Coaching School

The highlights of coaching school this year: Getting to see the Alexanders (they all crashed at our house the Sunday before we left); of course Tatum's first ride on a roller coaster was a pretty big deal to Mom and Dad. (Despite the look of sheer terror on his little face, he claims he actually liked it. But when asked if he wanted to go again, it was a firm and definate "No"); Shamu was a huge hit with all of us and we even got suckered into buying whale tale necklaces because we were all so emotional after leaving the show (the second time); and in case there was any question, Emma's favorite bird is the flamingo because it's pink.

Hello, Poppy?

"Hello, Poppy Boy? When are you coming to see me? At 45? I love you. Bye."

Surfer girl

She was determined. For almost an hour Emma tried to ride the waves. And she looked so cool doing it.

puppy love

Yeah, okay it's cheesy and so staged, but it's really the way I feel about him. He's the greatest thing since sliced bread and I'm always amazed and grateful that he picked me.

Ice cream man

I think I get just as much of a thrill as my children when I hear that icecream truck come rolling down the beach. Twice a day, you can count on it, our kids will stand at the side of the truck pointing at their choice for a sweet cold treat. The trick is to eat it before it melts all over your hands. I couldn't even get the kids to stop long enough to look at me for this picture they were so intent on devouring the pops. This is another reason I am so glad I am married to Jason. I would have never thought to spend $2 a bar on beach front icecream but for him it is all part of the fun of being on vacation.

Surfer girl gives lessons

After a hard day of surfing Emma is more that happy to share her board with Tennison. Can you see her patting the board as an invitation for TC to join her?

Ready for the beach

Sometimes the getting ready part can be just as fun as the actual event

tradition

The Dean's are BIG on tradition. Every year, we must eat at Denny's in Round Rock for breakfast. Every year, we must have a weenie roast on the beach one night. Every year we must get dressed up and eat dinner at the Stingaree (this used to be the last night but now since some of us leave early, it is the last night that everyone is there). A couple of years ago, when the airconditioner went out in the condo we rented before we even had a chance to move in, we went to eat at the Outrigger. A new tradition was born. Who am I to argue with traditions that involve food!

ferry

Thanks to Roddy and Debbie, we are all able to take a relaxing vacation to Crystal Beach off Galveston Island. We meet The Deans and Easleys in Georgetown, eat breakfast at Denny's and are off to 4 days of sand and sun. The ferry ride is always exciting because someone just might get pooped on while feeding the ferry birds. This year it was Mayra.

Independence Day

We joined our friends Dan and Shana Gattis for food, fun, and fireworks. The party also included the kids buddies, Sterling and Carson Gattis and Tyler and Tucker Griffin. The kids actually stayed outside to watch the fireworks this year and with the help of some handy earplugs, Tatum enjoyed the show. Emma was completely freaked out in the beginning but the fright wore off as the night wore on. She never went inside though, brave girl. Tennison of course wasn't a bit afraid and toddled around while we all watched from the front yard.