Being Loved Well.

Five years ago I never would have imagined that not only would we selflessly be given a beautiful son but that we'd gain more family at the same time.  Adoption can be hard and ugly.. it comes from loss but it can also be beautiful.  And the last week of May I was privileged to watch the beauty of adoption continue to blossom as Gabe and I spent the week at his Gigi's house in New Jersey.  Gigi is Gabe's maternal great grandmother and as a surprise for her 80th birthday, Gabe's Grandma flew us out.  

The visit was magical.  And yes, I realize how cheesy that sounds but our time there was almost clandestine; a beautiful picture of all of the love that surrounds our sweet Gabriel.  Pictures do a much better job of describing all of the fun and love that were had in New Jersey. 

Gabe knew all about the fun he was going to have seeing Gigi, Grandma and Posey (Grandma's dog).  He approached the week so excited to see some of the people we love so dearly.  What he didn't know was that he'd be reuniting with his Great Uncle Glenn.  After nearly 5 years apart (seriously, is Gabe almost 5?!?!), they seemed to pick up right where they left off.  Not having seen each other since Gabriel was just a few days old, you would have thought that they may have needed a few minutes to get to know each other. That wasn't the case; the bond they forged long ago was found immediately and Gabe anxiously awaited Uncle Glenn's arrival every evening.  And it had nothing to do with the Dunkin Donut munchkins he brought along [Smile].

Words can't express how thankful we are for this family, our family who love Gabe and us so very well.  To live well and love well... they are great examples of both. 

On the beach. Galveston Beach.

Our time at the beach was wonderful.  We filled each day with a little adventure and then a lot of time at the beach and the pool.  Gabe is a little fish so he was in heaven.  He's seriously the cutest thing ever just sitting in the water letting the waves run over him.  He's a tricky little guy, always trying to scoot out a little farther than necessary.
 

At the pool

One of our delicious dinners on the ocean.

Our sweet boy checking out the surf.

Is it time to go back to the beach yet? 

Back to vacation...Galveston Beach: Bishops Palace & Moody Gardens

Our Friday at Galveston Beach was spent doing a not-so-good photo shoot with the photographer we used when we lived in Houston.  The location was awesome; a train museum full of old steam and diesel engines.  The heat and humid was unbearable.  I had hoped we'd a handful of good shots; alas there were a few okay ones... the rest - ugh!  

After that we spent the rest of the morning exploring downtown Galveston.  We stopped at the Bishop's Palace which was so interesting.  The architecture was stunning, the stories behind the restored house interesting and we spent quite a while rambling around the old house.  Construction began in 1887, finished in 1992 and cost a total of $250,000.  Today, a house with so much detail, character and fine finishings would cost in the millions.  

After visiting Bishops Palace we unsuccessfully looked for something to eat; after waiting a half hour for our drinks, we left and picked up some sandwiches.  We window shopped, admired interesting southern decor and surf shops alike.

On Saturday we headed to Moody Gardens.  Due to time constraints we chose the Aquarium Pyramid to visit.  Gabe is really into fish so we figured he'd enjoy it.  And he did.  We all did.  The fish, the penguins, the seals and sea lions.  It was all magnificent.  Gabe showed off his love of staying at one exhibit and discussing every single aspect of the exhibit in great detail at each exhibit.  Seriously, at times Matt or I had to firmly remind him that there were other things to see.  Future marine biologist perhaps?

Moody Gardens is definitely a must-see in Galveston and we will certainly be going back next time!