South Padre Island, TX

When we moved to Austin for the summer, we immediately made plans to visit Amber's family (Jacob's sister) in South Texas over the weekend of our anniversary. First of all, because we love 'em and don't get to see them half as often as we'd like to. Second, because they are always whining about how they don't get visitors down in the glorious, must-see, border-town that is McAllen, TX (AKA Meh-Heeko). Sarcasm detected? I apologize. I'm sure McAllen is a great place. Never been there, so I shouldn't front.

Anyway, most of the summer I thought that's where we were going, and I was excited to see the fam and where they lived. I guess me and Jacob didn't discuss this trip in too much detail because I later realized that our travel destination wasn't McAllen at all, but "the island" as they call it (reminds me of Lost)—also known as South Padre Island, TX. I really didn't know much about this place at all, but I was pretty thrilled to spend our anniversary somewhere with a beach! To be honest, I think I may have forgotten that Texas even has beaches... Gulf of what? who-how? I know, I know. It's a really big state, okayyy?

Rose's first family road trip! Our lil' stowaway.

We were a little nervous for Rose on this trip. We had never driven with her for more than an hour or so (South Padre is about 5 hours south of Austin), and she doesn't always love the car seat situation. Lucky for us, she slept for about 4 of those 5 hours and did the same thing on the way back to Austin. Whhaaaa??? Straight-up miracle.

She's been tippin' the bottle real hard these days... and look at her holdin it all by herself!

Crossing the long bridge to the island!

Ryan's family owns a lovely condo right on the water. Jacob and I got to stay in a room with a balcony, fancy bed, and a crib for Rose, of course! Oh yeah, and the shower was really nice. That was a big deal to Jacob.

Livin' it up.

The night we got there, Ryan took us on a boat ride around the bay. I think this was Rose's favorite part of the whole trip. Even though it looked as though she was swimming in a giant life vest that was way to huge for her—she was making all kinds of cute squealing noises as we rode around with the wind in her face.

We saw dolphins! Even a mama and a baby swimming together. So cute!

Rose liked the boat ride so much that she passed out into deep sleep. Wish we could take her for a boat ride every night!

Don't be fooled by those cute goldilocks and innocent demeanor. "Stealth" is his middle name.

Pale family at the beach!

Amber and Ryan were nice enough to watch Rose so we could go out and have a date for our anniversary. It was the first time we had left her with anyone besides my parents, so I was a little antsy—but let's get real, it was kinda awesome. We needed a date! We were able to go out for lunch on the pier, get a fancy dinner at an Italian restaurant, and take a moonlight stroll on the beach. Romantic times. Thanks Amber!

Anniversary dinner at Gabriela's Italian Restaurant—YUM!

FIREWORKS!

More beach pics...

Dane and Camilla are cuties!

Jacob loved showing Rose the beach. She seemed a little unsure about the whole thing.

Camilla referred to this as the "pink cow" swimsuit.

her tiny little body!

Jacob got a surfing lesson from Ryan (the pro)

I loved this little Sea Turtle Rescue place. Such amazing little creatures!

Family photo in front of Gerry the sea turtle.

Camilla and Rose

Every time I brought Rose downstairs in the morning, Dane would clasp his hands and gush, "Oooohhh she's sooo cuuuuute!!! She's sooo adowwable!!!" She seemed to enjoy the praise.

Cousins

I'll miss these cute Wilson kiddos!

Somehow I didn't get any good pics of Amber and Ryan, but they are what made this whole stay so wonderful. They are both so cool and easy to hang with. The late-night talk and laughter was a blast. And they fed us so much good food! This trip was the cherry on top of our Texas adventure. Just what the end of my summer needed. Thanks again, Amber and Ryan, for having us! We love you guys!