Family Time in Galveston

We were able to travel down to Galveston while we were in Texas and see a lot of family.  Some we hadn't seen in years.  Nana and Doc put us all up in a condo that was right on the beach.  The place had a private beach and it's own pool.  We got a lot of sun and played in the water a lot!  It was so much fun!  Josh got his first jelly fish sting, but he was a brave boy and a kind lady shared a slosh of vinegar.  Vinegar takes the sting out!  I did not know that but I am glad that the lady did!  We were able to visit with uncles, aunts and cousins and we cherished every moment.

Cousins, Jack and Joshua had fun in the pool.  

Caleb really enjoyed playing with Uncle Al and Nana in the pool.  Uncle Allen got a new buddy for sure!

Sam and Simon wait for a wave that is heading toward them.

Nana brought some fun toys to play with in the sand.

We had beautiful weather and even though we applied and reapplied sun screen, we all got a little red.

This was a lightsaber battle between Caleb and Sam.  The two share a love of Star Wars.

You can't really see Susan but she is hiding behind Phoebe and then there is Paige...I think she had a mouthful.  Sorry girls.  Y'all are too cute though!  We were happy to be able to celebrate Phoebe's 13th birthday while we were there!  Time goes by way too fast.

Jack and Josh play in the sand as the sun goes down.

Apparently there was some serious construction going on.  They brought in the demolition expert, Simon.

Ruthie and Caleb had fun letting the waves chase them.

 I know this picture is kind of washed out, but I like the way it looks.  I caught him just as he was turning around to look at me.  Such a handsome boy, my Joshua.

All three in the tube...

Uncle Travis pulls Josh out to sea...well not too far.

Aunt Ginny took some professional pictures of the kids and here are a few:

Nana and all the boys.

Josh, Sam, Caleb, Simon and Jack.

Nana and the girls.

Paige, Ruthie and Phoebe.

 Me and my handsome, blue-eyed hubby.

Mr and Mrs Mustache.

All the grandkids!

The whole clan!  

Back: Trent, Ginny, Phoebe, Paige, Doc, Nana, Travis, Susan, Troy and Melissa

Front: Ruthie, Sam, Jack, Joshua, Caleb and Simon

Slip and Slide

Grammy bought a slip 'n slide for the kids to play on in the back yard. They all loved it and took turns sliding down on their bellies, bottoms and backs over and over again.

Simon

Madison

Caleb

Josh

Park and Pool

While visiting at Grammy and PawPaw's house this summer, we went to a park and we also visited the city pool.

Even Aunt Minda played on the playground.

Caleb and Simon loved playing under the splash buckets.

Josh and Madison went down this slide over and over again. 

Swimming at Grammy and PawPaw's House

We are enjoying some vacation time here at Grammy and PawPaw's house.  Swimming in the backyard has been one of the favorite activities.  Of course it's better with the slide going into the pool.  It makes it just that much more fun!

It looks like they are going to crash...thankfully, they did not.

Pure joy!

Swimming Lessons - Level 1

Josh and Caleb just finished up 4 weeks of Swim Lessons at the city aquatic center.  They went every Tuesday and Thursday night for 30-45 minutes and loved every second of it.  Their favorite part was going 10 minutes early, or staying a little after class, to sit in the giant hot tub.  I wish I would have taken some pics of that.  

The pool has a shallow area that was made for easy access for those who would not be able get in using steps or the ladder.  So there is a gradual slope like a beach. The boys thought this was pretty cool.

Here, Josh is learning how to stroke with his arms. 

This is one of the times Caleb was asked to sit on the edge of the pool...he had a hard time remembering to keep one hand on the wall.

Caleb is trying to float with the help of one of the teachers.

Josh takes his turn jumping into the deep end.

Caleb jumps in with a smile.  He really needs to learn to keep his mouth closed.

Josh got passed on to level 2 and Caleb needs to repeat level 1 again but they both had a good time and it was lot's of fun to watch them.  I know we will be getting more practice this summer.