Galveston

For the past few months, Jaden and Cody have asked about a visit to the beach. Finally, we set a date for a trip earlier this month to Galveston with the majority of our Texas family. Daddy and Uncle Jon had work commitments and couldn't attend, unfortunately. Our last two family visits to the beach (over Easter and in November) were both on rather chilly days, so it was such a pleasure to spend time on the sand and in the water when it was actually hot outside! We had a beautiful mid-80 degree weather day. On the drive down, Grammy and Papa rode with the boys and me. We met MKIRN and Chelsea and Isaiah at the ferry landing.

We arrived just in time to see the car ferry pull out of the dock, so the boys climbed on some nearby propellers as we waited for the next ferry.

The conditions were just right for seeing dolphins that day. We saw a bunch! Even the little boys could spot the dolphins on their own.

Grammy helped Cody see better over the railing.

We did some viewing from inside the ferry too, simply for a new perspective.

Ian, Cody, Jaden, Grammy, Ryan

Chelsea, Isaiah, Matt, Kim, Nathan

Quite likely one of our best-ever cousin pictures of these 6!

Ryan, Nathan, Isaiah, Jaden, Ian, Cody

 Once we arrived at the beach, Cody and Jaden were most excited to spend time in the waves. I noticed a significant difference with the boys' confidence in the water on this beach visit compared to our last visits. Our summer swimming lessons have made a big difference! (The more comfortable water temperature certainly helped a bit too!) Even though I'm holding the boys' hands in this picture, that wasn't the norm at the start. Jaden and Cody loved wading out into the water all on their own until the water level was close to their shoulders. They'd wait for a wave to come and jump right into it. Jaden would often hold his breath and go all the way underwater after each wave came.

Later on in the afternoon, the 4-year-old boys all wanted to "wave jump" with another adult. We spent so much time doing this that my arms were actually starting to get sore from lifting the boys up over the waves! These boys just LOVED being in the water.

Jaden tried his hand at riding the waves on one of Matt and Kim's kickboards.

The boys also spent a small amount of time building sand castles...

...and feeding the seagulls.

What a lovely day to enjoy God's creation and to hang out with family!