Oh I have looked forward to taking the kids to the beach since the last time three years ago when we were there. I love the beach. I have great memories of going when I was growing up. We lived only about an hour and a half from South Padre Island so it was easy to make day trips every so often. I’m so glad it worked out to spend two nights on the island. May is a great time of year to go because the weather is great yet the hotel prices have not gone drastically up yet.
The beach and the water turned out to be full of seaweed this time. It wasn’t as great for playing in the sand and swimming, but the kids didn’t seem bothered by it. The most excitement was in finding a jelly fish.
The girls had a blast finding sea shells. I kept telling them not to grab the closed ones because many of them were alive, but they ignored me. When we retired for the night I left the bucket of shells in the bathroom. The next morning Joy, always the first one up, got up early and went into the bathroom to get ready. She came running out horrified that the shells were moving and making noise. That was then end of their shell collecting!
Grace was fearless and kept wanting her dad to take her farther in! Bobby loved watching everything. He is not sitting up yet and just a bit too young to enjoy the beach so he and I were buddies and didn’t ever go in the water. With all the seaweed I wasn’t disappointed. I still loved just being there!

My husband and I went to South Padre many years ago on vacation. It was probably our first vacation come to think of it. We had a lot of car trouble which caused a rather interesting trip (we lived in Houston at the time – I think it was a 6 hour drive?). We still had fun though.
What wonderful pictures. Everyone looks so happy. There’s nothing like a day at the beach. And I often don’t go in the water.
FUN!!
Yes at what age will they not be afraid of the water?
I am always so hesitant to bring my kids around, too many little ones to keep an eye on. But they are good memories!
Such precious memories you and your family are making together, Esther!
This is the sweetest blog. I was expecting a comedy site, but I was hooked when I saw the photos of the lovely little girls. I have two daughters of my own who are around the same age and since I’ve been their dad, I can’t help but to see the preciousness in all kids. I’ve really enjoyed reading this celebration of your wonderful family. Thanks for sharing.
Frank
The beach was one of my favorite vacations when I was a kid. We always went to Galveston and we’ve gone almost every year since we started having children. I hope that they have the great memories that I have. I’ve been to Padre once and thought it was much nicer, but wow, what a looooong drive. Maybe when the babe gets a bit older. How is your littlest one doing on vacation? I think the earliest I took my babies was 4 months, and she did GREAT. The beach is the perfect place to take a NAP (in the shade, of course). Hope you guys have a great time!!
Wow Esther! You have such a happy, wonderful family. Everyone looks happy, and enjoying themselves.