When Ella was 2 1/2, we visited San Antonio and Corpus Christi from Austin as tourists with my mom & sister. Our first impression of the Texas coast was a highly negative one, as the water was so overrun with mating jellyfish we couldn't even wade, and the 'sand' was more like muck - a slow descent into a giant hole of mud. Eleven years later, for our first family vacation (one where we went on a trip for just us)we finally went to see South Padre Island. We put if off for so long partially because of our first trip to the coastal region of TX, but also because of Craig's work schedules and my general fear of the children being sucked into an undertow and becoming a shark meal.(*I'm just being honest here!*)
The beaches were so much prettier than we could have imagined, full of beautiful white, soft sand (TX snow!) and loads of shells, some of which were still inhabited by their owners! There were a few dying jellyfish, (from the end of the red tide), but nothing at all like our first experience.
It was hard to imagine we were only 5 hours away from home...and I'm glad my fear of the young'uns dying in the ocean kept us from visiting until now. They all had a healthy respect for the dangers, but enough spunk and energy to jump in and enjoy themselves despite them!
We stayed in the family suite at the LaQuinta directly on the gulf-side of the island. We enjoyed plenty of space, a view from our balconies of the water, a kitchen/dining combo with full-sized fridge and microwave (to help cut the dining costs), and lots of other 'perks' that made the hotel a worthwhile place to stay:-). (On a side note, the Whataburger in Raymondville is exceptional for food AND restroom breaks during a road trip!)
Our mornings, afternoons and evenings were all spent on the beach, and still we couldn't get enough of it. We had hoped to visit our friends in Wisconsin this Fall, but with Craig's seminary training and work schedule, it just didn't work out. We were reminded of them and the beauty of Lake Michigan this past weekend, and miss them all lots!
But I do have to note that even I got into the water at South Padre, (something I would only do on extremely HOT days in Sheboygan!)...the temperature was FABULOUS!
Love Much,
The Meissler 7
2 comments:
So glad you had a real family vacation on a beautiful beach. If it couldn't be Lake Michigan, I'm glad it was a warm one you could enjoy! Thanks for the pictures;always lovely to you all of your smiling faces!
Oh, and we LOVE Ella's sweatshirt!
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