SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS

We spent the week of the fourth of July on the Island of South Padre in the southernmost tip of Texas. We were anxious to see if the water was any better than the beaches by us which isn't hard. The water was awesome and the sand was clean. The weather wasn't cooperative, but we still had fun. We went to Schlitterbahn, relaxed and ate the kind of food that requires a colon cleanse the following week.

The water was beautiful but it was a bit overcast and windy.




This town's claim to fame was that it had "The World's Largest Fly Rod and Reel." Definitely worth the 6.5 hour drive. (The beach made it even better:))




Waiting for fireworks

The night of the fourth was a beautiful night and we were just grateful for the clear skies and perfect temperatures. In years past, we spent the day eating and hanging out with lots of family, so the experience of being on a beach full of strangers was new for us. We had high hopes when we found the perfect spot to see the fireworks display over the bay of South Padre Island. However, as families began pouring in, we were a little disappointed with the "atmosphere." Just see the short video clip below.




Kevin was trying to be discreet, but we were one of two or three white families where we were hanging out, so we were the only "white" trash around. Keep in mind that Padre is only 30 miles or so from the border of Mexico. We were the clear minorities. The rap went on for 2 hours, but I think they felt they were doing the world a favor because it was "Christ-centered" rap....seriously. I am not prejudiced against Mexicans, just against chest thumping rap music played while our children are waving glowsticks while waiting for the fireworks display that celebrates something that is supposed to be special. (I know that is a wordy sentence and I did it for effect:)) In Utah, the fireworks were serenaded by the best patriotic songs ever written...almost powerful enough to evoke tears...either by that or by the fact that we had been waiting for hours dealing with children who were exhausted and were fighting over candy at the earlier parade, or glowsticks 14 hours later. Anyway, we are not sheltered anymore. That realization is a little sad, but we're dealing.