Last month on MLK Day, when Baba Jean and I brought the girls back to Dansby from their maiden foray into the Gulf, Papa Chuck allowed as how the beach can be really pleasant this time of year. I have fond memories of beach outings with my parents, and I decided that I would endeavor to entice him to come out with us the next time.
It’s taken me a month to get us back to Galveston, but it was worth it. Both girls were super excited to go back to the beach. Sam was so excited that during the ride down, when a brief stop interrupted her 5-10 minutes into her rolling nap, she woke and exclaimed, “we’re at the beach!” and declined to go back to sleep. [I had told the girls that we would be in Galveston by the time they woke up. Oops.]
Galveston offered up some of my very favorite weather: 60s, crisp, and foggy! After lunch, we drove to the end of the Seawall and parked.
This time, Papa Chuck came with us, and we brought treats: a giant bag of Kroger cheese puffs for the seagulls, and a big bag of Cheese Toes for the rest of us.
I remember pitching puffs to the gulls from the balcony of our first Galveston apartment with my Dad. But that was 29 years ago, and I couldn’t remember how we attracted the seagulls. I naively wondered whether there would be gulls already when we arrived, and if not, how we might lure them to us.
Never fear.
Somehow, the sight or sound of our toddlers walking onto the beach holding big crinkly orange bags was sufficient to attract a swarm of seagulls and grackles.
Seagulls swarmed out of the fog upon our arrival
While my parents opened snacks, both girls offed clothes to go swim.
The time stamps on these photos indicate that feeding the seagulls held the girls’ attention for 5, maybe 6, minutes before the siren call of the water lured them in. The water is still just 65 degrees — chilly! — but Cate and Sam were undeterred.
They’re rapidly getting more comfortable with the surf, and boldly charging in further. I’m rapidly getting less comfortable with lifeguarding solo. I’m eager to get them more swimming lessons this summer.
I asked them repeatedly about the temperature and whether they were uncomfortable. Over and over, they paused — their pale skin plastered with myriad tiny goose bumps, their teeth chattering, and their hands shaking from the cold — just long enough to respond, “I’m not cold!” and the temperature was “just right!”
Uh, huh.
Cate and Mama Bob
Papa Chuck talking with Sam
Baba Jean and Papa Chuck with Bob and girls
I know that elsewhere, it’s much colder, or even snowy, where some of you are reading this. If a spring getaway to the Texas Gulf Coast appeals to you, please consider yourself invited.
And a final word of thanks: I’m most grateful to our nanny, Nane, who not only helped us all schlep to the beach and back, but also captured a few nice photos of all of us!
