I've been thinking for a while now how awesome it would be to work toward visiting as many states as possible with the kids before they leave for college. Last year, we started planning a big family vacation with my whole side of the family, and Destin was in the running but due to cost, we ventured a little farther west and settled on Gulf Shores, Alabama. Everyone in this part of the country seems to vacation there, and I knew many friends that swore it was worth the drive, so I was excited to vacation in Alabama for the first time!
After first grade ended, we loaded up the van and headed out bright and early the next day. (Read: 3:00am!!) The drive was LONG. It seemed to take us longer than the GPS told us, probably due to traffic, but it was just an all-around unusual drive, with us getting on and off the highway several times. Strange.
The kids were troopers and we finally made it at the exact same time my parents arrived at the condo. How crazy is that timing?! We had a penthouse condo on the bay, just a few blocks away from the Gulf of Mexico. It was a bit outdated, but the space was amazing. Definitely big for our party of 13!
We hit the pool almost immediately, threw some hot dogs on the grill for dinner (because we didn't want to get back in the car!) and decorated for Megan and Kyle's surprise shower (more on that soon...) on Saturday night. Of course, everyone was pooped from driving so bedtime came a bit early.
The next day was Father's Day. We spent much of the day lounging by the pool, exploring the very small (and perfect for our kids!) beach on the bay, welcoming Megan and Kyle, and then headed out for all-you-can-eat shrimp for dinner. Awesome, huh?
As soon as we woke up on Sunday, we went to the balcony off our bedroom and saw this cool water spout (and another) in the distance. Pretty neat!
The view from our balcony of the bay.
The bay side was shallow with a nice sandbar that you could walk pretty far out of and the guys enjoyed dragging chairs and beer out with them and just enjoying the sunshine. It looked like they were just walking on water. So cool!
If you look closely, you can see Beepa and Gavin on the dock. This was right off the property, too, and where the kids got to go fishing later in the week.
It was really great to be able to celebrate Father's Day with both of the men in my life. That doesn't happen often anymore.
While we were out, we stopped in a gift shop and saw these personalized sand buckets. How strange was this? The names lined up on the shelves perfect for Gavin Jack and Riley Savannah (though not spelled correctly!)
We headed back after dinner and got the surprise shower started. They knew about it by this point, but before arriving at the condo, Megan and Kyle didn't know I had planned this surprise. I sent a text 'invite' to the family letting them know what I had up my sleeve, got some games ready, decor, and ordered cookies from the fabulous Mara (of course!).
It was so special for me to be able to plan this. I hate not being close enough to be a part of the everyday things of her pregnancy, but I can't wait to be Baby Ball's aunt! :)
Time for a quick blogging break...more to come tomorrow.
