Giving Thanks in South Texas

My family decided to rent a big beach house together and do a communal Thanksgiving meal. #1 son took on the food planning and meal preparation and the rest of us packed our bags and made travel arrangements.

We ended up with a lot of the clan showing up. Missed one son and daughter in law with two plus grandbabies. The rest of my kids managed to make the big trip. We had DH's mother, sister and family and my best friend all in residence.

The setting was ideal. The houses on this stretch of the beach in Surfside, Texas are all built for big families. The house we rented had enough real beds for everyone (no fold out sofas were used, but they were there) and I know there were enough bathrooms to keep the crowd happy.

Since it was the off season, the beach was not crowded with sun worshipers. The folks in the house right next door told us that they rented a house there every Thanksgiving and had stayed in several of the rentals along that stretch. They had kites.

And not just any kites, but big BIG kites. This one is hard to get the scale on because there is nothing to compare it to, but it was the size of a large finned 50's automobile. We even asked the guy how much it cost. He said he paid $1200 and bought it used! That said, I'm pretty sure I won't be taking up kite flying as a hobby. They kept something aloft most of the weekend and even allowed my little grandchildren to 'hold' the strings and help them put them up. Very patient with the kiddos, these folks.

We had a fun time. One rainy and cold day and the rest sunny and glorious. One night we set up the 100" screen and did an indoor movie night. We saw Toy Story 3 and the kids and adults were enthralled. There was weeping. You know who you are, so just admit it.

We had a great view, wonderful breeze and the best company possible. My only problem with this whole holiday is that the entire family could not make it. But we had a tremendous time together! I highly recommend the beach getaway as a family vacation. Being in a rental instead of one family's home really takes the pressure off a host and/or hostess. Also, being in a place designed for big families meant there was plenty of prep space and serving dishes. It was a win-win.

--Sandee Wagner