Weekend in Galveston

We spent this past weekend in Galveston and had such a great time. I love, love, love the beach. I love the sand and the water and the sound of the waves and the salty air and the breeze and the smell of suntan lotion and the kick-back atmosphere. So I was really excited when my friend Jamee told me she had rented a condo on the beach with her kids and invited the boys and I to join them (thanks again Jamee!). We drove down on Saturday and spend the afternoon at the beach. It was a perfect day for it. It was hot of course (this is Texas in July) but there was a nice breaze going on. We had fun playing in the sand and splashing in the waves. I'd actually only been to the beach once in Texas and even then it was at night. It's crazy to me how far out you can go in the Gulf and still only be waist-deep. It's really nice with kids because it's not quite as scary as being at the ocean. Noah especially loved playing the water and letting the waves crash on him. He informed me that before we go to the beach next time he would like to buy a surf board. Sam preferred to stay on dry land, but he'd laugh like crazy when I'd hold him up just out of the waves' reach. Here are some pictures:

Sam digging in the sand

Noah playing in the Gulf

Building sand castles

Noah and Sam with Corinne, Callie and Cayden

After we exhausted ourselves at the beach, (and by "ourselves" I mainly mean me and Jamee) we went back to the condo to clean up (always a fun thing after the beach) and relax and have dinner. Then Jamee took her kids and my Sam to the pool while Noah and I drove to the store to get some things for Sam's birthday. The next day we headed back to the beach in the morning, and then opened presents and had cupcakes for Sam.

Noah and Sam on the balcony at the condo

More beach:

Me and my boys

Jamee and her kiddos
Opening presents:



Cupcake lover

We finished our stay in Galveston with some pool-time at the condo. The pool there was so nice. It had a lazy river and a baby-creek so it was a big hit with my boys (and with me).

And this pretty much sums up how we all felt on the way home:

Letter to Sam

Dear Sam,

Exactly 3 years ago this very minute, I was in hard labor, 40 1/2 weeks pregnant with you. I didn't even know you were a boy at the time. At 10:35pm, I was holding you for the very first time, feeling like I'd known you all my life.

Today we celebrated your 3rd birthday. Happy Birthday little guy!! We spent the weekend at the beach in Galveston and had such a great time together, jumping in the waves and building sand castles. We opened presents and had cupcakes and practiced with you so that you'll answer "three!" instead of "two" when we ask how old you are. (You're very good at it now).

You are such a fun little boy. Your laugh is so infectious and your dimples are still as adorable as they were the day you were born. You are starting to get so good at conversation and it's so fun to talk with you. You say the most darling things. Today when you were opening your birthday presents you would get so excited with each one and you'd hold it up and say/squeal, "Legos (or whatever is was)?!? I can't believe it!!"

Although overall you are still my little easy-going guy, you can be quite fiesty too, and you have such an independent streak. I can't even tell you how many times I've heard, "No! I can do it my-SELF!" But it's okay because you still like me to hold you too. You're still my little cuddle-bug (except in the middle of the night when for some reason you like to sleep sideways with your feet pressed into my back...).

Anyway, Sammy I love you so much. I am so grateful that you were born three years ago. I love being your mommy. Happy Birthday, little peanut.

Love,
Mama