Beach Trip

As summer began winding down, we decided to take a quick trip to the beach. We threw some things in bags and headed south to the Gulf of Mexico.

This trip was William George's first experience with the beach.  The ocean made him a little nervous, but he eventually became so comfortable and relaxed he was "noodle-like". 

The girls were determined to take on the ocean.  With their life vests in place, they were ready to swim to Cuba. 

Then they encountered seaweed, and logged hours and hours in the pool instead. 

George, although squint-y, had fun as well. 

Gracie enjoyed going to our favorite Mexican restaurant. 

And the trio enjoyed shopping and playing in the courtyard after dinner. 

George loved watching his sisters run around and play. 

And he had a few laughs with Gracie. 

In keeping with his feline tendencies, William George does not like anything weird touching his feet.  He considers grass "weird".  He planted his feet in the grass and refused to move, and therefore, Gracie and Lauren had to walk him around. 

He preferred a paved surface.

Lauren preferred singing and dancing. 

And then the entire family was ready for more pool time. 

We had time for one more night on the town. 

We watched the sun set and had a casual meal. 

The crew awaiting dinner. 

Gracie always calls room keys "credit cards".  At this particular property, the room key is almost like currency with various services, and therefore, she really enjoyed being the keeper of the key. 

Gracie and Lauren had talked so much about building sand castles on this trip... so we decided to spend a final morning on the beach.  George was along for the ride. 

Like pros, they spent some requisite time scouting for the perfect location. 

 

Then the work began. 

George provided some supervision. 

He contemplated taking a little snooze under his hat. 

Gracie and Lauren were focused like lasers on their castle. 

Lauren's passion for digging in the sand evidences a complete recovery of her neatnik tendencies in her earliest years. 

George laughed and played the entire time. 

Unfortunately, he will not wear sunglasses, and he only sporadically tolerated a hat. 

But everyone is wearing sunscreen with 100spf.  We could walk on the sun without getting burned!

This mini trip, unfortunately, has us dreaming of a return trip...

...soon.