Visiting Oklahoma

It had been a while since we visited Richard's brother and family in Oklahoma City.  So, we boarded a plane in Tampa and took off and landed in Houston for a connection.  Unfortunately, there was a huge layover of almost 6 hours!  What to do?

Top Water's sign beckons us in!

Yummy crab corn chowder

Fried shrimp is delicious!

Richard always enjoys TopWater's crab corn chowder

Our favorite seafood place in Houston is Top Water Grill in San Leon, Texas.  We rented a basic car for $25 and drove madly on the 8-lane-across Houston freeways.  It took quite a while to get there, but we did, just in time for late lunch.  Oh, their fried shrimp is simply the best ... not to mention their crab corn chowder with a cajun flair!  Yum. It did not disappoint. Not much time left!  So, we drove across to Dickinson, took a quick look at both homes we owned there and got on I 45 for the journey back to Houston Intercontinental Airport.  Whew!  We made it just in time for the boarding to OKC.

The Collins brothers - Richard with Bart

Richard's brother, Bart, and sister-in-law were waiting for us, and as they drove us to their beautiful home for a late night dinner snack, we caught up with lots of conversation.  Their home looks beautiful and Bart has certainly developed beautiful landscaping around the perimeter of his home and yard.

The next morning was Father's Day and we were treated to an authentic Guatemalan breakfast by Jessica and Clayton at Cafe Kacao.  So delicious!  We went to church and then had a whole day of family time with Bart & Nita's adorable grandchildren.  Nita also prepared us a big spread of delicious food and we enjoyed visiting with Nita's Mom.

Bart and Nita showed us the sights

On Monday, we had a spectacular time visiting Oklahoma City's Myriad Garden's Park and Western Art Museum.  It was great, too, that we met Richard's nieces and husbands and children at Big Truck tacos for lunch.  Little Claire was so adorable.  Dear Gideon and his little sister, Ruthie, won our hearts, too.  They are such adorable children and so smart - just a joy to be around!

Inside the beautiful gardens

Gideon

Grandpa reads little Ruthie lots of stories

Aunt Joanne loved holding Claire

Two beautiful nieces with their girls

The Photographers catch THE moment

Ashley and Matt, proud parents

Our Authentic Cowboy Guide was great

Rt 66 goes through town

OKC's minature Empire State Building

Skyscraper of Oklahoma City

Wonderful memories of Family time in OKC

 The weekend went so fast and we had a wonderful time connecting with family.  Thanks to them for a super time!

Kevin comes to town!

Oh, it was great to have my brother, Kevin, visit us all the way from Los Angeles.  We had a great time at the Charlotte Ball Park and the home team, the Stone Crabs, even won!  We also had a fun dinner with our 98-1/2 year young Mom.  Check out the pictures.

Dinner in downtown Punta Gorda at Italia - me with Kev

Mom, Kevin and Joanne at Stone Crabs Ball Game