My Boy Lolllipop

You make my heart go giddyup
You are as sweet as candy
You're my sugar dandy...













Winton's Island Candy. Katie told me about Winton's. She told me they had homemade caramel that one could only dream about. That and homemade saltwater taffy, homemade fudge, and lots of other goodies. I love it in that place. The kids loved that place even more. I followed Katie's lead and got the plain caramel (usually it comes with pecans or peanuts in it). They put it in a styrofoam container and basically told us to go to town. I can't describe that moment of euphoria nor can I pinpoint what it is exactly they put in their caramel that made it so addictive. Let's just say it must be some sort of illegal substance (or should be considered illegal) cause it was SO. GOOOOD. The boys were in awe at how many different types of candy were at their disposal. Fruit sours, 3 ft long gummy snakes, saltwater taffy, gummies of all kinds and shapes, chocolate as far as the eye could see...etc. It's a help-your-self kind of place. Um, not okay with kids. My kids wanted to help themselves to barrels full of candy. Either way, this place is definitely pure greatness. And yes, those are gummy fried eggs you see. *shivers* Gross.

I'd wash the sand off the shore...Give you the world if it was mine

This is part II. This time, Katie and I put the kids in swimsuits before taking them to the beach while Brian and John did some fishing.
The temperature was in the mid to high 80's which is nice compared to Dallas temps. HOWEVER, the humidity danced around 87% which was, honestly, a little more unbearable to me. Eventually, I got used to it but my hair was in full afro mode the entire trip.

Summertime

This is probably going to be a 26 parter here. I have a TON of pictures to post about our vacation to Port Aransas. We had the *best* time with some great friends of ours, The Bradens (JB, Katie, and Abbie for future reference) and it was awesome. The boys had a series of First Experiences just within the four days we were in Port Aransas. We took the Ferry across to get to PA from Aransas Pass and although he freaked out at first, Caden really enjoyed it. We all got to watch wild dolphins jumping around in the bay of Corpus Christi as well as take our first deep sea fishing trip on a fishing boat. I even loved our accommodations! We rented a four bedroom/two and 1/2 bathrooms cottage two blocks from the beach. Let me just say, this is the way to go if you're going to do the beach. We had a kitchen/dining room big enough for 10 people, a washer and dryer (which was a lifesaver), space, and the cottage was one of a few (a new community) that shared a swimming pool. It was literally 20 feet from our front door. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. Brian and I were discussing the enjoyment we got from not having a regimented schedule. We could do what we wanted, when we wanted, and the kids thrived on it. So, here ya go. These are only part of the 700+ pictures we took. Madness, I tell you. Pure madness and 100% genius, this trip!
























*Note*-On our first night, we went to the beach just to walk around with the intentions of maybe *only* getting our feet wet. If you'll notice, the kids started out dry and eventually morphed into wading into the water in full clothing thus, looking like drowned rats within 20 minutes. I was going to say something like, "Stop! Your clothes!" but, I shrugged my shoulders and thought, "Meh. It's vacation, it's the beach, and they're kids!!"
Fun-1; OCD-0

And the fun just keeps on...

No seriously. This will be quick...or not. First, it's been so hot HAWWWWWWWWT here, that it's been almost miserable. Save for, the trips to the pool and the sprinkler park, we've managed. I did find a great idea for my kids. I got a loaf of whole wheat french bread, the toppings for pizza, and sent them to town. It was an easy dinner, it didn't require much work, and most importantly-THEY ATE IT!!




Thing numero dos: I have found the BEST ice cream in the world. Ben and Jerry's Late Night Snack. I cannot even describe to you, in coherent words, the awesomeness that seeps from the spoon.



And finally, we had the coolest experience on Saturday. The DMA held their first annual BooksmART Festival. Basically, there were activities, lectures, and book signings by authors and illustrators. I love literacy and I love helping children (and adults) appreciate good literature. It's a passion of mine. Anyway, Ethan got to meet one of his favorite authors, David Wiesner, and hear him speak about how he develops his ideas for his artwork and stories. Then, he stood in line and waited to meet him and have his book autographed.








After that, we puttered around the museum for a little while. Ethan made a wordle from a piece of artwork he had been eyeballing.






It's been a productive summer thus far. Next up: VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)