Our first family vacation

I am pooped, let me tell you, but I've been anxious to get home and look at all the pictures we took on our mini vacation. We left out for Galveston early Monday morning, kids in tow this time, and hit the road. Before we left, I put in a front facing car seat for sister and she loved being able to look at the world!!! We stopped by to tell Pa-Paw bye (we missed Nanny, she had already at work) and he was so kind to give us a little gift to help fund our excursion. Thank you Pa-Paw. :)

Our first stop was at a picnic area so that we could stretch our legs and give the kids a little snack.

Back on the road, we realized we were almost to our favorite travel center stop, Buc-ee's and we pulled off on the exit to see what fun stuff we could find there. Click here for photos of the Buc-ee's in Madisonville. We walked around picking up snacks for the road and came across a talking maniquin. Let's just say that neither one of the kids liked him. Noah even said, "Me no like, that man mean", how funny! Sister's reaction was priceless. I hate to take pictures of my children getting scared to death, but they'll appreciate it one day I'm hoping (and it's funny as heck). :)

While we were walking back to the car, I noticed a huge stuffed bear and cub and thought the kids would love to ride on it...and they did. I got a really cute pic of Noah hugging Livi that I would love to get printed!

Back on the road again, we came across one of the wild fires that had been on the news. It was a little scary because it looked like it had jumped the road, but thankfully it was out, yet still smoking.

So, we finally made it to the hotel and we got all sun lotioned up and went down to the beach. It was just as I imagined it! Noah was running all over the place, jumping in the waves, running down the beach, playing in the sand. Even though Noah had been to the beach one other time, he hadn't got to play in the water, so it was technically both of the kids first time at the beach. Oh my goodness, it was so fun!!!

After playing at the beach all afternoon, we went to bed early to get a fresh start on the next day. We started off by renting a family bike. Both kids were excited and we all had alot of fun. It was funny because Dusty and I both had steering wheels, but only mine worked! We got to a part of the sidewalk that was under construction so we had to flintstone back it up and go back. I'm sure it was a site to see.

After the bike ride, we thought a trip on the ferry would be fun, so off we went. Both kids got their sea legs! It was the coolest, although in the heat, it seemed like a lot longer than it used to. Kinda funny how things change when you get older.

After the ferry, we all took a nap and when we woke up, we went to the beach again. This time I was able to get Noah on video.

After the beach, we went to the hotel to relax and decided to take our bread that had squished and feed it to the seagulls on our balcony. Both kids loved it. Sister kept eating the bread though, it was funny! :)

Sadly, Wednesday came too early. I tried to pack fast because we were going to go on the duck tour before the storm hit, but it wasn't looking good and I didn't want to get soaked for $30 and take the chance of ruining my camera. So, we took some last pictures and said our goodbyes, or as Bub says "Buh bye Oscean".

We ended up eating at Landry's Seafood because we did good and didn't eat out the whole time. It was a finer restraunt and as expected, Livi knocked over the water, Bub colored on the WHITE table cloth, and both kids left the white table cloth a mess. The waiter tried to sympathize with us by telling us about his "two kids" of the same age, but it seemed like a made up story just to get a tip, but we did tip him good for putting up with us, lol. :)

We finally needed a rest, so we stopped at the Sam Houston Monument visitor's center in Huntsville. We've always wanted to stop and we finally did.

Dusty giving me his "sexy" face, lol. Totally sexy, baby.

Oh my Sam, I see your backside.

Picking Livi up...

and brushing her off. How sweet.

Walking with daddy. :)

Interesting sign in the gift shop

"Bye Bye Sam"

We finally got home and unpacked (although I will admit, some stuff still needs put up). Dusty and I both agree that it was one of the most memorable and fun trips we have ever been on. We were so scared that it would be harder with the kids, but the fact is, it was more FUN!!! That was something that will stay with us forever and it was awesome. One day we will live in Galveston...till then, we just have to take a trip here and there to see the ol Gal. :)