Today is Labor Day 2014.  Traditionally, Labor Day signals the end of summer, and I cannot believe that summer is already over.  I think this year is going by faster than any year in my 41 years.  Thankfully, the Keck family had a great summer which was punctuated with an exclamation point by our family vacation to Port Aransas, Texas which is right next to Corpus Christi.  It is only a 3.5 hour drive from Houston.

Map of Port AransasMap of Port Aransas As you can see from the many smiling faces in the photographs, we all had a great time.  We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Port Aransas which was great.  The customer service there was outstanding and very friendly.  The twins love staying at hotels and they absolutely loved the hotel pool.

Portrait of Brother and Sister in Swimming PoolPortrait of Brother and Sister in Swimming Pool

Portrait of Mother and Daugter in Swimming PoolPortrait of Mother and Daugter in Swimming Pool Father, Son, and Daughter in Swimming PoolFather, Son, and Daughter in Swimming Pool

Last year when we visited Corpus Christi, we went to the Padre Island National Park and Malaquite Beach which we prefer over the Corpus Christi beach.  We made sure we visited this park again this year, and it is only $10 for a seven day entry pass.

The twins love being buried in the sand. Little Girl Covered in Sand on the BeachLittle Girl Covered in Sand on the Beach Little Boy Covered in Sand on the BeachLittle Boy Covered in Sand on the Beach

Another nice benefit of the Padre Island National Park is that they have a learning center.  Amy found a ghost shrimp by digging in the sand.  The twins learned about the circle of life by feeding the shrimp whom they affectionately called "Ghostie" to the fish in the aquarium.  Portrait of Brother and Sister at Sea CenterPortrait of Brother and Sister at Sea Center

We also had fun around town.

Portrait of Mother, Son, and Daughter in the Mouth of SharkPortrait of Mother, Son, and Daughter in the Mouth of Shark

Girl in Posed Portrait with PirateGirl in Posed Portrait with Pirate

Boy in Posed Portrait with PirateBoy in Posed Portrait with Pirate

Of course, as a photographer, I had to get some beautiful photographs of my family on the beach.  What do you think?  Was I successful?

Brother and Sister Beach PortraitBrother and Sister Beach Portrait Brother and Sister Holding Hands on the Beach PortraitBrother and Sister Holding Hands on the Beach Portrait

There was a family who had taken over one day to complete a "drip" sand castle.  We had to take a picture in front of this monument! Mother, Son, and Daughter Portrait on the BeachMother, Son, and Daughter Portrait on the Beach Portrait of Mother and Daughter on BeachPortrait of Mother and Daughter on Beach Portrait of Brother and Sister Hugging on the BeachPortrait of Brother and Sister Hugging on the Beach

  Little Boy on the BeachLittle Boy on the Beach

Of course, I had to get some photographs of the twins with the best mom and wife!

Portrait of Mother and Son on the BeachPortrait of Mother and Son on the Beach

Mother and Daughter on the BeachMother and Daughter on the Beach Portrait of Brother and Sister Hugging on the BeachPortrait of Brother and Sister Hugging on the Beach Portrait of Brother and Sister on BeachPortrait of Brother and Sister on Beach

Thanks to a camera remote, even I was able to step out from behind the camera and join my awesome family! Family Portrait on the BeachFamily Portrait on the Beach

After being on their best behavior for the family portraits, the twins let loose and let their crazy fun side out of the bottle.

Brother and Sister Acting Silly on BeachBrother and Sister Acting Silly on Beach

Yes, summer is over and school is starting up for the twins.  But I think we will continue this tradition next year! Brother and Sister Holding Hands on the Beach PortraitBrother and Sister Holding Hands on the Beach Portrait

How did you spend your summer?  Did you visit the beach or an amusement park?  Share your summer fun by leaving a comment (or two) below!  Thanks!