Bastrop and Babies

This past weekend we went out of town for a few different reasons. It ended up turning into a really fun little family road trip for us.

Friday morning we got up early and drove to Bastrop, TX. It is about halfway between San Antonio and College Station, TX, and it takes about 3 hours to drive straight there from Corpus Christi. The drive there was very pleasant and Grant slept most of the way while we listened to music on my iPod, which we can now listen to over a plug-in that plays it over a radio station (thanks, honey!).



We stayed at the trailer on the Gardiner's property there after getting some lunch and getting a few supplies at the store. The store trip turned in to a bit of an adventure when Grant started screaming for no reason. One minute, he was happy and playing. The next, screaming and crying with no warning! We tried our best to hurry through the store but couldn't find one thing. It felt like the whole world was staring at us and people kept commenting. One lady said, "He sounds like a bear!" Now that I'm a parent, I know what it feels like to be the one with the screaming kid. haha.

We went for a walk/hike around Bastrop state park. It was absolutely beautiful. It had been raining on and off, so we didn't go swimming. But the scenery was so calming and peaceful. We loved looking up at the tall trees, breathing in the rainy smell, and just enjoying the quietness. It was so nice to get away from all the electronic distractions, also.







It was funny because going "off-roading" with the stroller was such a bumpy ride that Grant's cheeks were vibrating the entire time. It was a hilarious sight!





And what would camping be without S'Mores?

The next day we drove to College Station so that I could go to my friend and former roommate's baby shower. She is an adorable pregnant lady! When we took our picture together, we realized that the last time we took a picture there was right before I left on my mission. I will have to find that picture and post it later. A lot sure has changed since then. It is so much fun to reminisce.



We also got to see family in College Station. We had a mini pow-wow at Nathan and Leslie's home and we got to recount the birth story of little Alexandra, and hear updates from Andy and Susan on their pregnancy with little Eli! So much fun. Grant also got to play with Granny, Grandpa, and his cousins! Evelyn took a particular liking to playing with Grant because she loves babies so much! It was very cute.






We are so blessed. Our families are growing and each new event brings us closer. I can't wait for my brother to get married this weekend, and officially add another new member to our family!

We had the BEST WEEKEND EVER! And boy, we needed it!

It started Friday with dinner out with the in-laws. We went to Texas Roadhouse and it was delicious as usual. Saturday we had a great day with some of our friends. We had our neighbors over for a big breakfast, and then we all went to an event at a nearby (closed) naval base for an event called Sail South Texas.


It was Grant's first long day outside in the hot Texas sun. We put on his cute "sailing outfit," complete with a cute hat to protect his face.




There were "tall ships" from 4 different countries that you could tour, along with live music, food, etc. The best part was that it was free, except for $5 parking. We put Grant in the baby carrier. He loved it! He just kept looking around at everything and blinking a lot with the strong breeze off the water. He looked so cute I couldn't stand it!







Then we took the ferry from Ingleside over to Port Aransas and got a different view of the bay. We ate dinner at Whataburger (YUM) and drove down the island and then parked on the beach and went swimming. We felt so carefree just swimming in the water and jumping in the waves. It had been a while since I had gone swimming in the ocean and could actually enjoy it (pregnancy, etc.). It was a great stress reliever.

Then we got Grant to put his feet in the ocean to see how he would like it (pics to come later). I sat him down in the water and let the waves wash over his legs. He seemed to enjoy the feeling of the water, and it was the perfect temperature, too. That's what I love about swimming in the Gulf, the water is warmer! Once a wave came up really fast, unexpectedly, and it splashed sand and water all over Grant and it got on the side of his face. It freaked him out a little bit but I am pleasantly surprised at how well he seemed to like the water. Hopefully he will be the swimming type!

Then yesterday for the 4th we mainly just relaxed. It was a beautiful afternoon so we took a drive around town. Later that evening, we had some friends over and just chatted and played Canasta (I know, it sounds like an old person game, but it is REALLY fun! One of our favorite games, now).

I am super excited for next weekend, as well...we are going to go camping, visit College Station for my roomate's baby shower, and get to see my new niece (James' bro's wife had the baby two weeks ago).

I am SO THANKFUL for the freedoms we enjoy living in this country. I am grateful for the many blessings that God has given me in this life, especially my family. The sweetest joys in life are the simple moments you share together doing ordinary things. I love my family so much!



Grant's 4th of July outfit: What could be more American than baseball? ;)