I LOVE VACATIONS!

What a week! We returned today from a 7 and a half day trip to one of the most relaxing places I have found in Texas. I feel like the song, "I've been everywhere man..." Port Aransas, for those of you who do not know, is one of Texas's best kept secrets. It sits just south of Corpus Christi and north of South Padre. Three years ago some friends asked us if we wanted to join them for a couple of days on the beach. After realizing that it would be pretty affordable we took them up on it. Now we are hooked! The blue house on my previous blog is now our "beach house" according to the boys. It is three blocks from the beach, we always walk down there on the first day and on the way back we quickly realize that driving is worth it. This year we arrived on Sunday and left on Sunday. These were the only 7 days to not receive measurable rain in the last 45 days. Can you believe it? We swam, played, shopped, and just sat in the sun from 8 am to 10pm every day. I swear you would not recognize my children, they are little brown beach bums!

The very first day we were there I sat on the porch and did my quiet time while I looked up at the full moon above me. I could hear the seagulls and crickets in the background and could not help but marvel at the wonderful blessings we have around us. I get so caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle that I rarely take time to thank HIM for the little treasures so often taken for granted. I made a promise to take note of the things that would normally get overlooked. What an amazing world we live in! The intricate detail of every sea creature is nothing less that awe inspiring.

I am so lucky to have a family that loves to play together. Each day the boys woke up with a smile on their face ready to jump into the latest adventure. On the last night as I tucked them into bed I brought out a spiral notebook and titled the very back page "Our favorite things about vacation." Before they went to bed we filled the page with things we did. So many of their ideas included just being with family (The Foresters our an extension of our family now.) I was so proud of them at that moment. I think we all slept good knowing that we had fun together!

Good night friends!