We had a good and relaxing 4th of July. Since the 4th fell on a Thursday, we celebrated for two weekends. The weekend before we went to Rosanky to see the fireworks. They were around 10:00 pm so we rode up in our pajamas to watch. Abbygale did good. She played with colored lights and we watched the "boom, booms" from the car. We had a great family night.

On Wednesday evening (the day before the 4th of July) we went to Aunt Barbara's River House in Palacious. The next night we went into Palacious to watch the fireworks on the bay. We were right under the fireworks and sat in the park so they were extremely loud. They started around 10:00 pm too. With it being loud and Abbygale tired, so did okay. She watched at the beginning (but was a little scared) and then she passed out. Before the "boom, booms" even started she did good playing in the park with her cousin Colton. They had a good time together.

Our fourth of July was fun but relaxing, as you will see from the pictures. We had fun with family: visiting, messing around at the river, and going to Matagorda Beach for a day.

Our family vacation was wonderful! We did another year of vacationing around our home sweet home in Texas. We stayed busy but the best part of the trip was spending some much needed quality time with Abbygale. We had the best time each day and made everyday so much fun!

We started the week off by going to Port Aransas for a few nights. We went to the beach a couple of times, did a dolphin tour, and went to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. We also managed to eat some yummy sea food, swim at the pool, walk the jetties, feed the seagulls, and explore the island. Abbygale wasn't too much of a beach fan. She did enjoy playing in the sand some and splashing in the water but she wasn't "in love" with the beach. Abby enjoyed the aquarium. She liked seeing the fish and animals but REALLY enjoyed their Splash pad. She had fun staying cool running around in the water! Nany and Grandpa made the trip with us so Abby enjoyed running around with them. She thinks they are her playmates! Kristen, Clayton, and Colton came up for one night, which Abbygale enjoyed. They had fun at the beach, doing bubbles, and just hanging out!

Once we got home, we went to Cascade Caverns in San Antonio and the Pedernales River at Pedernales Falls State Park. In the cave Abbygale had a flashlight which she enjoyed shining everywhere. She crashed before we made it out of the cavern. I guess the cool weather and darkness got her. Abby loved splashing and kicking and just being an "Abby Fish" in the river. The Pedernales river was so clear you could see the little minnows and trout swimming around. She threw rocks and hade a blast playing with her water toys.

We also made it to Splashway Water Park one day. Abby loved the 'hobble park.' Kristen and Colton came with us. Abby started small and ended with a bang! She started in the kiddie area splashing in the one-foot water and doing the itty-bitty baby slides. Then she got brave (after Colton did) and did bigger slides all by herself. She loved it and kept saying "again, again." She is our little water baby and dare devil! We also relaxed in the lazy river, had a picnic, and enjoyed the super hot heat! (smile)

Our last adventure was to Colorado Bend State Park and Longhorn State Park. At Colorado Bend State Park we hiked 3 miles to see Gorman Falls. Gorman Falls is a beauty. I LOVE waterfalls. Who knew a beautiful waterfall was in Texas just a couple hours away from home?!? Gorman Falls may be the prettiest site in Texas. However, hiking in 107 degree weather was not the best idea. Abbygale did really well except she kept wanting 'milk' and we only had 'water.' She was a little fussy because she was teething and tired but overall did a great job! She enjoyed the 'hobble' once we got to the finish line. The hike back was hot, long, and a little dreadful. But overall so worth every bit of it! We then headed off to Longhorn Park to see the cavern. It was a lot different then Cascade Cavern. A) Cascade Cavern is super wet where Longhorn Cavern was not. B) Longhorn Cavern is much bigger than Cascade Cavern. C) The two beauties are completely different but both very beautiful. The tour was 1 1/2 hours and Abby did good the first half. The second half she was ready to "get out of cave."

If you ask her if she wants to go back to the beach or go back in a hole (aka - cave) she will say "no." If you ask her if she wants to go to the water park or play in the water she will answer "sure Mommy."

This was our wonderful week long Texas-style trip. It was perfect because Daddy, Mommy, and Abbygale were together just hanging out relaxing and having so much fun! Why can't this be our everyday life?!?