Brazos Bend State Park

Howdy y'all!!!

First of all- great news for the new year as Zach received all A's again on his report card for the second quarter of first grade!  Yay Zach!!!

Today we were up an at 'em by 7:30am (course the boys were up at 5:45am).  We packed a picnic lunch, threw Zach's bike and the hiking stroller into the car and headed toward Brazos Bend State Park which is about an hour south of us just outside of SugarLand, TX. 

We had a fantastic time despite the fact that Ashton threw up all over himself and the back seat of the car just as soon as we pulled into the park- yay for car sickness!  Luckily I had packed extra wipes, paper towels, and trash bags.  Unfortunately I did not bring Ash an extra set of clothes, but as it was really warm today (mid 70s) Ash did not need his sweatshirt after all, and wet grass was great for cleaning up the yack splats on his jeans.

After cleaning up Ashton and the back of the car, the fun began.  We first visited the nature center and met some regional snakes and baby alligators.

We then went on a 0.5 mile walk around Creekfield Lake catching glimpses of marsh wildlife and visiting the telescopes/observatory that is located in the middle of the park.

 First alligator sighting!

We then hopped back into the car and drove to the "40 acre lake" sight forsome playground time, a picnic lunch, and 1.5 mile bike/stroller ride around the lake for prime alligator viewing.

 Cool trees with hanging moss!

 Gators everywhere on little islands in the middle of the lake.

 Cormorant in the tree (we think) with a flock of Roseate Sponbills below. We also had nice views of various heron varieties as well as a prevalence of Glossy and White Ibis.  There were also lots of ducks including the  American Coot with its strange clucking and chattering calls.    

 Gators hanging out on logs.

 Gator on the shore!!!!

 Small uphill climb...

 View of the lake from the playground.  You can see the lookout tower in the distance.

 Views from the 4 story lookout tower half-way around the lake.

Ashton informed us that this gator was trying to "hide".  Ummm---not so effectively I guess...  Personally I think he looks a bit hungry!

After more than 4 fun-filled hours at the park, we headed home to relax and play with Snickers.  So far I am the only one who has made it into the house (to post pictures, visit the bathroom, etc).  There is much activity in the backyard swinging, blowing bubbles, and general fun.  We found out that Snickers loves to chase and pop bubbles!  We are planning Mexican for tonight.  I am craving red chile burritos!!! Yum!