Sunday, July 21, 2013

Port Aransas 2013 part 2

I have a few fishing pictures of Cam and Emilie... for some reason I don't have any of Joe.  I'll add those later.  



















We woke up the next morning and had our coffee on the balcony and then started our clean up.  While we cleaned up, the kids watched television.  
The Wilson's didn't want to go to the beach, so they headed on home.  I wanted to get some feet pictures with me and the kids in the water, so we went to the beach.  







 Emi was such a fish... jumping into the waves and tumbling over them.  Joe followed right behind.  Jocelyn... well she didn't quite care for it.  But she warmed up to the shore.  :)  




After a quick dip in the pool and a change of clothes, our wonderful Port Aransas 
vacation came to a close. 

 Port Aransas holds such wonderful memories for me.  Memories of boat trips,  boat friends, my sister, the beach, the pink "occopus".  In many ways simpler times... and in others much much more complicated.  Going back was bittersweet because it made me face the fact that I'm missing my sister.
But, I got to forge the new memories with amazing friends that touch my heart in so many ways. 

Thank you Randy and Angie, for sharing your 4th with us.  :)


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Port Aransas 2013

So last minute, my friend Angie asked if my parents and I, (and the kids of course) wanted to join them in their 2 bedroom condo for the fourth of July.  Being that we used to do this every year, I jumped at the chance.  I love this sleepy little beachy town! 

We decided to drive down on Thursday morning.  We loaded up in the Acadia, three adults and three children and more stuff than we needed, and we headed South.  I should have gotten a picture... but alas, I did not. 

Joe was whiny but we survived the trip with a couple of stops and some McDonalds later.  We arrived, unpacked, poured a cocktail and settled in.  Angie and I went into town to get some groceries and the kids and grandparents and Randy went swimming. 

When we got back, we all went to a hamburger/hotdog barbeque in a party room and then watched the kids bash a pinata. 







We then made our way up to the condo and had a front row seat to watch the most spectacular fireworks.  Port Aransas always puts on a great show! 

Angie and Randy got the master with their two kids.  Mom and dad got the two twin beds with the bathroom and I had a pull out couch with Emilie and then Joe was in a sleeping bag until he woke up and asked if there was room for him.  :) 

Friday morning dawned early, as it usually does for Joe.  :)  We hung out and sat on the balcony watching the boats go by.  Dad cooked his world class eggs.  Emi wanted to buy some art supplies so the girls packed up and went shopping.  I wanted to get a toe ring but the owner was rude rude rude, so we walked out.  We did some shopping, had a pina colada, went to the grocery store and headed back. 



Emi and Cam had a visitor on the balcony while they colored.  :)

We went to the pool and came back up to rest.  Mom and dad went for a drive to decide what to do for dinner.  By the time they got back, they had decided to send Angie, Randy and myself to dinner instead.  They stayed with the kids so that we could have a nice dinner out.  How special is that? 

We tried to go to Lisabella's but they were full full full.  So we went to Island Moorings and had a very nice dinner.  When we got home, Cam had missed his parents so was glad to see them.  As a prize for them staying home, Randy and Angie took the kids fishing.  I took pictures.  :) 

Emi had beginners luck and caught FIVE fish.  Joe and Cam both caught two.  Emi wouldn't touch one of them but had fun anyway! 


We made it to bed around 1:00 am but morning tapped me on the shoulder bright and early anyway.  :)  Dad made eggs again and then we packed up and headed to the beach.  Well most of us did.  Mom stayed home with Evie because she was a bit young for the sun and beach. 

Jocelyn was a little underwhelmed but warmed up to building sandcastles. 


 















Emi was a little fish in the ocean... and Joe jumped right in.  After about an hour we headed back to the pool and then for a nap.  We tried for an early dinner but best laid plans.  We went to fins and listened to some music while we waited to be seated. 



Of course after dinner we had to do fishing again.  :)  I think everyone caught two fish and headed to bed.  Sunday would be there early and we had to pack up and head home. 

.... more to come.  :)

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Dear Joe


Today, you turn six.  Today... YOU turned SIX years old!  And I can't remember your precise time of birth.  That makes me sad.  I know I have it in your baby book.  I know I have it in a blog somewhere...  but right now, right this second, I can't remember the time you were born.

Six years.

Six years ago you  made me a mom.  Six years ago my world turned on it's axis.  Six years ago I stopped living with my heart inside my body.  Six years ago...
 I learned the reason for love.

You've taught me how to be patient when I am feeling the least bit patient!  Mainly because I know that YOU learn not to get too frustrated and lose patience with yourself. 

You've taught me the importance of a glass of wine before bed.  :-)

You've taught me that your snuggles can cure all ailments. 

You've taught me to just kick something sometimes.  And to cry when it hurts.

To love your siblings unconditionally and to protect them fiercely.

You haven't always been the easiest child but you sure have been worth it.  And every day I see a little bit more of what you are growing to be.  Your heart is pure.  You have an inherent empathy and caring that seems so rare these days.  You are sensitive to others feelings.

It appears that my goal of teaching and cultivating you to be "kind" is working.

You are a remarkable young man who makes me proud every single day.  Your smile electrifies and your twinkly eyes delight.

Some things about you right now.  You're best friends are Cam and Chase.  You love Ninjago and baseball and cars.  You have a healthy streak of competitiveness in you.  You don't eat terrribly healthy food (chicken nuggets anyone?) but you do eat.  You would wear racing clothes every single day if I let you and you do love a good race.

I love you my angel.  Thank you for making me a mama and a proud one at that,.
Mommy.






Sunday, May 19, 2013

Welcome to the World Evie

One of my dear friends, Angie, had her baby girl the end of April.  She was just 5 lbs and some change... so tiny!  She had a photographer take some beautiful professional shots of her... but it was too cold outside to do any naked baby shots.  :)  So she asked if we could play with my camera and some accessories.  We had such fun that afternoon.  And what a photogenic little miss.  :) 








 She has the most adorable little dimple! 




 She was getting a wee bit frustrated... so we took a break for her to nibble on her mama's nose.  :) 

 What things will this angel touch in her lifetime?


 Here she is laying on her mama's veil and holding her pearls. 
 LOVE this! 



This is her older brother, Cam.  He adores her and is already so protective of her. 

What a beautiful family!  :)