The girls have been so excited to go to the beach! It is bitter sweet since when we ask Leia her favorite times with papa she consistently tells us the beach; I want her to remember the fun at the beach with Papa. Mimi and Papa has taken us every year and the grand-girls were concerned since Papa went to heaven they wouldn’t get to go this year. Of course, Mimi ensured them that we would still get to go and we all packed up to enjoy some sun and sand.

Waking up at the beach, listening to the wave’s crash into the shore, sipping coffee makes for a peaceful start to the day (especially when most of the house is sleeping). Even on the first morning of vacation the day of the week was lost in our minds. As the girls began to wake up (or coming down, they seldom slept past 6!) the chatters filled the house with laughter and joy. I could not help but think back to last year, making plans to return this year never imaging Papa would not be with us. It made me more grateful for the memories and time together. We are so blessed to get to go on vacation together and share these special memories.

Sweet Sara road with Ivy most the way, she is a good helper in the car to entertain Ivy. Leia was mesmerized by the Barbie movie on the DVD player in the Tahoe most of the trip. We drove down with minimal stops and made it to “The Gulf” for lunch on our way in town before heading to our beach house. The atmosphere was fabulous however there was not very much seafood choices for a tourist joint on the beach but what could be expected when the anti-seafood individual picked the place 😉

Our breach house this year … lots of fun! The girls loved the top floor and jumping on the beds while looking out, sharing the toys they brought together, crafting and playing with play-dough, running up and down the steps (Ivy made us a little nervous since some of the steps were open), spraying the hose pipes to ‘rinse off the sand’ or just at each other, swinging in the hammock, jumping in the pool, falling asleep in the same room with the television on, and more throughout the week.

Katie LOVES the beach and the sand. Sara and Leia were liked it but seemed to prefer the pool without all the icky sand sticking to them. Ivy could not stand the sand touching her! However, she was as happy as she could be when she was not touching the sand or colder water. It is safe to say visiting the beach is a nice getaway but only a few days for our family. There is no place like home with the green grass, big shady oak trees, and colorful flowers.

Dinner at Lulu’s Sunday night. What a cool atmosphere and delicious seafood. We sat near the play area for the girls and got to people watch as we sat enjoying fellowship.

Mimi treated Chris/Lisa and Mark/Stacy to date nights while we were on vacation plus took all the grand-girls to “Alvin Island” for a surprise. Somehow, the girls ended up getting to pick two surprises there and getting treated to yogurt. They were so excited getting to look through the whole store and picking whatever they wanted out! The yogurt place was the best one we have been to for kids! They gave each of the girls a cup of treats and there were lots of toys and activities to keep them entertained; we will be going back there again next year and recommend it to anyone going to Orange Beach.

Thank you again Mimi for taking us to the beach, lunch and dinners, special treats, and continuing to be a rock for our family; you amaze us with your strength and faith! We love you bunches!!