So this is the time of year when "cabin fever" really
begins to hit. You all know the feeling, sitting in the house on a beautiful
sunny afternoon while it's 0 degrees out, or 20 below – wishing for warm fresh
air, sunshine, and the beach. Anything but subzero temperatures and snow,
becomes a treat. For those of you who don't follow the weather trends in Upper
Michigan,
click
here to see how we broke the current record for consecutive days below
freezing. Luckily, we were able to escape this cold winter, at least for 9
days. We packed up our family, and flew off to south Texas – where sun, sand,
and family gatherings were waiting for us.
We started our trip early in the morning, filling
up our Tahoe almost to its max capacity. Between Don and I, Norah and her gear,
my in-laws, luggage, and a travel cooler packed full with pasties (just the
thing a group flying from the UP would take, right?) we MIGHT have been able to fit another bag in the vehicle – but, it's
doubtful.
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| On The Way! |
As we drove to the airport, the wind was
gusting creating a mini-white out. It was probably the only time we really
didn’t mind, knowing that soon warmer weather would be upon us. KI Sawyer
International Airport was where we departed with our first flight. After layers
of de-icer and a swift take off, we were finally on our way to warmer weather.
The rest of the trip went well. We had
short lay-overs (only having to run to one gate!), and Norah made more friends
than she needed during her flights. When Mom and Dad became boring and she got
antsy with her surroundings, we passed her up to 'Oma & Opa' who tried
their hand at entertaining her. Between the four of us, her elephant, and ‘peek
a-boo’, she enjoyed playing mostly quietly. Most of the passengers hardly knew
she was even there. During the take offs and some of the landings, and
when she was not charming her grandparents or the flight crew – she slept.
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| Norah's First Flight |
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| Thoroughly Enjoying It... |
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| Hanging Out With Oma. |
When we arrived into McAllen, the weather was in the 80’s, palm
trees were all over, and nearly every sign was bi-lingual (English/Spanish). I felt
completely in my element.
Opa just the week prior to our visit had an open heart surgery,
and was in a rehab hospital. So after arriving, Oma, Mark & Linda, Don
& I, and Norah all made our way to visit. It was a joy seeing him (and her)
re-meet Norah (she was only a few days old when they had last seen her).
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| Norah & Her Great-Opa |
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| Oma, Opa, & Their 2nd Great Grand Baby |
The next day, Saturday, we drove out to the condo that we would be
staying at during the week on South Padre Island, a little over an hour away
from McAllen. It was a 4 level condo called “The Rapunzel House.” Everything
about the place said, ‘Beach House.’ It was decorated with pictures of palm
trees, hammocks, and sea turtles, and had a private pool in the back. Off the
several balconies you could see views of the gulf of Mexico, and the Lugana Madre.
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| Arriving at the Island |
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| Our Condo |
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| It's Subdivision |
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| Entrance to the complex pool |
After exploring the house and dropping off our things, we drove
out to Brownsville airport and picked up the rest of our party. Don’s brother
and his wife, Aaron & Roxanna, and their adorable little 1-year-old Zeke,
flew down from Alaska.
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| Zeke & Norah Meeting at the Airport |
It was a wonderful week. We watched a sea turtle release (unfortunately
we have no pictures to share!), went to the zoo, went dolphin watching from a
pontoon boat, and spent lots of time soaking up sun on the beach, searching for
shells, and taking long walks. The laid-back lifestyle of beach life fit us
well.
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| On the Pontoon Looking for some Dolphins! |
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| With Oma & Opa |
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| Dolphins are HARD to get photos of! |
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| Pelicans off the Pier |
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| Zeke and Norah at the Zoo! |
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| Fish were her favorite. |
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| Zoo-much fun ;) |
Once we introduced Norah to beach sand, we had a hard time keeping
her on the towel. She experienced only one face-plant and a small taste of sand
on her hands. Although it was a tad
windy on the beach, it didn’t stop her from enjoying the water either. Her
first dip in the ocean, although a bit cool, was a success. Just like her
mamma, she loves the beach.
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| First time in the sand. |
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| Loving it |
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| Beach Baby |
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| Soaking in some Ocean Water |
In addition to everything coastal-life, we spent lots of quality
time with the family. We loved being able play with Zeke and really being able
to experience his little personality. It
was fun seeing the cousins together, and how Zeke loved to share his toys with
Norah. He’ll make such a good big brother some day!
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| Cousins <3 |
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| Lovin' Her some Uncle Time |
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| Pool Party! |
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| Loving Vacation! |
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| We got a whole week with this cute guy! |
We spent time swimming at Oma and Opa’s heated pool (and soaking
in the hot tub), watching the Olympics, eating steak dinners, and enjoying
baskets of shrimp. It was nice to be in
everyone’s company.
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| With Both Great-Grands |
Unfortunately, like every good thing, the week flew by and ended
too soon. We can’t wait for the next time we can get our family together again
and of course, for when we can enjoy some more sunshine!
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| Back to the snow... |
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| Note in our Tahoe from the Korpi's! |
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| Goodies waiting on our counter from the Maki's.. |
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| Wanting to go back! |
Stay Warm!
-The Anderson’s
