Getting Back to Galveston

Last July, we snuck away to Galveston at the last minute for our first ever 5-person Team Cohen vacation. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we repeated it again this year with intention, with a longer stay, bigger house, and more fun!

Our great beach house was just one short block away from the beach. After first arriving, Daddy unpacked the full minivan, and the kids and I walked over to explore the sand and water.

It was pointed out that this was the 2nd year in a row when super smart mom brought children to the beach for the first time in regular day clothes just for a "little bit." That didn't last long. We quickly headed back to change into our bathing suits to let the kids be kids and go nuts.




For a first "quick" afternoon at the beach, we had smooth sand, comfortable water, great waves, and very happy kids! Vacation was off to a great start.


On Day 2, two children woke up ready for another fun-filled summer day. One the other hand, the littlest child woke up with over 40 fire ant stings on his little little foot. The foot began the morning swollen more than double its original size and ended the evening exploding like dozens of pussy, bloody volcanoes. Needless to say, Spencer didn't love it, and he refused to put any weight on it for the next two days.

Fortunately, Gabi and Ethan weren't phased in the least by our bugastrophe and thoroughly enjoyed each other in the waves.

Beach time = junk food snack time!

(Apparently, seagulls appreciate salty junk food too.)

Spencer couldn't walk, but he certainly could be distracted into enjoying himself.

By the end of our beach time on Day 2, Gabi was digging in the sand doing what she does best, and Ethan was floating like the free spirit that he does best.

Moments like these make it all worth it!

Spenceman's foot was so uncomfortable that he couldn't take a great nap in his crib, but Daddy was able to solve that problem easily.

After nap, we went "downtown" to La King's Confectionery, an old-school candy and ice cream store. We got to try freshly made toffee and enjoy HUMONGOUS cotton candy (Ethan's choice) and popcorn (Gabi's choice).



What fun is a beach house without "fancy" cups for your milk?

On Morning 3, Ethan and I snuck out early for a beach walk, sugar cereal in hand.


When the whole family was ready to come out with our bathing suits, the clouds were threatening to make us leave, and it was too windy to set up umbrellas. We decided to hang out on the sand eating our junk food snacks and outlast any weather threats. And we won!


We decided the paranoid parents had outlasted any weather threats and let the over-eager kiddos into the water.



Spencer was still not putting any weight on his fire-ant-sting-covered foot, but he was in perfectly high spirits!


By the afternoon of Day 3, a surprise guest had arrived to spend the night and July 4th with us! With the combination of Aunt Sandi joining us AND spending an afternoon FINALLY getting to ride the beloved Trolley, it may have just been the best afternoon EVER!



After the trolley ride, Mommy, Daddy, and Spencer stayed home to make dinner while Gabi, Ethan, Aunt Sandi, and our other super special surprise guest Knox walked to the beach to introduce the puppy to the waves.

how Aunt Sandi successfully crossed the busy street responsibly

looking at a hermit crab

The next day, we took another early morning walk to the beach. We had sugar cereal, a funny dog who loved the water, AND MIRACLE of MIRACLES - Spencer started walking on his pitiful foot! I tried not paying attention to it, but he proudly announced, "I walking!"




After an actual breakfast (of some protein beyond the sugar cereal), the sun was out, and it was time for some more beach adventures.

Ethan could have ridden the waves on the boogie board all day if we let him.

"WA-HOOOO!"

Sand play is always a hit!

Knox (and others) quite certainly earned her nap that afternoon.


Aunt Sandi's friend drove in for some beach time on July 4th with her 4-year-old son, Thomas. The two friendly big boys played beautifully together!

This was our official end to fun-in-the-sun at Galveston Beach for 2019, and we took some great memories away with us!

After an afternoon rest, Aunt Sandi and Knox parted ways back to Houston, and we were ready to enjoy a patriotic evening of July 4th fun.

"Happy Birthday, 'Merica!"

The Galveston July 4th parade was just 1 short block from our house. We saw tanks, fire trucks, cool cars, and lots and lots of other entertaining floats and people throwing candy, necklaces, and smiles our way.

Gabi shows off ALL the necklaces she collected from the parade. Happy July 4th!!!

As dusk approached, we headed back to the beach house, conveniently located 10 blocks from where fireworks were going to be set off. We waited on the upper deck outside with a lovely breeze and a private viewing of the light show.

We woke up on our last morning with a lot to do to pack the car and get ready to head back to Austin after a week-long fantastically fun family frenzy. But since we were still on vacation, we just HAD to finish the ice cream - in our pajamas - at 8:15 in the morning. On that note, adieu Galveston!