Eat My Words (yet AGAIN).

Texas in August? YES.

 Remember that post I made earlier this summer about how Toe was too sensitive to heat for us to go anywhere in the summer? I should learn not to make any definitive statements ever, because they always come back to bite me. I have to say, this was a pretty pleasant bite.

I have fantastic in-laws. J's mom suggested that Toe and I take some time at the beach in Texas and the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a great idea: I'd get a break, Toe would get to with Grandma Gus and Grandpa Boat, and J's folks would get extra time with their grandson. After some discussions back and forth, we decided to try it. Toe was ready to go as soon as we suggested it.

The weekend before we were supposed to travel, Toe got sick, and we had to postpone our trip for a week. His fever abated two days before we left. We wore masks on the plane for protection (Toe wanted me to wear one too. I actually felt healthier after having done so...), which got us some strange looks; it ended up working  extremely well - first airline trip where Toe has not ended with a CF exacerbation.

Traveling with a seven year old is a joy. At least this seven year old. He is just the right age to experience the wonder of air travel - ordering a drink on the plane, the sound of rolling luggage on tile, riding escalators. When we met chaos at the Dallas Airport (the escalators, people movers, and trams were all broken so we had to walk miles with hundreds of other people), Toe managed to keep up with me and help with the luggage. We arrived in Corpus Christi, Texas in the evening, tired, but happy. He ran into his grandmother's arms.

We stayed indoors during the days and in the early evening, as things cooled off, we headed for the beach. The weather was perfect - 90's but always a breeze, with WARM water. We went to beaches that allowed cars so we could choose a spot, unload the truck, and have a picnic dinner. This was a typical set up (including the pelicans):

There is something so magical about being at the beach without being cold....

As the week progressed, Toe adapted to the heat enough for some quick outings. He and Gus took time to watch the fish in the canals and enjoy her garden.

We also went to an end-of summer fair. Toe was hot but had a great time in the bouncy houses, on a bungee/trampoline system, and his first ride on a pony.

We had an amazing visit and flew back with the grandparents, who had planned a trip to Oregon six months ago. Their time in Oregon allowed Toe to deepen the relationship started in Texas and while they were here, he even spent the night with them (his first night away from both parents)!