Thirty & Two Hundred and Thirty-six Years Old

 Fourth of July was great this year. Since Sam is working nights, Bria and I went solo to a breakfast in the morning, came home to make a second "breakfast," and finished up a special project for the birthday boy all before he woke up around noon.

 Thirty things we love about our thirty year-old, hanging in the family room

 

We spent the afternoon celebrating Sam's birthday (the big 3-0!), and then relaxed for a while before taking a leisurely stroll along the riverfront in Old Town (never mind that we almost melted in the unbearable heat) before joining our good friends Glen and Katie for a laid back barbecue. Our original plan to camp out all day on the National Mall fell through, so it was an easy choice knowing Bria would be happiest if she got to spend the day with her BFF Ada. We watched the fireworks from the Pentagon parking lot, which was a perfect spot-- particularly when it came to getting home. While everyone else on the freeway looked to be stopped dead in traffic, we flew right by, since the parking lot feeds right onto the HOV lanes. And because we were so pleasantly surprised to have not been in the car for hours on end, there was still enough time for some sparklers-- one of my favorite parts of the holiday, for sure.

 

Beach Babes

The Atlantic Ocean isn't exactly a straight shot from DC, but it's close enough that it tempts us all summer long. Some of our friends think we're crazy to drive three hours each way just to spend one day at the beach, but I think it makes for the perfect day trip. Last summer our beach of choice was Ocean City, MD, but this year we decided to try something new and head to equidistant Virginia Beach. (After the fact I can say that I think I prefer Ocean City, but only slightly.)

Sure enough, not even 20 minutes into the drive, Bria started asking "are we there yet?" We hadn't even passed places that fall within reasonable errand range. So it was kind of a long drive. Once we parked and got out of the car, the reality of 100 degree highs kind of overwhelmed us. It was really, really, really hot. Within a minute of getting our bags out and applying sunscreen, we were all dripping in sweat. Maybe this wasn't the best day for the beach. But we were determined to make it a fun day. We trudged to the beach, and when we reached the sand, it was so hot, Bria had to be carried to the water so she wouldn't burn her feet. (Like, legitimately burn them. Sam took a couple steps without his sandals and his feet were burning all day.) The first couple hours were a hot, sticky mess. The water was super crowded, the sand was hot, and we started thinking "why do we even like the beach??" but then a giant and lovely, puffy cloud crept up on the sun and gave us the most wonderful cover. Instantly perfect beach weather. The rest of the day was lovely. We stayed at the beach until 8:00 when we brushed off, packed up, grabbed some dinner, and made our long trek back home.

 Wish I had gotten a better shot of her (above) jumping into this pit some other kids dug out. She spent a good chunk of time lounging in it.

Mangum Mania 2012: The End

Let's finish this up, shall we?


As with any family reunion, we set up for family pictures.
I'm so glad Sam caught me making this awesome face in one of his test shots.


Apparently it was a fluke. I was able to look like a nice person when it came to the real thing.


A shot with all the grandchildren is a must (sad to be missing Jen and the kids and missionary David in all these pictures!)


Then obviously things led to planking.


And Tebowing.


And owling.


Which led to Matt trying to plank on the ladder and almost breaking his back. No biggie.



And as all Mangum family reunions end, there were closing ceremonies where we all received awards.

We headed out the next afternoon. Unfortunately a massive storm along the entire East Coast led to a five hour delay. Bria was a trooper, entertaining us and many other passengers with her skills and antics.


 



When we finally made it home, we were exhausted. But we're already looking forward to 2014!

Mangum Mania 2012: Roundup

The rest of the reunion was mainly spent at Sam's parents' house: adults chatting it up and kids running around like crazy. 

This was a common sight (everyone on their phones):

A lot of Mangum Men sitting around talking. I would bet money the topic of conversation was sports or movies.

Sam's mom also organized some awesome games for the kids to play, with exciting prizes. 

We also hit up the pool at the local YMCA one morning, which, for Bria, was nearly as exciting as the park rides the previous day.

And of course I have to mention the Shipley's Donuts we ate at Matt's house that possibly changed my life. (Seriously, how am I supposed to survive without Shipley's??)
 

Mangum Mania 2012: Day Two

Our first full day there we spent at Kemah, down on the boardwalk with lots of scenery, restaurants, and amusement park rides. It was the perfect size and proximity to Houston for a day trip. There were plenty of little kid rides for Bria, and a couple more exciting things for the big kids and adults too. Plus, there was always someone taking a break from rides for me to chat with, since I'm weird and won't go on rides. (they all make me dizzy or motion sick. I'm such an old woman. boo.)

Running to tell me all about the ferris wheel...

There was only one small meltdown when Bria was not tall enough to go on the big spinning swings. A quick $3 for a game instantly cheered her up and won her this pink dolphin she named Susie. Whenever she felt sad about being too small for a ride, she gave Susie a quick squeeze and then found a different ride. (Man, I wish every meltdown were solved so easily . . . )

Jenn took her on the train. I don't know, do you think she may have liked it? (seriously, click on that one to see the look on her face.)

 

Seems holding Trevor's hand at reunion is becoming a trend...

Riding with Myles and Trevor. She absolutely adores these two.

And of course Bria was completely tuckered out by the end of the day.

*and because nothing can ever be drama free, the excitement of the day was on our way to Kemah when we were driving our rental car behind an 18-wheeler, and one of its tires flew off. Sam, the ever-cool driver, was forced to drive right over it (I probably would have swerved!). All seemed normal at first until we heard weird sounds and pulled over. It ripped the bumper almost all the off and cracked the fender. After talking to the rental company, Sam and Matt pulled the bumper the rest of the way off, we continued our way on to Kemah (adrenaline pumping), and traded the rental in for a new one the next day.