Galveston Family Beach Trip: Part 2

We had so many great pictures taken on the beach, it was difficult selecting which ones to share, but these seem to show the extent of our fun! 

Walking with Granny

Our Fabulous Beach Tent!

Eating Ice with Aunt Katie

After getting cleaned up and taking an afternoon nap, we all dressed in khaki and white for a family photo at sunset. As we walked down the ramp to the beach, several people in the pool shouted out, "Hey! We're doing our family pictures later too!" The beach was beautiful and although the wind was determined to ruin the shot, we managed to get a few good ones! This is probably my favorite.

After our pictures, we ate supper. Granddaddy cooked a delicious spaghetti dinner (noodles = Sadie's favorite) and we enjoyed eating together so much that we didn't even take a picture of the occasion. You will just have to trust me that it happened. :) Following dinner, Uncle Austin and Aunt Katie settled in for a competitive game of Catan. With Sadie approaching bedtime, I offered my playing spot to Granny and held Sadie instead. She watched her favorite Elmo movie (several times as she danced her remaining energy away), Peter and the Wolf: A Musical Adventure, and then promptly passed out. 

The picture of exhaustion...

The next morning (Sunday), we woke up to the smell of coffee and sounds of sweet conversation. Austin held Sadie some and then brought out the guitar ("TAR!!!"). We have a unique (at least as far as I have noticed) tradition in my family. All growing up I remember going to church on vacation. Whether we were in Destin or New Braunfels, my Mom and Dad lovingly explained that we get to worship. We are privileged to worship on Sunday and we therefore didn't necessarily need a vacation from this experience. With no iphone or smart phones, Dad would pull out the phone book or look around when we were out driving for a place to go on Sunday. It was always fun because we were able to see what it was like as a guest - a different and interesting experience for children growing up as "preacher's kids." For this trip, instead of going to a church (a bit more difficult with Sadie needing a nursery and such now), Granny planned for a little time of worship in the condo. Uncle Austin played praise music and we all sang along to several different favorites. Afterward, we all discussed the blessings we were most thankful for and closed in prayer. Sadie enjoyed the "church service" going back and forth between staring at Austin playing the guitar and dancing for all of our entertainment worship experience. 

Loving Uncle Austin

Worship time led by Uncle Austin

After church, we packed up and said goodbye to the condo, wishing we could stay just a few more days. We then drove to The Strand and enjoyed lunch at Yaga's and shopping in the Hendley Market, La King's Candy store (Sadie had some orange sherbet as I ordered my favorite - coffee and orange sherbet), and many more. Granny even bought Sadie a little mermaid dolly and fishy puzzle to commemorate her first summer vacation to Galveston.

Walking on The Strand

Sadie's new mermaid dolly from Grany

Look, Granddaddy! A finger puppet monster!

Can I have some candy?

We are ready from a reprieve from the hot temperatures and lack of rain, but despite all this Houston heat, we cannot wait to go back again next year. What a fun tradition that has been revived.