We just got back from a great trip to the beach. My mom takes me and my brother and his family every year. We look forward to it so much because we get to spend extended time with family and cousins, relax, and eat good food. We go to Fort Morgan, near Gulf Shores, Al where we stay at the Martinique on the Gulf. It is sooo nice. We stay in one of their houses walking distance from an awesome pool and the beach. We hardly ever leave the premises once we get there. We did go out to eat once for lunch at LuLu's, a must if you are in the area. The food is great and the atmosphere is nothing but fun for the kids. We met my friend, Ginny Gaberlavage with her kids there. They happened to be down at the same time. It was fun to see them and catch up with Ginny while the kids hung out.
The same day we went to The Track where they have go carts, bumper boats. etc. This is where Olivia, Emma Grace, and Christopher did the Sky Coaster! It was a thrill for sure! After you are harnessed in, you are pulled up in the air where YOU have to pull a cord to be released. Gravity does the rest. Christopher had the job of pulling the cord and I am so glad... I don't know that Emma Grace would have pulled it. Emma Grace was saying her prayers all the way to the top so everyone could hear. So typical of Emma Grace... she lets it all out. Christopher wasted no time... he pulled the cord as soon as they reached the top! They all loved it and wanted to do it again. I am glad they could all do it together because if they had wanted me to do it I think I would have thrown up.. Kate and I watched and took pictures from below.
I decided to take The Help to read while on the beach. I know I am a little late on this one but I thought, better late than never. I had heard so much talk about how good it was, I figured it would be...and it was. On our first trip to the beach I looked and Joy, my sister in law had brought the same book. I saw several others there reading it as well, so I guess I wasn't as late as I thought. Good book that I think every Southern girl needs to read. The movie is coming out in August and I can't wait to see it.
Other highlights of our trip were our crab hunts at night and finding a pet turtle crossing the road. So cute.. I guess that is better than running into an alligator as there were signs up that warned not to feed the alligators on the same walk to the beach. We have been going to the same place for 6 years and we have never seen one so hopefully they have migrated somewhere else for the summer.
This trip is also a time to reflect on the things that have happened over the past year. I also realize how fast my kids are growing up remembering what they all looked like the year before when we were there. They are all growing and changing so much. I am very blessed and so thankful for them. I am also thankful for the challenges in my life even though they are hard, I know that is God is "pruning" me and making me stronger and molding me to give me perseverance and character. Still I admit it is no fun but I will be thankful anyway. I am in God's hands and that gives me peace. I am looking forward to what the next year will hold until the next trip to the beach, as I know so much changes in a year.... the kids will be another year older and I anticipate good things to come. I think of this verse....I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11-13. God is good and I know that down deep in my soul. That is where I find rest from all that overwhelms me. Thanks for another great trip GG!
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| Finding critters in the sand. |
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| Having a blast! |
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| About to head to the beach to do some crab hunting. |
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| Watch out fingers! |
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| EG and Olivia |
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| Sky Coaster |
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| Christopher and Sam- good buddies |
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| Shaving cream war |
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| Good food! |
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| Getting ready to do some wave jumping! |
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| Uncle Harry and Christopher |
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| Turtle friend they found crossing the road |
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| The whole gang! |
