Gulf Coast Holiday

We just got back from a trip to visit J's folks on the gulf coast of Texas. You'd think Texas in August would not be a good vacation choice, but we look forward to it each year. R&G live very close to the beach and we spend our days inside in the air conditioning and go out in the mornings and evenings to enjoy the water and the sand. Personally, I love the heat (albeit with the choice of air conditioning when I want), so I spend a lot of time on their porch and in their garden while Toe plays with the grandparents. J came with us for a week and then went home to work. Toe and I stayed another week and continued our adventures. Here are some highlights from our two week visit:

1. Sea turtle release:
Apparently this is the time of year that baby sea turtles hatch. On this particular morning, they released three batches (they look like pepper at the feet of the guy on the right) and guarded against predators (mostly birds) while HUNDREDS of people watched. It's a herculean effort for a baby sea turtle to reach the ocean, even under the best conditions!

2. Time at the beach
We had breakfasts, barbecues, picnics, built sand castles, played in the surf, took walks. The constants were the perfect sand, the bathtub temperature waters, and the ocean breezes (acceptable because they were so darn warm!).

3. Fishing
Toe didn't catch anything but tried a number of times, with a number of different kinds of bait. My favorite moment was when the fish jumped out of the water INCHES from his line (but he didn't get a bite).

 
4. Swimming in the canals
R&G live along a canal system that opens into the bay. The water is hypersalinated and bathtub temperature. Buoyancy is incredible because of the salt content. You have to paddle to get anywhere, but not to keep yourself afloat. This makes for very peaceful swimming (and a great learning environment for someone who does not yet swim..).

5. Outdoor/Indoor Fun
We went to a place that had go-karts, bungee trampolining, and a ropes course. Toe was enthusiastic and (despite his fear of heights) approached it all with enthusiasm. HE was the one who wanted to do the ropes course. I went along for moral support. We were warned that once you started, you had to complete the course (the harnesses were uni-directional). He still wanted to do it. He complained the whole way and completed the course with only a little hand-holding. I was very proud.

We both tried bungee trampolining. Toe loves it. I did not expect that simply jumping up and down would activate my motion sickness, but after two minutes I was DONE. I had to sit on the ground and breathe afterwards. I personally won't be trying that one again.

Toe then cooled off with his Grandpa in the attached arcade (and after we went and played 18 holes of miniature golf).

6. Grandparent time
R did many of Toe's breathing treatments and watched a lot of Netflix with Toe to learn about his interests. He helped her with garden projects and she helped him bake a pie. We all played board games and board games and board games.

As a parent, actually getting a vacation can be hard. Wherever you go, you still have to take care of meals, laundry, details. I love going to visit the grandparents because there are 3-4 adults dividing duties, so I get a real break. I helped with meals, laundry, packing and unpacking the car for the beach, taking care of my kid; I was not having to make all of the decisions and I had time to just rest. I read two books. I sat and looked at the water. I took naps. Meanwhile, Toe and his grandparents had some quality time together. And I got to enjoy the water. The thought of swimming in that warm water carries me through the year.