Port Aransas: Part 2
Monday, July 4, 2011 at 03:57PM Emily was going bananas over the ocean, and embodying everything I was feeling. The waves, the salt, the sand can be intoxicating, especially if it's been a while since you've experienced it. Still her fearlessness made me feel like I couldn't relax or take my eyes off her for a second. And I think she had the same effect on her older sister. Annie kept pulling her in, telling her not to get in so deep. It's interesting to watch birth order characteristics develop right before you.
Salt water in the eyes.
"LOOK MOM! A BALLOON!" as she reached down.
"NO HONEY DON'T TOUCH THAT IT'S NOT A BALLOON I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT IT'S DEFINITELY NOT A BALLOON."
Later, I googled "Long blue jellyfish in Port Aransas" and found out that it was a Portuguese Man of War.
About six times the size of the ones I remember in Hawaii. Because Texas is competitive even when it comes to poisonous Marine life.
Speaking of hazardous creatures. Who could leave the beach without a hermit crab for the kids? I mean, they're made for kids. All colorful and painted with glitter and butterflies and superman logos. All they need is a little low maintenance sponge and an adorable self-contained habitat to keep them happy.
Jason's prying it off his hand for the second time. I'm saying, "That's it, as soon as you get that bastard off, I'm flushing it down the toilet." Which prompts Annie to start crying / screaming, "NO MOMMY! YOU CAN'T FLUSH MY CRAB! THAT'S MYYYY CRAAAAB!!!" I reluctantly promise that I won't. We finally get everyone calmed down. Only to realize that something might not be quite right with Emily's crab.
She'd picked the one that had Dora painted on her back. She named Dora "Megan", after our awesome (we-would-die-without-her) Nanny "because I love Megan so much". In the store, she kept asking why Dora Megan wouldn't come out of her shell. We kept saying it's because Dora Megan is a hermit and likes to sleep a lot during the day. Until we got her home and realized that Dora Megan likes to sleep a lot during the day and the night.
And also permanently.
It seems that Dora Megan was never with us.
After a good fifteen minutes of inconsolable crying, I suggested maybe we should hold a memorial service for Dora Megan. Maybe the process of getting outside would get Emily's mind off of it. So we all gathered around to say a few words that we might celebrate the life of Dora Megan, as well as obtain closure for her untimely passing.
Good bye Dora Megan. We promise non-hermit-crab Real Megan is not mocking you by posting pictures of your burial on her facebook page.
Pictured here, I think non-hermit-crab Real Megan is wishing you didn't share the same name. But also she is deeply, deeply mourning your loss.
Pictured here is the top of Grammy's head. She may have been laughing hysterically, or she may have been overcome with grief. Either way, I know she was trying very hard to contain herself.
We all deal with grief a little differently.
By then, it was time for dinner. So we packed everyone onto the golf cart and drove into town.
You can drive golf carts on the roads there, which might have been my favorite part of the whole weekend.
My other favorite part of the weekend was when my good friend Rachel and her awesome family came down to play. I'm lame and didn't get pictures of them. But if I did, it would include images of a family who has the beach Down To A Science. They were like a well-oiled family machine complete with tent, coolers, life jackets, and special sunscreen that sticks to you even when your skin is wet. It was impressive. But more importantly, they are just some of our favorite people.
Rachel also writes a crazily successful food blog. So on top of being fun, she is usually bearing treats. Like this Mexican Pasta Bake that she rolled up with (so good!). She has the Cook Knack. You know, there's some people who can cook, like me. I don't, but I can as long as I have a recipe or instructions, and there is no independent thinking required. Then there are people like my mom or Rachel who can magically create a four course meal, with nothing but ketchup, and Arm & Hammer deodorizer. This is the Cook Knack. And this is what she did with this vodka fruit mystery drink thing that she whipped up when we were there. It was so good. But you'll have to take my word for it because I don't have a picture of that either.
What I DO have a picture of however, are Long Dogs.
What? You've never heard of them? Probably because they are my very own special, special creation. Because sometimes you buy too many groceries. And on the last day of vacation you need to use everything up so you don't have to lug it all home. Sometimes you have left over hot dog buns, + no hot dogs, and only hamburger meat. That's when you have to improvise people. That's right. Go ahead, and impress your friends this weekend. Happy Fourth of July, and you're welcome.
Reader Comments (11)
Thanks though for the pics of Grammy laughing... LOL... totally made my morning!! Happy 4th!
I miss you. I love you.
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