Monday, August 20, 2018

Surfside Beach Vacation

At the end of July, we enjoyed a fun, relaxing week at a beautiful beach front home in Surfside, Texas with lots of family. Six of my siblings, my parents, and all 19 grandchildren were there! We lucked out with gorgeous weather. It started out a little overcast on Monday, but was clear and sunny the rest of the week. Some of the highlights of the week included a bonfire on the beach for s'mores, night crab hunting with flashlights, long walks on the beach, and enjoying wonderful meals cooked by a different family each night. The older kids also loved their little fishing trip with Uncle Brian. Here's a few photos from our week..

Loved how the house was just steps from the beach!

About midweek, the currents changed direction and the water was unusually blue and clear. It's very rare for this to happen at a southeast Texas beach!



This was our set up everyday. we had soooo many beach chairs sent up under those canopies! (That big stripe of brownish gray water is where the sand bar was.)

The next few photos were taken at the beginning of the week, before the currents changed.

Uncle Andy burying Evan in the sand

my cute niece Addie wasn't too sure about the water at first, but she quickly warmed up to it!

The next two photos (taken with cell phone- no filter added) were taken on our last day at the beach. you can see how clear the water was at the very end of the week! Never seen it like this in Texas, except for in South Padre! We truly lucked out!

I wasn't able to get a group photo with my big camera, but Dan got this on his cell phone. All 19 grandkids (except for Lukie) with grammy and grandpa!!

Andy's drone got this cool photo of the whole crew.

Such a wonderful week! Wish I could go back! So thankful for all the family that was able to make it. Love when we can all be together!

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

4th of July

This year, 4th of July started off wet and rainy. It finally cleared up around 5pm and we had beautiful, cool weather in the evening for fireworks. We didn't get to go swimming because of the rain, but enjoyed a delicious BBQ at grammy and grandpa's home. The girls were so happy to have most of their Ochoa cousins in town for the holiday (Dario and Aiden were with a friend in Florida). These two are the best of friends. So glad they have each other.

"Lil' Sweet" and the big girls

so grateful for this beautiful country we live in and the freedoms we enjoy!

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Graduation

I can not believe that our oldest child has graduated from high school! Where have the years gone?! I definitely don't feel old enough to have a child heading to college in a few months! We will be so sad to see her leave, but excited for all that's in store for her at BYU.



Elayna graduated with honors. She was in the top 5% of her class and a member of National Honor Society. We are so very proud of her.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Recent read

This book is about the devastating hurricane that struck Galveston in 1900 and killed over 6000 people. I read this book many years ago, and after our recent trip to Galveston, decided to reread it. It is a superb read. Erik Larson is my favorite non-fiction writer and he makes history so real and engaging. Definitely recommend this one!

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Kindergarten Graduate!

Lorelei graduated Kindergarten this week! She had such a wonderful first year of school and loved her teacher! She had a cute little kindergarten graduation ceremony at her school last week where the children all wore caps and received their diplomas. Can't believe she'll be a big 1st grader next year!

The stuffed animal is from her teacher :)

*this is the photo the school took. it's so cute to see a little kindergartener in cap and gown :)

Monday, May 14, 2018

BYU Bound!

A few months ago Elayna found out she got accepted to BYU (Provo, UT) for Fall semester 2018! We are so excited and proud of her! Both Dan and I are BYU graduates. I was 5 months pregnant with Elayna when I walked across the stage to receive my diploma! She spent the fist year and a half of her life living on the BYU campus (Wymount) while Dan finished up his degree. Now she will experience BYU as a college freshman! Where has the time gone?!?

Only 2 more weeks of high school before she graduates!

Monday, April 30, 2018

Easter egg hunt

Here's a few photos from our annual cousins Easter egg hunt the day before Easter. So much fun to spend the weekend together! Easter was extra special this year because it fell on General Conference. I always love Conference weekends!

Hugh was not a fan of the sour candies! lol

not the best photo and a little blurry, but I love having a photo of all the cousins together