Port Royal - Port Aransas - August 4-7, 2008

Writing complete. Pictures still in progress!

Wondering why you hadn't heard from us for a while? We were at the coast!!! We spent three nights (Mon, Tue, Wed) at Port Royal Resort near Port Aransas, TX. This was a virtually all-expense paid vacation, graciously provided by Dad's work, Quarrytech. Every year, they pay for all the families of their employees to take this vacation together. It feels like we're all a big family, and we all have a blast.

Monday: After basketball practice (Melody) in the morning, we headed out. Instead of getting there at 4 pm as planned, we ended up getting there at 7 pm, missing the "Bury-Dad-in-the-Sand" Contest. Still, we got a refreshing dip in the biggest pool in Texas. Later, Mom hung out with the wives at the hot tub.

Tuesday: Mom took off early with all the other wives to the spa. They got manicures and pedicures and "girl-time." While they were gone, Dad, Samuel, and I made our way out to the beach and got flung every which way by the waves, something I personally adore, as do Dad and Samuel. Then we made some sand castles; Dad tried his hand at a Mayan/Aztec temple, while I made a more traditional one. Once Mom got back, we ordered some cheeseburgers from the swim-up snack bar and took them up to our room, making a small salad to accompany it. Then Dad, Samuel, and some other guys went out in the bay and tried to catch some fish (no luck, unfortunately). That night, the entire company went and ate at Fin's Restaurant in Port Aransas. Unlimited shrimp, fish, chicken, corn-on-the-cob, rice, vegetables, french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, etc... Afterwards, our family went out in the ocean and then jumped in the pool with everyone else.

Wednesday: Sand castle building contest!!! Each Quarrytech family competed. There were several castles, a few resorts, the University of Florida logo, and our "Pile #3," which is a familiar pile that is measured during their quarry work. We'll have some pictures for you soon. Unfortunately, we forgot our camera for the duration of the trip; however, other families were kind enough to get a few of us. (Thanks!) After we went out and played in the waves, we all jumped in the pool. Then we had lunch (3 cheeseburgers & 1 hot dog) at the swim-up bar. This time, we actually swam up and ate half-in, half-out of the water. There's something you don't do everyday! As we were walking back to the room, one of Dad's coworkers asked if Dad wanted to go for a 3-mile run. Dad accepted, and they had their run while we rested in the condo. Later that night, we all gathered in the banquet hall for dinner. Afterward, we took pictures, went upstairs, and then Dad went fishing again. They did catch something this time, but only one big enough to bring home, so they let him go. They had quite an adventuresome time once it got dark... Meanwhile, Mom, Samuel, and I played in the pool and played water volleyball with the other wives.

Thursday: We went out for one last wave-crashing adventure -- our best yet! Then we jumped in the pool until we had to go up and pack. After we left the hotel, we stopped at a souvenir store for some souvenirs. On our way out, we agreed to "meet the birds." We ended up having several pictures taken of us with some parrots. Here's one; for the rest, click on the link below.

Port Royal - Port Aransas - August 4-7, 2008

Then it was a ride home...


I think that's all for now. Samuel's football practice has officially started and my college history class has officially ended (grade still unposted). Perhaps I'll make another blog post for more information on us kids.


In the meantime, au revoir!
~m~