May

In May, we headed south to Galveston, the beach that we've been traveling to since Sarah was a baby.

We loaded up what looked like everything we own...

...including Diamond.  She was so excited to see the beach!

We knew it was going to be a wonderful time, when we arrived at our rental house, and this was the view.

In the mornings on vacation, Bryan and I can't help but still wake up in the early hours, so we've grown quite fond of making coffee and going outside to watch the day begin.

Then, while Sarah and Billy stayed at the house for a bit longer, we took J and the dog down to the beach.

Jack loves the beach, and we love watching him be so joyful while we're there.

Diamond is not a fan of water.

Not a fan at all.

We stayed on the opposite side of the island from where most of the shopping and restaurants are.  We brought food to make all of our own meals, and it was lovely.  However, we did make a special trip down the beach to our absolute favorite ice cream shop.

Papa Bear and Diamond waited outside while the kids and I ordered for everyone.

At first, Diamond was too excited to be out and about to eat her ice cream...which is very unlike her.  She's never too excited to eat.  Never.

So, Bryan finished his and then fed her.

That's more like it.

The next morning, we all went to the beach together.

I think he's the bee's knees.

The kids tried their darnedest to coax Diamond into the ocean.

Finally, she got in!

And for a little while, there was no turning back!  She was having a great time!

Billy bringing Diamond back to shore.  They said a wave crashed over all 2 feet of her, and then she was done.

After a long time in the water, we walked back and relaxed on the patio.

Then, the boys grilled burgers for dinner.

We're pretty sure Diamond could get used to the beach life.

While we were there, I wanted to celebrate Bryan and his birthday early since Sarah and Billy were with us.  I made him homemade peach cobbler, and we topped it with Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla.

Such a ham.

Jackson's laugh here kills me!

We had such a perfect time being all together and relaxing at the beach.

...

On Bryan's actual birthday, we did our tradition of cooking a special birthday meal.  He looks forward to this all year and always has a hard time trying to narrow down what he wants me to make just for him!  This year, he chose fancy sandwiches with tons of meat (typical), deviled eggs, homemade potato salad, and homemade mac and cheese.

And for dessert, homemade funfetti cake!

Happy 38th Birthday, Papa Bear!  We love you so much!

...

Then, at the very end of May, we dropped J off at camp for a week.

He loves Pinecove, and we love that he learns even more about Jesus while he's there.

After we dropped him off, we went on a little date on the way home.

Shake Shack.  In the car.  Perfection.