Sand Fest 2009

Trav, Emma, and I drove down to Port A to go to the Sand Fest. The Sand Fest is one of the largest sand sculpture competitions in the United States. There were "master" sculptors from Canada and Europe there competing. We met up with Trav's mom, aunt and uncle and stayed in the SandCastle Condos--which were right on the beach and just a short walk to the competition. We were worried that there would be terrible thunderstorms all weekend long, but the weatherman was wrong and we had perfect weather!!! Trav's mom and aunt were more than eager to take care of Em while Trav and I hung out at the beach---we really appreciated the extra set of hands and we know that Em enjoyed the extra attention!

Emma's toes touching the sand for the first time. Like everything else in our little, laid back girl's life, it did not really faze her.

Happy Beach Girl

Emma and her Daddy

She LOVED our daily walks to the beach---there were sooo many things to look at and listen to.

No child was harmed in the taking of this picture :)

Perry the Pelican that lived on the pier :)
Introducing Emma to the Ocean
Connie and I talking to one of the sculptors. I was very interested in their "real job" and how they came up with their ideas. This man had made a clay model of his vision. He worked in the wood restoration business in Manhattan, NY.

Trav thinks this picture is HILARIOUS. I was caught off guard by a wave---the water was super cold. Nothing like wet jeans at the beach!!!

All of the sculptors took part in creating the piece behind us. It was quite impressive.

Check out Emma G's flipflops---I know...not very practical, but sooooooo stinkin' cute!!!

Trav and Em sleeping in---the clock says 10:11. We usually do not have Em sleep with us, but she woke up crying at 6 am (first time since she was 1 month old) and we blamed the pack-n-play's hard mattress. So...we laid her down with us and she was out for the count!!!

This is what it looked like at 8am on the first morning. I was sure that it was going to pour and stay really windy, but the rain never came.