Family Time in Texas- Happy 1st Birthday, Grace!

Two years ago from the day of this picture, we were in Scottsdale, AZ, holding our little burrito.... now, she's almost as tall as me! :) Last week we were all fortunate to go on vacation TOGETHER!!!! (Matt included) :) Today, August 26th is our niece, Grace's, 1 year birthday- so we headed to Texas to join in the celebration. Before heading to Austin, we headed straight for the BEACH!!! (Thank you Dan & Kim for choosing to live in coastal states)

We went to Galveston Beach, not knowing what to expect and spent Monday evening there, and the morning of Tatum's 2nd Birthday! Happy Birthday, Tatum! (maybe next year we can celebrate my birthday on a beach... hmmmm)

Tatum enjoyed running away from the waves on her own, but enjoyed jumping over the waves with Mom or Dad. Just like my daddy, I make friends everywhere I go!!!

We headed up to Austin to stay with Dan, Kim, and Grace, and how excited was Tatum to see Grace!!! That's all she would talk about on our way there... I go see Grace; I share this with Grace; I play with Baby Gracie... etc. She was so excited to play with her 'baby' cousin! We hung out Wednesday in Austin, then decided to go crash Lola & Pocky's (Ron & Patti) beach vacation- they were headed to Corpus Christi/Padre Island.... soooo... to the beach we went :)

We had a great time playing in the Gulf, pool, and at the Texas State Aquarium where we were able to watch a short dolphin show. Thank you Lola & Pocky, for letting us join you! We had a blast!!!

How perfect is the name of this Bait & Tackle???

The camera evading Pocky... CAUGHT!

How did a coconut end up on Padre Island? I saw no coconut trees!

After enjoying the beach a bit more, we headed to Austin with a short stop to see the Alamo. Then off to Uncle Dan and Aunt Kim's house we went! Again, Tatum couldn't wait to play with Gracie. Saturday was Grace's 1 year birthday party and what an enjoyment it was to see our niece enjoy her chocolate cake! Good Girl!!! :) She was a little hesitant at first... then came the smiles! :)

Good times in Texas! Tatum's first time at a 'real' beach (salt water/ocean), Grace's first birthday, finally visiting Dan & Kim in Texas, hanging out with Lola & Pocky.... loving the family time! I'm glad we could all get together!

Tatum's first official flight with her own seat!!! (made for a MUCH more comfortable flight) We definitely took advantage of her flying free before 2!!!