Dolphin Encounters

We took a boat ride as a special treat before we left Port Aransas. I had found a recommendation for this company on a website while I was researching things to do while we were there. It was called Dolphin Encounters. I was hoping we might get to see some dolphins but my expectations were very low.

There was the perfect window for Wade-o.

We saw a lighthouse. This lighthouse has some history but I forgot exactly what it was.

We saw some para-sailors. This is what the big kids really wanted to do. Maybe next time when they are older and can go with out an adult.

We were over half way through the boat ride before we saw any sign of a dolphin. Chris had decided the whole dolphin thing was a farce. I was not surprised we hadn't seen any. Anyway one of the passengers hollered DOLPHIN. They travel in groups so we actually go to see several!! Rachel was hoping they would come up to the boat and let you pet them, but they did not get that close.

This ship came down the bay and the dolphins like to ride the waves in front of the ship. That was really neat to see.

Another bonus was Wade went to sleep on the trip!

Here is a little video of how the dolphins jump in front of the ship. Sorry for the bouncing but it was hard to keep steady.

Port Aransas - Beach Vacation

We spent this past week at the beach!!! I have been wanting to go to the beach for probably the last 10 years. Something seemed to always come up or we were having a new baby or the baby was too small for a beach trip to be fun. We finally decided to go this year. The big kids and I were SO excited!!!

Watching the little clams dig themselves back into the sand.

Rachel's sand castle with a moat.

Daddy and Wade sleeping in while we went to collect shells.

We did not find any shells so the kids decided to sit and let the waves hit them.

Closest thing to a family picture we could get.

Let's just say Wade did not care for the beach...AT ALL!! The sand and waves were just too much for our little guy. I did manage to get a few pictures of him, but he preferred hanging out with Daddy in the hotel room under the AC.

Chris about to catch the big wave.

 Wade jumping the waves.

Playing in the sand.

 Surfing the waves.

Cartwheels on the beach.

 Sunset.

 This is a view of our condo from the sand dune going down to the beach. I booked this condo on line. I was so worried we would not like it, but it was great!! The unit was very clean and big. The kids had their own room with two double beds and we had a living room and kitchen.

Surfer dude.

Surfer girl.

Self portrait.

Rachel heading into the ocean.

A rare smile from Wade while he was on the beach.

Katybug with her sand castles.

We had such a great vacation!! Rachel, Luke, and Kate want to move to the condo where we stayed. Chris and Wade are just not beach lovers. I thought we could convert them while we were there but I am afraid we didn't. Good thing all Chris needs to enjoy himself is air conditioning and TV. We all had a nice relaxing time. We are all already talking about when we can go back again.

Wade's Birthday

We had a little birthday party for Wade to celebrate our baby turning 2! Mama made him a cake. It is supposed to look like his little car he drives around in the backyard.

Wade checking out his cake.

Getting ready to blow out his candles.

Opening presents....with help.

He got a motorcycle and Batman car from us. Daddy and Mama liked the motorcycle, and Wade picked out the Batman car.

Doing a little reading with Grandpa.

Wade on his Batman car. He LOVES it!!

I did not give him any of his cake on his birthday because I did not think he would eat it. He does not like icing or to get his hands messy. I gave him some the next day when he acted interested in the piece I was eating. He ate it and loved it.

He loved it so much he had a second piece!

Our little guy turned two whether we wanted him to or not! He had a big day!!

Two Years Old!!

Happy Birthday Wade!!!

I can hardly believe that Wade-o is TWO YEARS OLD!! 

Wade has the most intoxicating laugh and the worst temper ever. That is quite a combination!!

Wade loves anything with wheels, especially if you can ride on it or in it. He has many riding cars and may be getting a few more for his birthday. He is also obsessed with turning lights on and off. He has a little stool he carries around the house turning on all the lights and fans. He also loves to wear other peoples shoes...mostly Kate's. Hers are easy to get on and fit better than the rest of ours do. He tries to try on everybody's shoes at the swimming pool.

Wade loves to laugh and Luke is the funniest person in Wade's world...which is pretty scary!!! Wade idolizes his big brother. Kate is his comforter. When he gets in trouble or hurt she is the first to rush over and give him a hug. Rachel is his second mommy. She does a great job taking care of her baby brother.

 Look at those lashes...so long and red.

Wade has a pretty good appetite for things he likes. Most of his likes contain sugar. He eats lots of fruits, no veggies except popcorn, lots of cheese, he has recently added hot dogs to his menu, cookies, nachos, crackers, cereal, peanut butter and honey sandwiches, waffles, pizza, popsicles, ice cream, and several other snack foods. 

 I am not sure of his weight but I guess it is around 30 pounds. He is 36 1/2 inches tall.

Wade stays busy playing outside and has taken a bigger interest in his toys recently. He has finally started warming up to playing in the swimming pool. He was pretty scared of the water at the beginning of the summer, but now he goes in and splashes around and plays in the baby part of the pool. He likes to jump in with your help and LOVES squirting the water guns.

Wade enjoys going for walks around the block. Sometimes he even drives around the block....he finally figured out how to steer his little car.

This little guy keeps us on our toes!! He is talking more and more. Mostly he is pretty demanding. He has a special way of getting what he wants. We love our baby boy who becomes a toddler today! :0)