Gulf Shores Vacation, August 12-17

We decided it was finally time to take our first family vacation (sponsored by: Ciena - Mel's new employer). It was somewhat of a last minute decision and we got an incredible deal due to the lack of visitors from the oil spill. We also got to take advantage of "fall rates" which slashed the price in half. So by the time it was all said and done, we paid for 3 nights (fall rates). Not too shabby! We stayed at The Beach Club in Gulf Shores and it was perfect for our fam of 4. Our condo had 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and a big balcony. We were on the 17th floor so the first time we brought Alex up to see the water she freaked! She kept saying over and over, "This is amazing! I can't believe how big it is. It goes on forever! " That was definitely a vacation highlight. It is so fun to watch someone you love experience something life changing. Precious, precious memories for sure! We survived the 14 hour drive there and 15 hour drive home too. Our kids were such troopers. They really adapted well, had great attitudes and we just had amazing family quality time (which mommy has been wanting for quite a while). It was a perfect last hurrah before Alex started kindergarten. Now...here are the many, many photos:

Alex's first time to see the ocean:

Carson is ready to hit the beach

Chicks loved his fohawk :)

Carson, 23 months

Daddy & Carson got great ocean time together

Alex wrote her name in the sand

I love this pic of Daddy & Carson. Can you see the seagull shadow on N8's back?

Mommy got a little lovin too

I don't know how we managed to capture this moment...but Carson was apparently still for a split second.

That's more like it

Beach time

Sweet memories

Alex's favorite activity: collecting "she-shells"

Daddy & Carson are watching her in all of these...

In front of our condo

Alex's beach BFF: Kaitlyn

Riding the waves

We managed to get one romantic meal in while Alex watched a movie and Carson napped

Our view from the 17th floor

Our family of 4 (note: it was pouring down rain here...miserable! But worth it.) Daddy and Carson had to head back up to the room-- wish we had more pics with them.

Precious pics of our Alex

This was one of those moments mommy was dreaming of

Alex loved to twirl on the beach

Alex playing in the sand dunes

Mommy & Alex moments

Sharing secrets

Moment in time I will never forget

Love her expression here!

Naughty, naughty girl knows she isn't supposed to get in the water...but how can you get mad at this face?!



Alex's first trip to the beach, 2010

Memories of a lifetime!