Gimme a break!

My 31st birthday was perfect.  I checked into a condo on the water with my family and our wonderful friends for a week.  No wi-fi.  No internet.  Little to no phone service (thanks t-mobile).  It was a much needed break.  Sometimes, life can get too serious and busy.  Sometimes, it can be noisy.  Sometimes, it's good to turn off the outside world and concentrate on what matters most. 

Our 2nd story condo had three bedrooms, looked right over the pool, and had a large glassed-in deck.  Emma loved being able to play outside, and we loved not having to worry about her safety as she was free to roam.  It was the perfect set-up to relax with child in tow.  We had contemplated leaving Emma with grandma and grandpa while we made a get-away on our own, but we couldn't do it.  We don't need a break from Emma, and we knew we would be lost without her for more than an afternoon.

Our best friends from Houston joined us in Galveston for the week.  Burnadette and Alex are funny, smart, and very laid back.  They are the best vacation buddies.  They are expecting their first child in four short months.  Either Emma eased any anxieties about having children with her sweet smile and childs play, or she terrified them with the reality of early mornings and no nap meltdowns.  My friend Burnadette is by far the most adorable pregnant woman.  Ever.  They are going to wonderful parents.

It didn't take long for the boys to find their way into the pool.  Burnadette and I took Emma down to the seawall to show her the water.  She was mesmerized.

Just when Emma didn't think vacation could get any better,  Grandma and Grandpa Gordon joined us!
The boys had fun back at the condo in the pool, and the girls enjoyed shopping and long walks.

We brought the boys gifts...

Brett and I realized Tuesday, that we had been there for two days and had not taken Emma down to the beach.  We took a little afternoon to just us and ventured down into the water.  This girl loves to play in the sand, and loved sitting on the shore to let the waves splash over her legs.

We had a great combination of time with family and friends, time with our baby girl, and time with just Brett and myself.  I can't really think of a better way to vacation!  While Emma napped one afternoon, grandma stayed in while Brett and I went out for a swim without baby.  That evening, we were able to go to a fancy seafood dinner date with our friends.  I really love my husband.  It is so nice to have a little time to ourselves sometimes!

There is more.  I will be back later for part three of vacation fun!