First Family Vacation

We went to South Padre, Texas, where Grandma & Grandpa Kelker spend their winters, to get some much needed R & R. We are invited to visit every year, but it had been 3 years since we were able to make it due to new jobs, vacation time, pregnancy, yada-yada-yada.



Mallory did wonderfully on the airplane, which was a huge relief, but no major surprise, as she is an easy going little girl. We totally over packed our carry-ons with books, toys, and lots of snacks. For the most part, she sat in her carseat next to the window while Daddy kept her entertained, she took a nap, and of course we did lots of people watching.

She liked the ocean but loved the seagulls!!! Apparently they like animal crackers too.





She had a blast playing with her sand bucket and shovel from Mimi.





We went for evening strolls in the surf at dusk and Mallory ran up and down the beach for hours. She made friends with strangers, blowing kisses and being her usual flirtatious silly self.





While fishing on G-ma and G-pa's boat we saw multiple groupings of dolphins. Several got within arms reach of the boat.

We even took a trip to the Brownsville Zoo, one of the top 10 in the country. We saw monkeys, kangaroos, giraffes, zebras, a dinasaur exhibit, flamingos, and lots of other animals. Mallory makes "ruff-ruff" noises at most of them... since she thinks that all hairy animals bark. Guess we need to work on animal noises some more. Hahaaa.

One particular Orangatang and her baby followed Mallory and Mom from viewing window to window making eye contact with us. The Orangatang mom handed Mallory a handful of grass threw the glass. It was very moving.





Mallory even let us sleep in until 9:30 or 10:00 most mornings, which never happens at home. What a sweet little girl!



We spent lots of time w/ G-ma and G-pa going swimming in the neighborhood pool, fishing off the dock, hunting seashells, and eating dinner together!

Heck, they even watched the baby for us a few nights so we could get some alone time. We forgot there was such a thing, but quickly remembered how nice it is to eat at a fancy restaurant and not have to pack a sippy cup, diapers and wipes.

We had a great time and made many, many wonderful memories!