Corpus Chrisit Beach Trip

One picture I forgot to add. When we were looking for a spot on the beach we drove a little too far out and got stuck in the powdery sand. Luckily there were some guys with a big truck to tow us out.

We had a great overnight trip to the beach. The boys LOVE, LOVE, LOVE going there! They ask all the time to go back. Here they are enjoying the view from the hotel balcony.And here is the jump session the boys had. Scroll down fast and you can see live action.

After jumping on the beds and looking out the balcony, we headed for the marina to eat some dinner. The boys loved looking at all the sailboats and watching the huge sea birds and pelicans.

We ate at Landry's Seafood, a restaurant in a converted boat right on the ocean.

Can you tell they were a little excited about the huge brownie sundae we got for desert?!

This is a result of a long day and too much brownie sundae. Joey's tummy was hurting too much for him to walk back to the hotel so he needed a lift from Dad.

The boys were fascinated with this art bus. In the front was a live band playing and the boys would stop dead in their tracks every time and just stare as it passed.

Checking out the water

All snuggled in. We blockaded Kimball in again with the ironing board, and Shamu acted as a great barrier reef between the two boys. Peter and I slept MUCH better this time time letting the boys share a bed. We decided it would be better for them to kick each other rather than us. Surprisingly they both slept really well.

The famous and much anticipated breakfast. The boys loved the Texas waffles, and we all loved the amazing view of the bay and sailboats.

Our favorite playground on the ocean. This is Peter trying desperately to spot his boys :)

Peter finally caught him

our camera takes great panoramic pics by automatically combining lots of pictures. We discovered how fun it was to get into each little picture.

Taking the ferry over to Port Aranssas. It is so fun to just drive your car up and head out over the water. You can get out of the car and watch the dolphins jump in the wake of the boat.

A huge ship we saw going through the pass

mud castles are so much fun

The dead stingray we found.

Joey's first day of kindergarten

What handsome boys!

Saying goodbye, but refusing to kiss mom in front of the other kids.

Doesn't that vulnerable, scared look just break your heart. Here he is lining up with his class. His teacher, Mrs. Erikson is in the pink shirt

Kimball decided to spend his first day of freedom hiding in the storage container

Brave little boy coming home on the bus!

My friend Laura from Buffalo had a great tradition of making a giant cookie for the first day of school. Joey was so excited to come home to a giant treat with a blue sprinkle J on it!

Here is an excerpt from my journal of Joey's first day:
Today was Joey's first day of kindergarten. We brought him into the cafeteria where the teacher was waiting with the rest of the students. After a few hugs (and no kiss because Joey refused to kiss me in front of his friends--it was really cute actually. He's growing up and getting embarrassed to kiss mom. I did make him give me a kiss tonight before bed and he happily did), we waited at the exit of the cafeteria for the school bell to ring. Joey walked out and to class with his teacher. I was so nervous for him. I just wanted him to feel safe and secure.
As Peter, Kimball and I walked out of the cafeteria, Peter looked at me and said, "wow, you made it through without crying." As soon as he said that the tears just started gushing. I guess i was holding it all back so joey wouldn't feed off my nervousness. I spent the morning in peppy mode, trying to ignite a fire in him about how fun school is. As soon as he couldn't see me anymore all the anxiety and worries I had been feeling came rushing out. Then when we got home I just sat on our front swing for a long time, not wanting to go inside. I felt if I went inside I would be too far away from my son if he needed me. (Crazy, I know, but when your a mom sending your first child off to kindergarten you'll understand) Peter finally convinced me he would be alright.
I felt so strongly how intense that mother love is for a child. There really is no love in the world stronger. Only the love of the Savior can top it. As i love my children, I better understand the immense love our Father in Heaven has for us. I know my kids were His kids first. That He loves them, and will watch over them much better than I can. It was comforting to leave Joey in his Father's hands.

Melissa!

I failed to mention one of the most crucial parts of out amazing cruise week. Peter's amazing sister Melissa was brave enough to watch our very energetic little boys for 7 whole days! She did an amazing job. Here's the schedule I left for her to have something to keep those wild boys busy.

Thank You Melissa!

Father-Son Love

I LOVE this little note that Joey wrote to his daddy. Joey loves going on his father-son dates with Peter. They do different things, but almost always end up at Marble Slab for ice cream. One day during Joeys quiet time he came in my room asking for help to sound out a few words he needed to finish his request for another date with dad.I wish I could save this sweet, little boy innocence forever!

Pool Pics

Joey and Kimball LOVE our neighborhood pool! We were there every day in the summer. We were able to use the last few shots left on the underwater camera to capture these two in action.

Here's my little turtle head Kimball. He refused to put his head under water all summer. He could swim the entire length of the pool without stopping, but he kept his little head above the water. The last week of warm pool temperatures he decided to jump in all by himself and keep on swimming. That little head finally got wet!

Joey has become a little fish. He loves to jump in and swim all around.

Kimball took a great shot of himself :)