Life's a beach

6 days and 5 nights at the beach makes for one happy and tired family. We got back from our annual beach trip with the Lehman family (Michael, Cassie, Michaela (aka "KK") and Tenley in Port Aransas. Here are some of the highlights from our trip:

* We had a little late night dance party in the room with the whole clan (except my kids who luckily were in bed). With a little bit of liquid courage, JP, Michael, Cassie and I all cut a rug. I even brought back the running man and roger rabbit...it was hysterical. I think we might have also made a few late night phone calls to Pops, Aunt Mandy and Uncle Richard, but I don't think we can remember exactly what we talked about.

* Trace was introduced to the Wii. He loved it and got daddy playing baseball, golf and bowling too. We are going to be in so much trouble when his birthday comes around.

* I got hit in the head by a beach cabana. No, really, I did. A storm blew in and we didn't seem to mind until the wind started gusting, took our tent and us with it and then another one came and got me right in the head...I have the wound to prove it.

* Elizabeth grew to love her floaty thing and swam in the "big pul" as she says. She also got her fingernails and toenails painted for the first time. Tenley and KK did a great job.

* We were stopped by several different folks and told how cute our kids were. JP and I had a couple of those moments where we were just sitting at the beach and just really enjoyed watching Trace and Elizabeth. They are truly the best things we've ever done. They are funny, excited about life (evidenced by their VERY LOUD voices), and genuinely sweet kids. We are blessed to be able to take them on trips like these to make memories that will last for years and to watch them grow up all too quickly.

* JP and Michael's washers were stolen. This wasn't really a highlight except that Cassie went on a man hunt for the thief and all but asked every person on the beach if they had seen any washers. She is sure it was one of the cabana boys who lied to her face, and even went all the way to the front desk to try and solve the case, but it didn't happen. "It was a principle thing..." was all she kept saying. The really funny part was the next day, a group of local Austin guys also there vacationing, kept coming by and asking if we'd seen washers, since she had made a point to ask them the night before, just in case they were the bad guys. All ended up OK since there is a local hardware store that had PVC and washers that Michael visited to get the guys back into gear.

We are already ready to head back next year to see what fun we can have. Thanks to the Lehman's for sharing their time with us - we love every minute of our time with you.