We just returned from the annual Patterson family trip to South Padre Island. What an awesome week! It sure is fun to get all of the grand kids together in one place with no crazy interruptions. At home, when they spend lots of time together, they start to fight just like siblings, but something magical happens on the beach. I can't quite put my finger on it, but they play wonderfully when they are together on the beach. Lots of corporate sandcastle construction, and some creative pretend play make for a great time.
All of the kids have grown up so much in the last year. Jesse, is almost 16, and was really enjoying the fishing this time. I think he drove Matt and Jiffy crazy with asking about fishing. He spent a day in the bay with a guide and Matt, and brought home a wonderful dinner for us all. We were the hit of the condo complex with the fish we shared. Hannah is really starting to look like a teenager. She is not officially a teen until July, but WOW, she is beautiful. She is such a sweet girl, inside and out. Claire has fun everywhere she is! She spent hours playing in the sand, and playing with the other girl cousins. She is so smart, and so sweet. She is always thinking of others. Emma is just a little fish! She turned 5 just a couple of weeks before the trip, and is just growing like a weed. She is such a joy. James has changed so much since last year! He spent last year floating around in Jiffy's tummy during the last vacation. He was so cute exploring the water. He kept repeating us saying, "kick". He loved the sun, and enjoyed his naps too.
My kids loved the trip as well. Nathan spent most of the time either on his hands and knees building sand castles, or at the bottom of the pool, diving for toys. He loves the water, and has really become an awesome swimmer. Natalie was about the same. She spent most of her hours in the pool, but always had a good feel for when she had had enough. She would get herself out, dried off, and changed, and go in for some R and R.
What an awesome trip! Have lots to share, but this is all for now.
