Port Aransas, TX/Family Reunion

We just got back from a trip back home for a family reunion in Port Aransas, TX.  It was so different traveling solo with Alex, but he did really great!  Alex was able to spend a lot of one on one time with my parents.  He really bonded with my Dad which he called Grandpa half the time and Papa the other half.  Papa is what he calls Dan's Dad, but he knows Papa is also Grandpa, so gets them a little confused.

Alex got to play with lots of cousins that he hasn't seen since last year's family reunion.  There were 5 babies born within a years time, so he had a lot of cousins very close to his age to play with.  It was so neat to see them all now that they are walking and running.

Last year's beach experience consisted of Alex crying and shoveling sand into his mouth; he just wasn't into it.  This year was a totally different experience.  Alex dove right into the sand and loved every minute of it.  He loved playing with his cousin RJ.  We ventured into the water and to my surprise, Alex sat right down and let the waves splash up onto him.  He loved it!

Since Daddy would miss Alex's birthday this year, we decided to celebrate it while there with family.  Of course, what birthday of Alex's would be complete without Thomas being the theme.  He was so excited to see Thomas on top of his cake and loved everyone singing to him.  He was a little mad at me in this pic because I made him take his hand out of the icing till everyone finished singing to him.

This trip came to a close too quickly and back to Washington we must go.  At least next year Dan will be back and able to come with us; vacations just are not the same without him.