Family Time in Kingsville, Texas

We arrived last Sunday, and it was one of the shortest trips we have taken over the past two years. It was a little less than an hour. It was great setting up and being done before 3:00pm, I didn't know what to do with myself. 

Our site until January 28th.

On our drive down, we went through the tiny town of Chapman Ranch. The population is 200 according to local officials in 2009. In January 1919, Philip Alexander Chapman purchased 34,631 acres of land from the division of the King Ranch with the intent to develop it into farmland. Soon after, he delegated primary operations of the land to his son, J.O. Chapman, who divided "Nueces Farms" into 160-acre tracts to lease to tenant farmers. In 1924, the historical name of Chapman Ranch was born. Chapman Ranch was recognized as the world's largest mechanized farm boasting 20,000 acres in cultivation. The Ranch was also known as a place of experimentation and innovation with both crops and machinery that later introduced trials on the advancement of cotton production. This led the tiers of the Champion family to formulate a new and superior strain of long-staple cotton, the seed of which was marketed worldwide. Fun fact: the heirs of the Chapman family continue to run the ranch and cotton is still the main crop. As Corpus Christi continues to expand closer to the ranch, it remains a distinct and separate town. The idea behind Chapman Ranch as a stand-alone co-operative operation would have perhaps worked well in other cotton producing states.

Farming Cotton

Post office

Building was built in 1925.

Monday, we went over to hubby's brother's house. Jeff and Roxann fixed fajitas and all the fixings. It was fun to eat with them and then watch the football game. Then Tuesday, we were able to watch Seth (their youngest) play soccer. It was fun and we hadn't seen anyone play lately. I am thinking the last time was in 2021 when we watched our nephew, Hunter, play baseball. Seth has a very good hustle and looks like a natural born runner.

Waiting to get into the game.

Wednesday, we went over to Fran's house. We arrived around 3:30 and then by 5:30 decided to head to the Pizza Parlor for some dinner. This is one of the spots I like to go to when we are in Kingsville. We had a great time, and I couldn't believe how quickly the time flew by. Fran is the mother of Todd, one of hubby's oldest friends.

Hubby, myself and Fran.

Thursday, hubby dropped me off to visit with my father-in-law, Juan. He has a caregiver and with me being over, it gave her time to run errands, visit with friends and just have a day off. I downloaded a paint by numbers coloring book and he and I worked on that for around 45 minutes until lunch came. Hubby came back after he was done with work and we spent some more time with him. I went and picked food up from Chili's and Juan was in heaven eating the ribs.

 

Friday, I went to a follow up appointment at the dentist, and everything looks good with my gums and the procedure. We also went out to Kings Inn; we love to eat there. Had a very nice time visiting again with family.


King's Inn, Rivera, Texas

Fun times with family. Kyrie, Phil, Crissy, Albert, 
myself, Jeff, Trinity, Roxann, Luis,Mecca and Maria Luisa.

Saturday, we drove to Edinburg, Texas to visit with hubby's brother, Fred and wife, Susan. It was a very nice visit, and we were glad to see them. We went to lunch and got caught up with each other's lives. We also met up with Todd and his daughter, Courtney, for dinner. It was good getting together with them, can't believe how quickly two hours passed. We will see Todd again on Thursday at the County Fair.


Can never get enough seafood!

Courtney, Todd, myself and hubby.

"Keeping it real" our second grandson, Cody, gave us a fright on Thursday. He had to go to the hospital and have his appendix removed. Cody spent Martin Luther weekend with his friend, and they decided to jump off a "cliff" and land in some trees. Well, one or more trees got him good. Tara was notified by the school nurse that Cody had a bad headache and Tara went up to the school to give him some medicine and he stayed at school, but when he got home from school, he was throwing up a bit. That didn't seem to concern Tara as Cameron (third grandson) was feeling sick and throwing up as well. Tara was keeping a close eye on them and making sure things were getting better. Then she noticed on Wednesday that Cody had bruises on his chest and a few other areas. He has also throwing-up a little more, but not really complaining about pain. As Cody was telling Tara the story, he was all excited and wanted to go back and do it again. Thursday, they went to the ER and then they admitted him to the Children's Hospital where he went back for the surgery. Jeff stayed with him and kept us updated. Tara spent the night with him after getting the other boys situated for the evening. Hopefully after this operation he will not want to do "cliff" jumping again. All I have to say is - boys?! "Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it." Not Your Average Dictionary.


Praise the Lord Cody is alright! "I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;
 I will tell of all Your wonders." Psalm 9:1 (NASB)

I also need to update you on my Hen and Chicks plant. Those ducks thought they could destroy it, but little did they know, this is a strong and resilient plant. I am just so happy that it is making a comeback.

All I had to do was water it, God is doing the rest.

I am very excited for tonight, Cowboys and 49ers. My hope is that the 49ers win not only this game but also the Super Bowl. Can I get an amen?! This week we will be off to see more family and friends. Last week was truly a blessing seeing everyone and this week will be as well.

If there is something special you would like me to take a picture of, please let me know!
 
Drop a comment for me and let me know your thoughts on the blog.
 
God, the RV & me... 























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