Camping Trips > Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend, DJ had a bye weekend, which meant no game, and 3 days off work. In all of our 15+ years of working in college football, he has never had an entire bye weekend off. He typically gets a day. We debated on staying in town and finding something local to do, and I would have somehow convinced him that we needed to go to the pumpkin patch at some point, but instead, we opted to head out of town and do some camping. We had to work around the girls' schedule, because Megan usually has gymnastics on Friday nights until 8:30, and Gretchen has play practice at school until 7. Gretchen walked in the door on Thursday, and I asked her if she was sure that she would have play practice on Friday, and she said they actually didn't because the band was using the cafeteria. Bingo. We did some looking around, and ended up finding an open spot in Galveston, and booked it. 

We checked the girls out of school on Friday afternoon, and a few hours later, stopped at Bucees. Because it isn't a road trip without it. Our camping group always has pictures of travelers at Bucees, so we had to take a picture too. 

And the girls always have their picture with the beaver any time we stop. We love Bucee's, and if you've never experienced it, I suggest you do. I could spend a few hours and a few hundred dollars there, it's that good. Plus, their bathrooms are immaculate and we never have to wait in a line. 

We made it to the bay, and Adalyn was taking it all in. 

Neither of us have been to Galveston before, so this was a great time to check it out and decide if we want to eventually go back and stay longer. 

Hello, beach. 

Not a great picture, because it was dark, but this is a happy place for us. Anytime, we can tune out from the world and escape, is a good time. We stayed at Jamaica Beach and there were so many pools and activities for the girls. As soon as we arrived, they changed in to swimsuits and headed to the splash pad and a pool. I think there were 4 pools total on the property. We cooked brats, the girls played, and we enjoyed a quiet evening. 

Saturday morning, we had breakfast, the girls put on their swimsuits, and as soon as the splash pad opened, they were off to play. 

The camp ground even had a putt putt course, and while we said we would play a round, we never got the chance. 

After checking out the putt putt course, and the tortoises that live there, we walked across the street to the beach. We were really afraid of what the weather would turn out like. When we booked, there was a 40% chance of rain, so we decided we would hang at the beach if the rain held off, or find an indoor activity if it rained. Thankfully, we had clear skies and we played at the beach until 2-ish. 

The sand is hard and compact, so we were able to drive the truck and just park it. The girls decided to dig two holes and tunnel them to meet. Eventually, DJ and I finished the task. 

The high was around 85, and the water was cool when you first went in, but once you were in, it was fine. 

DJ and all of the girls playing in the waves.... confession. I am not an ocean person. I love to sit on the ocean and hear the waves crash and breathe in the sea air, but I do not love going in the ocean. The Galveston water was dark and you could not see to the bottom so I had no idea what could have been swimming around. Thankfully, there were no jellyfish which is what I'm most terrified of, and I eventually went in too.

Digging holes and building sand castles. 

And ice cream. When an ice cream truck drove by there was no way we could say no. 

More sand castle building. 

We brought the paddleboard along, but it was not easy to actually use the paddle and compete with the waves. If you turned sideways, you were going to fall off. DJ and I were not fans. But the girls were all about it. 

A family picture before heading back to the camper for lunch. 

The girls played more in the splash pad. DJ and I changed clothes, and we all had sandwiches for lunch. The rain was holding off, but it was getting cooler, and I sat outside with a blanket and a book while DJ sat outside and watched football. 

We eventually got the girls inside and changed, and grilled burgers for dinner. 

The rain finally came in that night around dinner time, so we all showered and cozied up to watch football. I layed in the bed and read my book, the girls played on their tablets some, and around 10, we called it a night. At one point, it was 7:30, and I told DJ that I could go ahead and go to bed! 

Sunday morning we got up, ate breakfast, packed up, and headed home. 

While we didn't do anything local or eat out at any restaurants, we all agreed it was just what we needed. Some time away and time to unplug, and just be together. Sometimes, vacations aren't all about the things you cram in and see and do. Sometimes, the best part is just escaping and being together.