The first thing we saw upon arrival (besides the Flora Bama being right next door to our condo) were the double red flags. These were placed by the Escambia County Health Department in Alabama and that meant "NO SWIMMING" in the ocean. I couldn't imagine a beach trip with no ocean, so we were thrilled to see people actually IN the water. We were right next to the Alabama-Florida state line so we decided to follow Florida's single red flag instead--meaning "open for business." We weren't the only ones!
Our neighbor, the Flora Bama. MC said it was so sad that the Flora Bama people stayed up all night and then had to sleep all day
Breakfast on our 15th story balcony
Nothing says "welcome to the beach" like double red flags
Thank goodness for our next door neighbor, Florida! We can swim in the ocean!
The brave ones entered first
Walking to Florida
This is what you call a long distance call! Cole is in Alabama while MC is across the state line in Florida!
Our castle built by sand, a little water, some shells, and lots of love!
Cole loves the sand most of all
MC is a pro looking for shells (and tar balls)
MC was obsessed with the tar cleaning stations located on the board walk. Any little bit she found was immediately soaped, scrubbed, and rinsed off
The inside pool was another great place to relax
Lovin' the hot tub
We spent our days at the beach and at the condo pools, but at night, we loved going out for dinner and shopping. We loved Calypso Joe's so much last year that we came back. The crowds were down this year, so we didn't have to wait to eat! One night, we made the 35 minute drive to Pensacola to eat at one of our favorite places- McGuire's Irish Pub. This was the first trip for the kids, so they loved adding their dollar bills to the vast collection! Judd and Cole were nice enough to let the girls spend some time shopping at the Wharf and Outlets in Foley.
Crab races at Calypso Joe's are the best!
Feeding the fish at Orange Beach Marina
Cole loved riding the ferris wheel at the Wharf!
So did the girls!
Dad--not so much!
Mom and Dad's favorite Pensacola place
Show me the money!!!
Dollar bills cover the walls, ceiling, and every empty space at McGuire's
Cole writes his name on a dollar
Getting ready to put these dollars on the wall
Double Decker fun
Mom and Mae Mae
Dad and Cole
The girls found time for a little shopping and a little Juicy Couture!
One of the kids' least favorite beach activities is getting dressed up and going to the beach for pictures. The sun manages to be in their eyes no matter which way they turn, no matter what time of day we go. Each year, they become more cooperative and I get faster with the camera! One day, they will be glad they have all these special pictures.
Orange Beach, 2010
No matter what, we have each other's back!
You grew in my heart...
This photo captured their personalities more than any other. While one walks the line and isn't afraid to step out, the other is much more reserved and cautious. But he is ALWAYS watching over his little sister.
Walking along the shore
For our last night, we met the entire Wilson clan at Lulu's in Gulf Shores. Everyone was there except Bob Bob and Mama Charlie, who were on their European vacation. We had fun playing with cousins, visiting with siblings, and savoring the yummy food at this popular restaurant. We enjoyed live music while we ate. It was a great time of food, fun, and fellowship with family! Thanks to everyone for meeting us there! Once we got back to the condo, we went crabbing on the beach. It was more difficult to spot the crabs this year, but we found a few little guys!
Cole and Mac enjoy their time together
MC loves catching up with the girls
Catching Mr. Krabs
Here we are...all 4 sons and their 4 wives and their 9 kids. This will definitely be Bob Bob and Mama Charlie's Christmas card pic
1 comment:
Martha Ann, It took me the better part of two hours to get caught up on the blog. I've been seeing the Father/Daughter Ball for awhile now. Good pics and good comments.. Kemper's little friend did a good job as a photographer. The family photo came out well, except for the fat guy with pasty legs next to Judd.
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