Day 4: Did we mention it’s NYE?

There was a fireworks show at the wharf this evening—

Most of us watched from the house

But Jack and Mom decided to take the golf cart for a spin

And find a better space to watch

It was a good show!

Although it was weird to not have music with it

And it’s only 7:00

But it was actually perfect.

They picked up the rest of us in the golf cart

And we headed down the beach to The Black Marlin

For our fancy New Year’s Eve dinner.

Then it was back to the house

For some games and a toast at midnight

Welcome, 2026!

 

Day 4: Let’s catch some fish!

We were up before the sun

And drug ourselves to the wharf to meet our captain—

We have a whole day of fishing in front of us!

But 6am came and went

And no word from our captain.

Then it was 6:15…and 6:30…

And clearly we had missed something.

So luging a lot of disappointment

(Mom was holding out hope, though!)

We headed to a local coffee shop to drown our sadness.

But then,

Just as our coffees were brewed,

We heard from our captain!

Miscommunication…

We’re meeting at 9:45!

Hurray!

Well, since we’re up,

We might as well go to the beach for sunrise.

It was beautiful

Sunrise crew

I mean,

If you accidentally get up super early,

You might as well have something to show for it!

Most of us headed for a nap.

But Jack and Mom decided to try out the golf cart

On Beach Road

Before we knew it,

It was time to meet Captain Brian.

We set out on his airboat to catch some redfish.

The fish were EVERYWHERE

And we managed to land some of them in the boat.

Beckett had the first catch

Weston had the first one big enough for the box

We were all hungry for a catch

Wes brought in another

Before we moved to another spot

Tucker got one that was a bit small

But we kept trying

Another for Beck

And then for Tuck

Jackson landed a spider crab

And a baby red

Tuck, with the assist from Beck,

Brought in a drum

We moved to one last stop…

And Mom brought in the biggest of the day

How about THAT fish?

We heard a lot about what makes fish bite

(It’s too bright, not windy enough, high pressure…),

Were called Yankees a handful of times (but “the good kind of Yankees”),

And heard a bit more about politics than we probably would have liked

But it was a good day overall.

Thanks, Captain Brian!

Between the zippy ride and all the fish,

We had a blast!

That’s one for the books

About 28 pounds of fish to get cleaned!

 

Day 3: Port A, here we come!

We left Austin this morning,

Grabbed our groceries,

And landed in…

Well, to be more specific,

We FLOATED to Port A—

Here’s our ferry picture

And here’s our view

Crazy, right?

A bucket-list experience for us!

Then it was just 2 short miles to our awesome house

With the warmest pool we’ve ever been in

This week is starting out juuuust fine!

Headed South

Mom’s working holiday is done…

Which means we’re headed for our winter break vacay!

We’re headed to Texas,

Which means we had to stop at the infamous Buc-ee’s.

It was truly everything Jackson and Weston said it was.

We get it now.

Such big fans

We needed the onsies.

Our first stop is Austin.

Dad has wanted to visit for years

And it was time we made his dream come true!

Our first night we had some dinner at Moonshine Grill,

Watched some football, and made some new local friends

including Owen—originally from Olathe!

The next day we hit the streets of South Congress (SoCo)

For some coffee, snacks and shopping

We spent a lot of time

At the original flagship Yeti store—

I mean, they had a Yeti cooler foosball table

Then we went to a brewery that advertised 120+ arcade games…

But they had 2 machines with 60+ games on them.  Weak.

But the drinks and snacks were good.

Dinner was at Terry Black’s—

One of Austin’s favorite BBQ restaurants.

Michelin even visited them.

Seating was crazy…and then Mom snagged us the best seat in the house,

Outside by the heaters, the perfect place to gorge on brisket and ribs.

We got back to the hotel in time for some Monday Night Football

And family game night…

Which called for a snack run to the funky convenience store across the street 

We were up bright and early on Tuesday

For a quick trip to the capital

(Jackson’s request)

Before we finished our trip south…

Christmas means family

We gathered for some food,

And of course, presents

Cooper bought his cousins gifts this year!

Thanks, Coop!

Merry Christmas from the Woods/Reeds/Klusmeyers

And all the Reeds!

 

It’s Christmas!

First, 

A Christmas PJ picture on the stairs

Next,

Santa’s gift!

We’re headed to Phoenix in a few weeks!

Thanks, Santa!

Mom and Dad and our brothers

Got us some good stuff too—

Fishing rods

And more fishing rods

Fishing bags

Ski gear

More rods

And a fridge for college.

What a haul!