Well, it's been about a month and I am finally getting vacation pictures on the blog. I am going to do a short recap of each day, and a few pics of each day. The slideshow is LONG, so I wanted to do just a few of my favorite photos from the week. There are SO many!
We traveled to Gulf Shores May 22-29. This was our first major road trip with 2 kids, and they both did great! We arrived around dinner time on Saturday night (Grandma and Grandpa beat us there...probably because they were NOT traveling with little ones ;) and went for a walk on the beautiful beach. Fortunately for us, the oil from the oil spill didn't hit this area until the week after our vacation, but we are just so sad to think about the devastation along the coast.
Sunday we spent the day on the beach - Emma's first time in the sand! It took her about a minute to decide that she liked it! The weather was perfect all week, and the water was incredibly clear and a nice temperature.
After Connell and Emma napped, we headed to one of our very favorite dinner spots in Orange Beach, Louisianna Lagniappe! Always yummy...we couldn't wait to go! After dinner, we had to run by Publix for a few things, and there was a firetruck in the parking lot. The firefighters were really nice and let Connell sit in the truck and gave him his own red fireman hat! He was so excited!
Monday morning, Dad and Tim hit the golf course for an early morning round. We took the kids to the beach and pool. In the afternoon, Mom and I headed to the Beach Club spa for a little pampering. Mom had a massage and I got a pedicure, an early birthday gift from Mom and Dad. We stayed in for dinner and then took some pictures on the beach and played in the water. Grandma and Grandpa brought Connell a net and he had his first "crabbing" experience.
Tuesday was another day at the beach. We had our routine with playtime and naps so the kids were rested and happy for all of our activities! Tuesday evening we tried a new restaurant we had never been to called Nolan's. We have our faves but it's always fun to try something new. It was good, but we aren't sure that it will be added to "the list!" After dinner, we headed to the little amusement park (rides and go-carts) because they have a "kiddie" area and we figured now that Connell is 3, this would be a big hit with him! It was! It was not crowded so we didn't have to wait for anything. Connell had so much fun...especially on the bumper boats! First, Daddy, Connell and Grandpa rode them and they got all wet. Then they talked me into doing it! Connell rode with me and Tim attacked us! Ha! Really! By the time it was over, I was laughing hysterically (along with everyone watching) and we were drenched! Can't wait to do that again next year. I will make sure to be a little more appropriately dressed for bumper boats!
Wednesday the guys played another round of golf in the morning so Mom and I took the kids to the pool for a little bit. Then we met our golfers for lunch at Lulu's! We love their food and it's such a fun place for kids. Going at lunch is a great idea too since you don't have to wait FOREVER for a table. It's crazy at night!
That evening...the tale of the quest for the perfect photo! It doesn't exist! But we did get some sweet ones! If only I could show you all the silly ones that didn't make the cut...one kid smiles, one eat sands or picks their nose! Oh well! Then we headed to the condo to celebrate my birthday with some yummy cake. We decided to have it the night before my birthday so we would have plenty of time to eat the cake before the week was over...you surely don't want to throw cake away!
Thursday we had a fun and relaxing day (my b'day) between the beach and the pool. Throughout the week, I even got some ALONE time during naptime to lay by the pool and read a book. It was wonderful!
That night, we headed to dinner of my choice! We have gone to Franco's Italian for years...a long time...and this year was just as delicious as any other time. Just to let you know, Tim and I ate at Franco's on vacation while we were
dating. Wow.
Friday was our last day :( so we made the most of it! We played on the beach, swam alot, and as for Connell, ate lots of snacks and even shared a few with Grandpa. That night, we ate at the Beach Club Restaurant which is right at our resort, so very convenient and they have awesome food. Then we went for our last walk to the beach and of course, took some more pictures! It was a perfect week and we really enjoyed our time. Since we've been home, several times out of the blue Connell will say "I wanna go the Beach Club with Grandma and Grandpa." Me too, buddy! I can't wait until next year. We'll be traveling with a 4 year old and almost 2 year old. They are growing too fast...My hope is that this blog will help preserve these beautiful memories. That being said, I should mention that when asked what his favorite part of vacation was, Connell says "the elevator." We stayed on the 17th floor...he was in elevator heaven!
Our local theater runs older movies during the summer for FREE! Connell doesn't remember, but the summer after he turned 1, we went to see a Veggie Tales movie at the free movie festival. This week, Polar Express was showing, so we grabbed some friends and headed to the theater!
Some silly boys - Connell, Clayton, Cole and Jackson
Playing in Chandler's new sandbox
