~The Newest Guest Blogger at Suitcases and Sippy Cups~
I have a weakness for lists, especially travel lists, and it seems I passed my enjoyment of ticking off the completed adventures onto my oldest son. 101 Places You Gotta See Before You Are 12 has become his traveling guide over the past several years, and with the “deadline” to see them all just six months away, he has really stepped up his efforts to make sure the list is complete.
It has really been exciting to watch him take charge of planning outings to meet the goals in the book. A passion for traveling is certainly taking hold in him, and it seems like he might also share my passion for writing. This week he asked me if he could start writing down his adventures from the book on my blog-and of course, I said YES! I’ll take any excuse for him to string together complete sentences, and I am excited that will have another way to share our travels.
A Lighthouse: by an almost twelve year old traveler.
~Port Isabel Lighthouse~
Where am I? Port Isabel Lighthouse near South Padre Island, TX
Why am I Here? I’ve come with my family to South Padre to see the release of the baby Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles. While we were waiting for the turtles to hatch, we were looking for things to do, so we stopped at the lighthouse. It was the tallest thing around, so it was hard to miss.
~Me and my brother at the top of the lighthouse.~
What’s so cool about it, anyway? The only thing that was really cool about the lighthouse was that it was built on a hill that was great for running up and down. The rest was a yawn fest. The views from the top were pretty great.
Well, did you learn anything? This is the only lighthouse people can tour in Texas. I also learned that if it is hot outside, it is really hot inside a lighthouse. Believe me.
~My whole family (except my dad) at the top of the lighthouse. Don't worry no one fell.~
What should other kids know about visiting? Wear summer clothes and try to be at the front of the line when you are climbing so you don’t have to look at your brother’s backside on the way up. Also, there’s an ice cream shop right across the street.
Rate it on a Scale from 1 to 10. I’m giving this a 3. It was hot and a little boring, but I liked the views.
My mom had a thing or two to say about our visit the Port Isabel Lighthouse.
I love your review of this! Sounds like something I would say! I can tell ya, I'd think it was a yawn fest, too… but at least you can check it off the list now.
I loved the pictures… I hope you guest blog again soon! I'll be checking in to see because your post made me laugh. I love your honesty!
Lived in Texas and have never made it to South Padre! I love lighthouses and must try to get down ther eone day. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I live in Texas too and it is super hot in South Padre. I would love to see the Lighthouse, but I would have to only stay a few minutes, too hot for my taste. I bet the views are worth it, glad you enjoyed that part of your adventure. 🙂
Oh no, my oldest is already 12! I'll try out the recommended book anyways with hopes for the younger siblings. Thanks for the post. I'll show it to my boy in hopes that it inspires him to write.
Great guest post – I was quite surprised to hear of a lighthouse in Texas! Good luck completing the checklist before your birthday! 🙂
I am so glad that the book inspired you to travel: that was the point! I loved hearing about your adventures and hope to read more of them! I was keeping a blog about our own family's adventures for a while and hope to start back up in another form at the end of the summer. In the meantime, you can check you the old one here: http://thewanderlists,com. Enjoy your adventures! Joanne O'Sullivan, author of 101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12!