Port Aransas 2008

Wednesday afternoon last week we began our annual trek to Port Aransas. Our VW wagon was topped with her very sporty & nerdy luggage rack containing two huge coolers, camp chairs, and a handful of fishing poles. Every time we set off it inspires me to sing "Holiday Road" from National Lampoon's Vacation. Classic. You see that Matt quickly grabbed the map from me so he could see where we were going. The boy has a true obsession for road signs...namely the numbers that he sees. And he doesn't understand why he doesn't see 183 or 2222 once we get to say Houston, or Port A. So for most of our trip from the backseat we would hear, "I want to see more signs, Daddy..." or "what's dat sign says?" At least it's a good way for him to learn his numbers. Gustav and his threats of severe weather didn't scare us away, and we actually had beautiful weather the entire time we were there. There were however, prehistorically large mosquitoes that preyed on all of us and namely our sweet little tender-fleshed children. By the time Friday evening rolled around all 40 of us in our group had made it safely to Port A. It sounds like chaos, but everything ran really smoothly and most everyone made it down to the beach together every morning.

Matthew was an immediate fan of the beach. We went down to the water on Wed. evening when we arrived and Matt had a great time trying to find hermit crabs. He enjoyed going out into the waves too. In the subsequent days to follow he continued to enjoy going out into the deep and jumping the big waves. He also liked to jump them in more shallow water where he could stand up. He enjoyed playing in the sand and was really more into it if I would sit there with him and build a sand castle for him to destroy. Typically, he would play hard for an hour or so and then start whining for a snack. So he and I would go to the tent where the mommies of tiny babies were hanging out (Steven called it the leper tent) and empty my stash of snacks. Then he'd be ready to play again, and usually by then it was time for us to head up to the pool to rinse off.

I think the pool was a hit with all the kids. Matthew particularly enjoyed the toys that Alison had brought and spent a large amount of time on the steps of the pool pouring water into toys that spun round and round. He loved it. With Ava as a catalyst, Matt began jumping from the side of the pool (from a standing position!) for the first time. That was big for him.

Here are Matt and Joshua laughing and kicking wildly as they swing. This is terrible...my son mercilessly teased Josh and constantly mocked the way he said "plane" and "car". Josh loves to play with cars and I swear he spotted every single plane and helicopter that flew over the beach, so we got to hear him say those words quite frequently. Well, for whatever reason Matt thought the way he said those words was hilarious and kept repeating it all weekend. He even woke up from his nap one afternoon saying ,"pppppppwaaane...that's what Joshua says!" Thankfully, Josh didn't seem to mind and those two had a blast playing together.

We repeated the toddler races again this year, and I haven't looked at our video footage yet, but I don't think it could top last year's race. There were many more little legs out there pounding the sand, and the two fastest kids were also the oldest ones...Luke & Mason. Man those kids can bolt. Here's Steven doing a practice run with Matt.

I like this view of the anxious and proud parents full of high hopes for their little racers as they stand poised with cameras.

Saturday morning (the day of the Longhorn football season opener) we slathered our children in Longhorn wear and made them sit on the beach and pose for a smattering of photographs. Usually, we do this on one couch but this year there were too many little hineys to squish on one sofa. This is the best shot I could get. Brooke is the only one not in the picture. She decided group shots weren't her thing. I like the way Matt is staring at his fingers and willing them to do the hook 'em horns sign.

And then this is a picture I stole from Alison (thanks, Al!) of the entire group.

We had the good fortune of rooming with the Prewitts, and Matt & Mason had a grand time playing tractors and trucks and lining up all of Matt's Hot Wheels. I like this picture of the two of them in the morning on the porch, and Mason with his Superman pajamas complete with cape. We had a great time with Josh & Amber, and we are hoping that they had so much fun that they'll want to join us again next year!

Once again, our beach trip was a roaring success and well worth the anticipation that builds up all year. Matt & I have a nice little tan, and Steven came home with plugged ears, poor thing. Thanks to everyone for the awesome time, and we look forward to next year!