May 29 – “Day fif-leventy: Is it Sunday yet?”

We started with yet another early morning yesterday.  It was our “Welcome to Galveston” day for the Waco-ites, so we had to go fishing.  I was pleasantly surprised to find getting bait a very easy task.  I fully expected the Memorial Day crowds to scarf up all the bait.  But there was not even much traffic.  Guess the tourists are waiting until today to get going.

 

Josh, Caleb, and Zak got up to join me for the fishing trip.  And we were not disappointed.  We pulled in three reds, tow big speckled trout, some sand trout, and a few croakers.  The younger crew showed up later (Luke and AnnaGrace).  Luke reeled in a monster piggy.  The highlight of the day, though, came when AnnaGrace reeled in her first fish ever.  She was using her little two foot long princess rod and reel set.  We were all yelling encouragement, then congratulations to her.  She was beside herself with excitement.  I loved her comment: “I want to catch another one.”  And a fisherwoman is born.  Thanks, brother Zak, for you help snagging the critter for her.

 

By the time we got back to the house, we were joined by all the LaMarque cousins.  After a quick lunch Josh and I went to get Cailyn.  And what do you think ensued then?  Cousin Chaos, of course.  All ten of them together again.  The mountain of stuffed animals was strewn all about the house.  A game of Twister adorned the kitchen floor.  Video games resounded from DadDad’s office.  Chicken strips and corn dogs were heating in the oven.  What day is this?  Cousins inside.  Cousins outside in the back yard.  Family. 

 

We spent the evening hours at Nathan’s house in Santa Fe.  They have a pool in their yard, so that was an overpowering draw.  We were sad to see them leave Galveston, but we are certainly happy to see them have room for entertaining friends and family, two boxers, chickens, and now two goats.  Maaaa.

 

Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

 

Father, thank you for family.  In the end that cousin chaos just shows they are healthy and happy.  Amen.