March 16, 2022 (Happy Birthday to my mom, Margie Velasquez!)
In the past week we have seen ancient pictographs made my ancient families 2,500 to 4,000 years ago. These images were created inside and underneath cliff faces found in southern Texas. We went on a tour at Seminole Canyon State Park, which we highly recommend. For anyone who is curious, it was very reasonable to camp in this park, $20 for water and electricity. The park was very nice and had some good hiking and biking trails, or at least I think they were good, since we were only overnighting there we didn't have an opportunity to hike.
We then traveled to Laredo, TX to visit with my extended family. Gracias a mi Tía Madga por su hospitalidad! In college I spend 6 weeks living with my Tía Madga, Tío Felipe and their boys. It was a great experience because I was able to develop deeper connects with my dad's family and I was able to live in an immersive Spanish environment. Ever since living there, Tía Magda always says "mi casa es su casa"(My house is your house.) and though her house is full, one of my cousins willingly gives up his room for Benjamin, the kids and I to in sleep their room when we visit. (Thank Isac for sharing your room on this visit and thanks Paco for sharing your place with Isac.)
Maybe you're wondering at this point in the blog why we didn't just sleep in the RV, good question. First, there are no RV parks close to Laredo that I know of. I did see one about 1 hour out of town when we were leaving. Second, are also no close HipCamps. Third, there was also the problem of our living room slide floor coming undone, due in part to use but also made worse after an unfortunate bump in the road, on an unfortunate attempt to visit Fort Bowe National Monument. If Tía Madga's driveway was long enough we could have "boon-docked" but alas, it wasn't, so we spend our nights in Laredo in my Laredo home.
While in Laredo, we were able to share the “pudgie-pie” experience with more people and as was expected it was enjoyed by almost everyone. We were treated to a super-delicious carne asada by my cousin, Irais and her husband Ricardo. It was fun to see the game of Pit has come full circle - my mom taught us how to play Pit, we taught Irais and her family Pit, and while at their house Irais and Ricardo’s girls taught Gabriella and Tomas Pit! I love it! Playing games as always a highlight when staying at Tío Jaime and Tía Paty’s house growing up. Pit and Taboo were my two personal favorites.
The Velasquez (Velazquez) Family in Laredo is large and is regularly adding new members. I was excited to find out that our visit overlapped with a duo baby shower planned for my cousins, Jonathon and Misael’s wives. It was fun to celebrate the upcoming births of these babies, play games to learn more about the moms-to-be and to catch up with other cousins and Tías. (BTW - I learned my Tía Lute is fairly competitive.)
As is usually the case when in Laredo, we ate lots of delicious food, played hard, stayed up late and missed out on sleep! We left happy and exhausted. We are hoping our next visit we are able to stay long than just a few days. We love you all and will miss you! Also, you’re all welcome to visit us in Wheaton.
Ester
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