Galveston Island & Kemah Boardwalk

Happy 4th of July from Galveston Island!!!

We've discovered another great way to enjoy the unbearably crowded traditions during the holidays. The key is to avoid getting stuck in traffic with the rest of the world. Fireworks always seem to be a nightmare to get in and out of. This year, we made last minute plans to stay on Galveston Beach at the Hilton to watch fireworks. It was right on the seawall! Blake found a great restaurant off the beaten path, Shrimp 'n Stuff, so we ate and then headed to the beach.

We set up our chairs and Sammie & Papa hit the water! As many already know, Sammie is fearless when it comes to anything...the ocean is no exception. They jumped waves and gulped sea water until it was too dark to see. We built sandcastles, dug holes and fed the seagulls our leftovers from dinner. The weather was perfect!The fireworks were shot off from a pier a few blocks down. We were just far enough away to have a great view and not be deafened by the booms...no ear plugs needed! And, all it took was a quick walk across the street to get to our home-sweet-home. Of course, add in time to stop and pet every dog and buy every overpriced trinket.We spent the next morning lounging by the pool. Sammie had a luxurious shower and ordered us around as a queen with her new septor in her bathrobe. Life of leisure for that girl.Then we headed to Kemah Boardwalk. It was H O T, but fun! Blake and Sammie got all day passes to all the rides. We certainly got our money's worth on this ride alone. Seriously, could not get this girl off of it! Or, this one...notice the loot in the backseat. Blake is a sure win at shooting basketballs!Blake used his all day pass for the big rides! He even talked Papa into a few of them. In the future, Papa will not be included in the big-boy rides...he is done, done, done.We survived the day...barely...if it weren't for the double chocolate-chip shakes at Starbucks and our stop for lunch at the Cadillac Grill, we wouldn't have made it through that hot of a day...to think, it was supposed to rain! Ha!

4th of July Party

Luckily, the rain stopped just long enough this week to celebrate the 4th of July at the neighborhood party. Pony rides are always a hit! Although, she is starting to look really big on those little ponies.

There is nothing sweeter than 2 little girls holding hands...

Face painting...this lasted 2 full days!

Rides

Houston Children's Musuem

For Blake's day off, we ventured to the Children's Museum...along with the rest of Houston. Sammie had a great time exploring, building and playing. If she was just a bit older, it would be perfect.Quick stop at the grocery store...then on to the diner to cook up all the food.We spent the most time building...Papa was so proud!You know she is concentrating when that tongue comes out!

Fearless!

There is really no stopping this girl!

The 'no exception' rule for the slides is 42"...but after the lifeguards watch Sammie swimming around and being such a big girl, they let her ride the big rides!

It's a Girl!

Dad: "Sammie, you're going to have a little sister!"
Sam: "NOOOOOOOO! I wanted a boy or a girl!"
Mom: "Sammie, we're going to have a baby girl!"
Sammie: "Yeeeeaaahhhh!"

Home Depot Kid's Workshop

We had our inaugural trip to Home Depot's Kid's Workshop. Sam was so excited to go build something! She loved wearing the goggles & apron and working with Daddy.Her first project was a mini fuse-ball table. She watches Handy Manny on the Disney Channel, so she knew all the tools. Today we used Pat the Hammer and Phillipe the Screwdriver. If you haven't been to this even yet, we highly recommend it! It is free and fun. Lowe's has a similar workshop on different weeks, so our Saturdays are starting to look busy!

Blackberries

I am really trying to garden. It's been a year, and I've already learned a lot. Many things have worked in our humble square foot garden, many did not. I've also planted an apple tree, a blackberry bush and a bunch of other plants and flowers. This year, was our first year for blackberries. I had very low expectations and I must say...they are great! Sam loves going out to pick the purple ones. I am planning on making freezer jam. Sam's only plans are 'smoothilies,' which in her language is smoothies.