The Hamon Family: Galveston Family Beach Trip: Part 1

When I was younger, summertime meant swimming, frog-hunts, snow cones, and going to Galveston. Although Austin and I only saw our Virginia cousins about one week out of the year, it was one of the most enjoyable weeks. We no longer see our cousins in the summertime, but Granny had the great idea to revive this treasured tradition! Granny and Granddaddy treated both our family and Austin and Katie to 3 days at the Galvestonian. It is located right on the beach - a community of condos available for rent. My mom researched several different locations before selecting this one. It was a great choice! We could walk past the pool area to the ramp down onto the beach.

The Galvestonian

Friday early afternoon, James and I headed down with Granny and Granddaddy to check in early. We stopped to eat at the Mosquito Cafe for lunch, then walked across the block to Pattycakes - a delicious bakery where we enjoyed cake balls, sugar cookies, and a peanut butter cupcake. Sadie had an oatmeal cookie, but took one lick of my cake ball and immediately signed "more."

The Mosquito Cafe

We then drove to the condo and unpacked. Sadie explored every room and checked out the view. Aunt Katie and Uncle Austin soon joined us soon after and Sadie looked at them as they came through the door with excitement and confusion, as if to say, "What are y'all doing here?!" She visited with them for a bit, then took a nap to establish energy for the evening. When she woke, she put on her dress and checked out the beautiful sunset and view from the balcony with Granddaddy and Daddy. We then loaded up and headed to Casey's (a Guido's restaurant) for dinner across from the seawall. Sadie ran up and down the stairs and danced to the music while we waited for a table. We then dined on crab cakes, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and grilled chicken and earned just enough energy to be ready for sand crab hunting back at the beach!

Beautiful view!

Dinner at Casey's (Granddaddy's taking the pic!)

At Casey's

Hunting for sand crabs has been a time-honored tradition. The key to catching them is having nets with few holes and holding onto a flashlight with fresh batteries. Sadie hadn't the slightest idea what we were doing with the flashlight, but she really enjoyed holding it anyway. Aunt Katie was equally excited (and obviously more informed than Sadie) about the process and was both nervous and excited to see the first crab running about on the wet beach. We walked down the ramp and onto the soft sand and started our hunt. The best crab-hunters know that to be successful you must watch for the tiny holes they make in the sand; they live there and come out by night as tiny bug-eyed scavengers. Before too long, we spotted our first one - a baby - scurrying around. After throwing down the net, courageous Granddaddy worked to pick him up (from the back is the best option) and was having so much fun, he didn't seem to mind that he was pinching his finger the whole time as Granddaddy showed him off to the sound the "Oooos" and "Ahhhhs." After this, Katie was hooked and Sadie was thrilled to see...well, something....but still seemed to most enjoy holding the flashlight. After walking up and down the beach, Uncle Austin offered to hold her and she grew tired in his arms - finally letting go as we walked back to the condo - all the while holding tight to her little flashlight.

Ready for Sand Crab Hunting!

Sand crabs really wear you out!

We followed Sadie's example and got some rest after our evening out. The next morning we awoke to a delicious breakfast provided by Austin and Katie and used the time to get ready for the beach. We all put on sunscreen, but Sadie had, by far, the most ardent affinity for the act.

Ready to Go!

We then spent the day at the beach. Thanks to a nifty pop-up tent Granny bought, we all were able to find shade when we needed a break. Thanks to my obsessive sun-screening, Sadie didn't have one spot of crimson flesh at the end of a long day outside. The day was filled with fun from Granddaddy catching fish with his net to looking for little mussels wash up with the tide. Aunt Katie especially enjoyed this and ~~caught~~ collected around forty of the wiggly sea creatures!