Summer on South Padre Island

I know it seems like FOREVER since I've shared any adventures with you, but Speed and I decided to take a technology break when we left for vacation in July and let me just say - so worth it to be completely and totally present for these most precious memories! 

I had actually packed my laptop for the trip, intending to blog, but it was a seven-hour drive to our destination and somewhere along the way, we decided to turn off the computers, the e-mails, even the phones and go old school instead.  The truth is, I enjoyed it so much I've had trouble finding the gumption to get back to it!  But since my scrapbooking days seem all but over any more, I realized that blogging might be the only (semi) organized peek at their childhood my kids might have - so I'd better get busy!

We spent a month last week, I mean a week last month
{WISHFUL THINKING}

on the 'Texas Riviera', enjoying literally everything summer!

SIBLINGS!

'Bubby' lub!

SUN!

'Sun-kissed!'

SURF!

The tide was up on the last day and brought some seaweed with it,
but otherwise the beached were clear. {LOVELY}

SMILES!

Say "Cheeeeeese!"

SAND!

We didn't take the sand castle classes offered all over the island, but I think we did alright!

SEASHELLS!

The sea shells we collected were so different than any we've ever seen on Galveston Island and very cool!
We took home lots and we've got some crafty ideas for them too!

SUNSET!

We LOVE the beach at sunset!
We drove down to the north end of the island and paid the $5 to enter the 'park area'
AWAY from the condo crowds - well worth it!!

STARGAZING
No pics, but when the sun went down we spread out some quilts in the back of the truck and tried to find a few constellations.  While Snacks fell asleep, the rest of us enjoyed a view of the stars that's just not possible in the city!


SILLY!

SWAK!

SKINNY-DIPPING!

Am I the only mom who can't seem to keep clothes on her son?!

SEA TURTLES!

The Sea Turtle Rescue Center is located on So. Padre Island
and you can see all kinds of sea turtles up close and personal there! 
If you're lucky, you might get to see a hatchling release as well!

SUN BATHING!

Reading on the beach - MY personal favorite!  Like mother like daughter!

SANGRIA!

Hmmmmm . . . I guess we drank it all so there wasn't a picture, but trust me, it was good!

and a STEGOSAURUS?!

We stopped a Bobz World for souveniers on the way home.
It's true what they say - "You gotta see it to believe it!"

About the only thing we didn't enjoy was Schlitterbahn, even though we were staying at a condo with a better view of the resort than the Gulf! Don't get me wrong, we love 'the Bahn,' but at only 2 years old, we knew that a water park wouldn't really be "the Hottest, Coolest Time in Texas" for Snacks. At least not for the price. So we decided to play it by ear and only go if Sheep was beside herself, begging. Luckily, the beach and the pool seemed to satisfy her, because she didn't even ask, even though we walked past it on our way to the water every morning. {SWEET} Which means . . . . in addition to the all the food and the fun we found, we've got one more great reason to go back some day!

What was your favorite family vacation this summer?

Sharing this Sassy Summer Story at Mop It Up Monday, Creative Me, Made By You Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Overflowing with Creativity, Cowgirl Up, Take-A-Look Tuesday, Tuesday Confessional, Whimsy Wednesdays, Wow Us Wednesdays,