it out.

These two were under our charge for a week while Mom and Dad went to a conference in St Louis.  I have to say that they were on their best behavior for us.  Actually, when Mom and Dad returned and they started bickering we asked why they hadn't behaved that way for us.  M said it was because "They were on their best behavior for us."  Thanks kids!

The highlight of the week according to them was the miniature golf outing in a 70 year old course (The oldest in Texas and looks like it is 70 years old) 

Of course there was some time at parks.

One afternoon M and E were playing soccer.  That led to him digging out his uniform from Hawaii and his metal and his two trophies.  Handsome dude.

Did I say it was Spring in Texas... so nice. 

My favorite time was at the very nice Abilene Zoo.  I like birds (surprise) but these guys are too much even for me.

And they call him the King of the Jungle? 

The Prairie Dogs were enjoying the Spring heat and taking a nap. 

Our university is no longer known as the Fighting Sioux.  We are now known as the Fighting  Hawks.  Can you figure out why?  Only problem is: hawks don't usually fight.

This Tiger is scary when you see the size in real life.  Imagine trying to out run this giant.

Some birds really go to an extreme to look nice for the opposite sex. 

There is a store called Black and White which is where this guy obviously shops.

The little ducks look as if they are getting instructions from the Flamingo boss.

The Alligator was out of his winter pen enjoying the sun.  One of the zoo keepers said when it gets cold he will crawl into the warming house and stay there till it warms up.  
I thought they were supposed to be dumb. 

The three kids (that's Tutu waving) took a wild ride in the run-a-way train.

Sun hats are a necessity in Texas. 

The Peacock had the run of the place unlike everything else which was in cages.

The zoo is right next door to Nelson Lake.  It is hard to see but the stuff in the water are Carp looking for a handout.  

They were waiting for the little treats you could buy and feed them.  I can't imagine trying to fish in a lake full of Carp.  When we fished the Iowa River and hooked a Carp, we knew we were in for a battle, but does anyone eat them?  Yuck. 

Mom went with us to the zoo and is ready to leave for home with E. 

We had a great two weeks in Texas.  With the six weeks earlier in Texas and Arizona, we have spent about two months away from winter; but "we never get to go anywhere."