Ohmystinkinheck

As tropical storm Dolly spiraled her way into the Gulf, just 5mph under hurricane classification, most South Texans were watching their television - curious where she’ll hit ground and how strong she’ll be when she arrives.

What were the Sanders doing? Errm, we were packed, loaded and heading South; as in, we were headed straight into the storm. Seriously, I kid you not - we even passed electronic weather alert signs all along I-45 reminding us of the potential “Hurricane in Gulf, keep gas tank full.”

Jeff and I couldn’t help but laugh - I mean really, this is our FIRST family vacation we’ve taken together. First. Ever. And wouldn’t it be our luck that we were to share the weekend with such potential for disaster? Of course it would.

We arrived in time to lather up with sunscreen and hit the beach in the early evening hours. Kenny has never SEEN the beach before today, so I was anticipating his response as he trudged through the sand trails over the dunes, and then moments later in the water - as the tide sucked at his toes.

There are so many “firsts” to be had here for him.

“Momma! Look at all the shells in the sand!”

“Do you see my footprints? I left A LOT of footprints and now THEY ARE GONE!”

“Eeew…what is this scratchy stuff?” (seaweed)

“My feet are SINKING. Wait. Is this quicksand?”

Best of all, the weather was perfect. Just warm enough to not be cold and just breezy enough to not be hot.

I opted out of the surf for the first day (well, other than to wade out in it to pop off snapshots). The view you see below is from beneath the beach house, looking across the dunes to the shore. If you squint you can see two men out in the surf (Jeff and his brother fishing within 5 minutes of arriving.) and 4 kiddos; Gus (our newest family addition), Kenny, Meredith and Emelie.

We’re having a load of fun, but we are waaaaaaay down on the west side of the island and the internet connection is very weak - even with my new USBConnect Air Card. I’ll be here intermittantly as I clean up photos during our “inside” hours and post to flickr. However, during the day hours, when we aren’t escaping the rain bands from tropical force winds and rain, I’ll be out inhaling the ocean air, enjoying all the native flowers and grasses, collecting shells, boogy-boarding in the surf, and trying to reduce the glow bright sheen off my legs.

Oh, and praying that Dolly never makes it to hurricane level and the sun finds its way out for the remainder of the week.

13 Responses to “Hello, Dolly.”

1. MammaLoves

   Those photos are gorgeous.

   Stay safe and have a wonderful time.

   PS–I missed you at BlogHer this year, but I understand.

2. Angela Tippets

   Sounds like a GREAT, relaxing time to me -as long as Dolly stays away :) Enjoy your time away!!

3. merrymishaps

   Have a wonderful vacation. Hopefully Dolly leaves you alone!

4. Kate @ Life As I Live It

   Oohhh! I LURVE the beach. Have a fabulous time collecting seashells, catching waves, soaking up the sun and breathing in the salty sea air. Can’t wait to see more of your great pictures!

5. Stefani

   Wahoooooo!!!!!

   You do know, do you not, that I’m living vicariously?
   Dolly or no, the beach just rocks!

6. Angie Garza

   My in-laws are in LaFeria and they tell us there’s just rain. Have a great time, take lots of pictures. ang

7. CrystalMK

   Well heck! I just got back from the beach on Friday! We stayed at Surfside for the 5th year this summer. Is it as gorgeous this week as it was last? The water was sooooo green and blue! In all of my native Texas Gulf Coast life I have never seen the water this clear and beautiful.

   If you happen to be any where close to San Luis pass and Surfside Beach (and actually we travelled home via Galveston) then I am sorry I missed you! It would have been a shock to glance up and see you or a member of your family! And then think hmmm….would it totally be stalkerish to say Hi???!!!

8. bethany actually

   Yaaaaay, beach vacation! Nobody vacations quite like the Sanders family, eh? :-) Next beach vacation: California?

   Keep havin’ fun! I will miss you until you get back and can chat again. Enjoy!

9. Shannon

   Please be careful! I have been worried about you and this storm. Be safe, have fun, and of course you know you limits!

10. Mandy

    This is so so exciting. My kids have never been on vacation or seen the ocean either. I can’t wait for the day that they see the ocean in it immensity. Is that a word? Anyway I am so happy for Kenny and for all of you. Hope you have a great time! Be careful. You know all of us are mamas and we are gonna worry. It’s what we do!

11. ashpags

    Yikes, good luck! We’ve had too many beach vacations ruined by hurricanes over the years. Hope the storm misses you! =)

12. Gin

    Go Dolly, don’t bother them, Shoo Dolly, stay away and try not to come another day!

    The beach sounds nice right about now! We’re getting the cool breezes from the storm hitting Nova Scotia (at least that’s my explanation for the chilliness in the air!).

    Have a great Family First Vacation!!!

13. Jill - GlossyVeneer

    It looks wonderful. I hope things are still okay for your family. I don’t know exactly where you’re at now, but I know Dolly made her way ashore. Yikes…