Bring Back Big Families

Last week, our last full week of summer, our family of eight embarked on our first big trip together to Corpus Christi, Texas. With six kids in tow, we packed up the car and hit the road for an adventure filled with unforgettable moments. The drive itself was an experience, especially crossing the stunning new Harbor Bridge. Its sleek design and towering presence were so captivating that we found ourselves driving over it multiple times just for the thrill. It’s a marvel worth the trip alone!

Our days were packed with fun. We kicked things off with some shopping, letting the kids pick out books from Barnes and Noble, since we don’t have one where we live. The Corpus Christi Hooks baseball game that evening was a highlight, as baseball always is for us, with the kids cheering loudly, munching on hot dogs and popcorn, and soaking in the atmosphere of Whataburger Field. North Beach offered sandy toes and salty air the next morning, where we picked two bags full of shells and splashed in the waves. Hurricane Alley Water Park was a riot of laughter and squeals as the kids zoomed down slides and floated in the lazy river and splashed their cares away in the kiddie area.

Dinner with my sister was a special moment, catching up over a good meal while the kids giggled and shared stories. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History was a hit the next day, with hands-on exhibits that had everyone from the littles to the “pre-teen” (she is not a child anymore, and she likes to tell us) wide-eyed with curiosity. We wrapped up our trip a few miles up the coast in Rockport, exploring the Texas Maritime Museum and browsing shell shoppes for treasures to bring home. The cherry on top? Blizzards and shakes at Dairy Queen before the drive back. Not much beats a blizzard when it’s 95 outside.

Of course, traveling with six kids isn’t without its challenges. There were a few (ok, several) hotel room tantrums and the endless bathroom trips at the ballpark tested our patience, as they always do. But those moments faded quickly against the backdrop of countless memories we made. From the kids’ faces lighting up for their first trip to a real water park to their excited chatter about shells and creatures and the history on display at the museum, every second of joy outweighed the hiccups. The car ride, though long, was filled with games, snacks, and the kind of sibling banter that’ll become family lore.

This trip to Corpus Christi wasn’t just a getaway; it was a milestone for our family. Eight of us, navigating new places, making messes, and making memories. The Harbor Bridge, the beach, the museums, it all came together to create a tapestry of moments we’ll carry forever. Here’s to more adventures, more bridges, and more love packed into one car.

Want to see some photos from the trip? Head over to Instagram here!