Family Beach Trip 2012

We took our family of 6 on our FIRST beach trip ever!   Yes, we've been to the beach before with the kids but never on our own.  We usually go with family or friends.  This was quite a different experience for us as we had to plan everything ourselves.  We discovered that we're not all that great at the planning part.  Most of the meals we brought to make were missing at least one ingredient.  Despite our minor forgetfulness, the trip was wonderful!!

We found a cute little condo in Gulf Shores.  The owner was AMAZING and we were able to snag some extra days for a great price!  The only bummer was that the onsite pool had been flooded by a tropical storm that had just passed through.  So, we were limited to beach play only.

The older three kids had a blast playing on the beach with daddy.  I was able to sneak down occasionally but spent most of the time in the room while one or two of the girls were napping.  I can't say this was all that bad...I truly enjoyed the quiet reading time!

Such a great trip!  We can't wait to go again!  Sunshine asks me every day if we're going to the beach again!

The first evening there we went straight out to the beach to search for crabs...

The second evening...the kids were exhausted.  Bright Eyes and Sunshine (our two inseparable children) shared a bed.  I found them sound asleep holding hands.  My heart melted!...

The third day was full of fun on the beach.  Flying kites, feeding seagulls, riding the waves, and catching z's in the sun!...

The fourth day hubby and the older kids spent much of the day on the beach while I snuggled with Lil' Bit in our condo...

September 2nd - 5th, 2012