Remember Labor Day that was a month ago? It's high time I covered that crazy little weekend. Our family gathered in Port Aransas with 12 other families ( I think that's right!) for a few days of beach and pool fun that we look forward to every year.
We left on Thursday as soon as Matt got out of school. We had the van loaded and ready to roll. Little J had already had his nap so he wasn't too thrilled to be stuck in his carseat for so long. This particular fit was triggered by his frustration with dropping his books. On purpose. Overall, the kids did great in the car, and we were ALL awarded with Whataburger upon arrival. Yay!
Thankfully, we made it to La Mirage safely and the craziness began. We roomed with the fabulous, amazing Brown family once again this year. We're so glad they would have us again! The big boys had a blast bunking together in the same room.
The two babes enjoyed having someone their own size to play with. And make mischief with. They make a really cute couple, right?
No surprise, playing on the beach was the highlight. I always love watching all the kids get reacquainted with one another again and play like they haven't missed a beat. This year, Matt really preferred to spend his time digging and creating cities with the sand.
Johnny's favorite activities at the beach were walking up and down the vast expanse of sand and water while chasing birds and checking out other people's camps. And snack time. Just like his brothers!
Will and Henry were inseparable the entire weekend. They were off in their own little imaginary potty talk/lightsaber/bird-chasing/boogie-boarding/racing world. It was really entertaining to watch. Those two love life and each other.
Sleep wasn't had by anyone but Johnny; except it had to be on his terms. He slept in the pack and play in our room with us and woke up at 5:30 every morning we were there. Brutal. But then he would of course take a long, luxurious nap in the afternoon since he was so pooped. Not cool, Johnny. Not cool. His early rising stirred the big boys, so everyone was up bright and early ready to play at ridiculously loud volumes. I was glad to be back home simply so I could sleep again!
Johnny and Emily enjoyed dining together especially since they could share and swap what was on their trays.
The offspring greatly outnumbered the adults again this year. Somehow, the group keeps multiplying! J was patient at first but grew uneasy as the photographing began. He did sit still in Matt's lap though.
Immediately following the photography session on Saturday morning was the races. All those mentally and physically prepared for the race lined up. Matt had been thinking about this race for months. He'd studied (he watched previous year's videos of the races). He'd practiced (as well as he could without sand of course). He had his new technique (palms open rather than fisted). He was ready. And Matthew Jones pulled out the win on the first race!!
Sweet, sweet victory!
And then the kids just kept running. They love it.
A new friendship was forged over the course of this vacation...James and Matt totally hit it off. They played in the sand and created some amazing holes and civilizations. James invited Matt over to his condo one afternoon, and they watched a movie and hung out. Boy crush all the way!
Johnny and Emily created their own nonsense and naughtiness of course. Being the youngest, they did their best to frustrate and get in the way of the big boys. They spent some time trying to figure out that walkie talkie.
The two Hanks squealed with delight as they were making their "poop truck".
Mr. J let his daddy hold him. What?? I know. I had a brief moment of freedom. :)
These two were up to their usual antics on grill night.
Now, this has to be my favorite photo from the trip. The wind was fierce. Matt's hair is fro-tastic!! Gives me a giggle every time.
The last night some of the men got ambitious and decided to build a bonfire on the beach. Fire always equals a good time, right?
We were all pooped after a full few days of swimming and togetherness. Even Matthew fell asleep on the ride home.
So did Johnny, but once he woke up he was all smiles. Once again, it was a great weekend down in Port A with some great friends. Thank you, Chris and Alison, for putting up with us once more!
