Fun Beach Pictures

Here are a few more random and fun pictures from our beach trip.

Sweet face

Cole and Gramps.

I love this picture. Aunt Care was sitting on the stairs waiting to go for a walk and one by one the kids came and sat next to her. We all love Aunt Care!

Ava entertained herself by wearing everyone else's shoes. These are Ally's.

Ava and Grammy

Ava loved playing with Cole. He was so sweet to her.

Silly Josh and Ava.

Sisters

Our annual attempt at a cousin picture.

This is an action shot of Ava throwing sand in Ally's hairs.

Running on the beach.

Sweetness.

Galveston Beach Vacation

This year we took our annual Vander Galien family vacation to Galveston. We were there for a full week. Last year Brent was unable to come on the trip so it was great to have him there with us again. We had a really good trip. Lots of fun on the beach, relaxing, and good family time.

We stayed in this great house right on the beach. The best part of the house was it's huge porch. The kids, especially Josh and Ava, played out there for hours. We all took advantage of it to get some sun as well.

We rented kayaks for one day.

 I would like to make a note here that EVERY TIME we go to the beach for the last ten years, I have asked to get kayaks so we can kayak in the ocean. So finally we get kayaks, but I am 8 months pregnant and not able to go in the ocean because it was so rough. I did get to go in a quiet alcove part of the ocean, but just not the same.

Dad, Cole, and Brent out on the kayak

Dad, Cole, and Brent flipping the kayak. Cole thought it was awesome!

Another day we rented some bicycle type things for a few hours and road up and down the seawall.

Then, of course, there was beach time!

We played a nightly game of baseball on the beach.

Thanks for a fun trip!!!

Father's Day

To say that Ava is a "daddy's girl" would be a complete understatement. This girl loves her daddy. She will mimick just about anything he does. Brent makes her laugh like no one else can. Ava gets so excited when Brent gets home from work. She loves any chance she has to play with daddy, cuddle with daddy, and just be around him.

We were in Galveston with my family this year for Father's Day. We had a nice steak dinner to celebrate the great fathers in our lives. I am so thankful to have Brent be the father to my little girl (almost girls). He is patient, understanding, loving, and FUN!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures of Brent and Ava together recently.

Helping Daddy do some gardening

Ava's first encounter with a worm.

Daring tricks with Daddy.

Looking out the window waiting for Daddy to get home.

Pop's come to visit - Part 2

On Sunday, Brent and his dad set out to explore the mountains a little bit. The took Brent's Jeep to do some off-roading. The plan was to drive the off-road trail and then hike a bit. The hiking never happened because the Jeep got a little stuck. But with some help from some fellow off-roaders they weren't stuck too long. So, no hiking, but a fun adventure with beautiful views!!

This was one dirty Jeep after this trip. 

Please note that the right wheel is completely off the ground.

Pop's come to visit - Part 1

At the beginning of June, Brent's mom surprised his dad with a trip to come visit us. He was with us from Friday to Monday and we had a great time! Especially Ava. Pops kept her laughing the whole trip.

On Saturday, we drove to Vail to see the Teva Mountian games. It is a big event with all sorts of competitions in extreme mountain sports. However, despite all the crazy sports to watch, we spent most of our time at the dog jumping competition. Ava loves dogs so it kept her occupied.

Sporting her new sunglasses.

Beautiful Vail

Ava is too big to ride in the stroller now, she thinks she has to push it everywhere.

If you look close, there is a dog in the air mid-picture. Pretty good jump.

Ava has recently learned the word "truck" and has become fascinated by them. She was captivated by watching them work in the parking lot.

One more scenic shot.