Moments to Remember

Last week we had the opportunity to vacation in Orange Beach, AL with our family. The day we drove down was the day that Tropical Storm Lee hit the Gulf Coast of AL. Luckily, the drive was pretty uneventful until we made it to Orange Beach when the first drops of rain began to fall and the winds picked up. We were on the side of the street right next to the bay, and at times the rain was so intense that you couldn't even see the water. It was like a gray sheet was hanging right outside the window. The winds were also SUPER strong and I kept getting scared they would suck the kids away when we stepped outside. (A little paranoia on my part and OBVIOUSLY not a legitimate possibility, but I was scared, nonetheless).

This was the boys first trip to the beach, so I was a little nervous about how they would like it and if it would be worth the effort to take 2 toddlers. Thankfully, they both LOVED it! J was a little shy when it came to getting in the the water, but E loved rolling around on the sand as the waves broke on the shore. It was so fun to watch them both have SO much fun! They apparently needed a break as much as much as we did because E made comments over the first couple of days like, "Momma, I love you SO much (as he sweetly laid his head on my arm)! Now for those of you who know E, he is not usually that verbally sweet or affectionate-totally opposite of his brother-but it was so sweet to see him this way and have such a good time.

We videoed E and J's first beach experience. We took them down to the beach immediately after dropping our bags in the room. You could see the beach across the street from the hallway in front of our room. They had already caught a glimpse and were DYING to get their feet in the sand and water! Ok, who am I kidding? It was ME who was DYING to get my feet in the sand and water. Whatever the reason, we rushed over there and they were in awe.

I built them a turtle out of sand (something I remember my mom doing when we were younger) and wanted to take a picture of them in front of it....which led to a cry-fest. Sometimes I wish I understood what goes on in those little minds of theirs. What about taking a picture would cause such a reaction? Just thought it was a little humorous.

M soaking up the rays on the beach. The kids played so well on the beach that we were able to relax more than we thought we would be able to. Can we go back?

Ready to swim!

E proving that he is a boy after my own heart. He LOVES order maybe even more than I do. I get it, E, I really do. Order allows us to relax and enjoy, strange as that sounds.

Since the first few days were rainy, we took the opportunity to take the boys to their first movie - Cars 2! There were only 2 other families in there, plus we loaded up on popcorn and drinks and they actually did surprisingly well. They started to get antsy at the end, but I did too, so I couldn't blame them. They both LOVE cars right now, so I think this was a good movie choice for them!

E loved holding Daddy's hand, running towards the water as the waves receded, then running as fast as they could back to the shore as the waves chased them!

A childhood memory of mine associated with the beach is going to a fair/carnival type place to ride a few rides one night. So we took the kids to a local spot and let them ride the train together and then each choose another one to ride. I couldn't ever get a good shot of J's face :(

For E's ride, he chose the Carousel.

And J chose the Ferris Wheel. He was the only one on the ride and sat perfectly still in his seat the whole time. It was really cute!

I didn't just pick a picture that was good of M and I, I promise. This literally was the best one of the boys too where you could at least see their profiles. M was DYING to wear khakis and a white polo and has an awkward picture taken of just himself on the beach to put on his facebook. As hilarious as that would have been, I refused. (I apologize to anyone who has a khaki and white picture......they are cute, just not for us :)

We had an amazing time at the beach and couldn't believe how well the kids did! The weather turned out to be great at the end of the week and not too hot because of the previous storm. We created many fun memories together as a family and are thankful to get the opportunity to go. What kind of adventures have you and your family been on lately?