Beach Drama 2008

Family Beach Trips are always full of ups and downs. This year was no different. . . . .



Let's start with the basic components of this trip:
1. Great-grandparents in their 70s that don't like sun/sand. Check!

2. Father in law who just had knee surgery and no elevator. Check!

3. 5 hour car trip with a 2 year old and a pregnant woman. Check!

4. A condo that ended up being 3/4 mile away from the beach. Check!

It all worked out in the end and we had a great time. We did end up having to leave our original condo in Blue Mountain Beach and drive to Gulf Shores. But, my parents graciously let us stay in their new condo which was actually on the beach. We were a little tight, but isn't that what family trips are about? And, after driving back and forth, we were ecstatic to be able to see the ocean and sand at all from our condo. Thanks mom and dad!





Here is Sophie when we were in Blue Mountain. She is preparing for that first day at the beach. I promise she had a bathing suit on. She has all the necessary items for enjoying a day at the beach. Pink sunglasses, pink hat and a dora towel. What else does a 2 year old need?



I love these pictures of Trey and Sophie. The second one reminds me of Forrest Gump when he and his son both tilt their heads to one side.

Sophie loved playing with all her toys and building sand castles. She did however feel the need to rinse the sand off her hands very frequently! She let us braid her hair almost every day, which I loved!

On the way down to go crabbing!

Sophie thought this was the greatest thing ever to get to put her bathing suit on at night and go down to the beach! She was a little scared of the crabs, but she loved having running around with her net and flashlight. Then we went swimming in the pool, which she was probably even more excited about. Having kids at the beach, although not as relaxing, is very fun. You get to relive your own childhood a litle bit!

All in all, it was a great trip. I sure learned a lot of lessons when booking a condo. Never ever let someone tell you "oh yes, it's within walking distance." Ask them how many steps it is to the beach! Apparently 0.8 miles is "walking distance" to some people. I can't wait to go again next year with our new baby! Wow, two kids at the beach, that will be busy!