Da Beach

Ahhhh...the fresh sea breeze on your face, the sun keeping you warm, the soothing sounds of the waves. I love it all...even if it is more about the sand in your swimsuit, the sand in your clothes, the sand in your living quarters, the sand in your teeth, etc. I don't care, it's always a nice escape for a few days.

This past week the family packed up and headed to Galveston for our annual beach trip. This was the first year we've ventured away from Port Aransas and it was worth it! We stayed at Pointe West after hearing a glowing recommendation from a trusted friend. It was everything we expected and more. LOVED IT!!

After we arrived on Thursday night we all had some energy to get out since the drive was a long one. We played on one of our balconies and just enjoyed each other's company. Everyone was shocked at how "big" I've gotten. The joke around our house is that Mommy wins the big belly contest every time. :) Just wait little fellas...Mommy's gonna blow away the competition in the coming months!

Friday morning the boys took off for a short 30 mile bike ride. Yes, they all hauled them down to the beach...

The kids on the other hand were very excited to hit the beach and could hardly contain their excitement...

So we took off and enjoyed a nice warm morning near the water. This picture describes our entire trip...Frick and Frack, Thing One and Thing Two...they were inseparable. Usually up to no good and major partner's in crime.

Me? I took it easy and did a lot of this...

Saturday it was more of the same, but we added in a little pool time. Pointe West has so many things to do and see, one of those being the lazy river. We played in it for a while but had more fun in the pool.

The big game of the morning was keep-away. Z and K were on each side of the pool throwing the ball. You'd think that with my sister's wing span it would have been a challenge for those two kiddos, but not so much. The adults had a hard time coordinating their moves.

Good times at the pool...

That night we went down to The Strand and had a super yummy seafood meal. I don't even know the name of the restaurant, I just kinda showed up.


You might be seeing a pattern here: Sunday morning it was more of the same. The kids are all at the age that they could not get enough of the sand and water. Each day there were moans and groans when it was time to head in for lunch.

The big kids spent the morning "riding" the waves on their kick boards.

Uncle Mike did his usual fishing...

M changed it up a little this year. No sand castle. Instead he made a sand ball pyramid.

And the kids each ran by me as I sat with my camera soaking it all in. Here they are, the fabulous four in birth order:

K, currently 6 years old and heading into first grade this year.

Z, "5 and a half" and ready to start kindergarten.

T, 4 years old and going into her second year of preschool.

A, "free" years old and starting preschool next week.

But that's not all. Next year the little one in my belly will be joining us. For the moment, he/she had to enjoy the beach with me at 15 weeks along.

The trip went by so quickly! It seems like we waited all summer only to blink and have it done. I love the time with my family. The memories made and laughter shared is priceless. The cousins love each other and for the most part get along fabulously. ;) So sad to see it end but I can't wait until next year.