Corpus Chrisit Beach

Given that it's nearly 100 degrees here in the Corpus Christi heat, we're limited in terms of what we can do during the day.  This evening we set out to one of a several beaches Corpus has to offer.   We picked up tortas at a drive-thru taqilleria, which is so common here yet so rare in Atlanta. 

 By the time we got to the beach the weather was perfect for dining al fresco.  Abigail enjoyed her dinner on her granfathers lap, an interesting development having earlier had serious stranger anxeity.  This was Abigail's first visit to the beach, and to my surprise she was more comfortable in the water than her older sister. 

What Isabella enjoyed most was playing in the sand with Grandpa and looking for sea shells. 

 That ship in the background is the USS Lexington, one of Corpus Christi's main tourist attractions.

QVC Model

The only trip we took was to see my Tia Toti's new home in Victoria, Texas.  For most of my childhood, my Aunt has lived within a very close distance so it's strange going to Corpus Christi and not having her around.  She didn't have daughters, so she would never pass up the chance to go shopping with my mother, Aimee, and I.  

One of my Aunt's hobbies is jewlery making, so I asked her if she had any extra supplies we could craft with.  Isabella was so cute helping my aunt make her a bracelet.   

When they were finished she taught Isabella how to model her bracelt just like the QVC models do. Now everytime we say "QVC Model" she puts her right hand on her left shoulder and smiles....so sweet.

Abigail slept through most of our visit, but the time she was up was delightful. 

Bathing al fresco

My parents had their only bath tub taken out a few years ago, so for bathtime we had to get creative.  We tried taking the rubber tub into the house, but it wasn't nearly as much fun as doing it outside.   The girls had a great time as you can clearly see. 

Grandpa & Me

 There is a toddler DVD series called Mommy and Me, which Isabella loves.  If I had to put a label on our 22 days in Texas, it would have to be: Grandpa and Me.  From the day we arrived Isabella was in love with her Grandfather.  Her favorite activity was catching roly polies, grass hoppers, and any other insect she could find. 

Here she is with her little shovel helping Grandpa fill in the holes in the yard. 

My parents went out of their way to make sure Isabella and Abigail enjoyed their visit.  It was a little stressful for me at first, but when I finally let go of our routine and relaxed we were able to really enjoy ourselves.  There is so much more to post about our summer trip, so stay tuned.

Birthday at Lake Lanier

My sister's boyfriend owns a house on the lake and was generous enough to take our family out for the day.  I really couldn't have asked for more fun on my birthday.  The weather was perfect, not too hot and enough overcast to keep us happy. 

It's been some time since we've been to the lake, problably shortly after we got married.  To our surprise Cocktail Cove has been replaced with Sunset Cove, a man made beach that you can dock the boat on.  Isabella enjoyed playing in the sand and going in and out of the water.  Abigail loved being in the water as well; although I think she enjoyed drinking it more than anything....yuck.   

The parts Isabella is still talking about are driving Mr. Cary's boat & feeding the ducks.  It really was one of the best days we've spent in a while, thanks guys!!

Can you find Isabella?

This was too funny to pass up.  Isabella's favorite part about Old Navy is that silly dog you see in the picture.  For some reason she got on the platform and posed long enough for Aimee to take the picture, and just before the manager said something to us.  Oh the life of a toddler.

Firefly Fun

Last night I noticed the fireflies were out, and since tonight we decided to let Isabella stay up a little later we thought it would be a good learning experience.  At first we decided to sit in the back and watch them from afar; however, that didn't work as she didn't know were to look.  Tim sent me inside for a jar as he set out to catch a few of natures wonders. 

We put four in a jar, and I was amazed at how she marveled at them.  It took them a while to light up, but she just sat there waiting for them.  Each time they lit themselves up, her sweet face lit up glee.  Even as she's laying in bed I hear her talking about Grandpa Chendo picking fireflies for her when we go visit.