Destin Trip - Beach Time

So I am using a new computer for these blogs, and it has resulted in the pictures being loaded backwards, which is a major irritation for me, but not so much that I will completely reorder them.  At least not yet.  This year, our family pictures with "Twig and Olive" were down at the beach in Destin.  Knowing that we were cutting back on many vacations this year, I was excited to plan for a small break of 2 nights down at the beach.  

We drove down early on Saturday and arrived at the hotel around noon.  Since I am in top tier with Marriot, they had an upgrade available that included an "ocean view", but it was not ready until 4PM.  So, not a problem, we can wait for an ocean view room, we drove over to the state park with beach access to enjoy the waves for a bit before our room was available.  This was great, and ended up being our most time on the beach.  Magan soaked up some sun, Davis felt at home in the waves, and Sam was dealing with another horrible case of poison ivy.  Ruby told me that she loved the waves, and she especially liked the "soapy ones", referring to the foam from the waves crashing.  Davis and Belle loved body surfing on the big waves.  Ruby loved picking up seashells and finding treasure, until she picked up a slimy "snake" and decided she didn't care anymore for seashells.  

After our fun time on the beach, we went back to our hotel where our room was ready finally.  And there is a picture below of our ocean view...it was definitely a view...across the 6 lane highway, across the trees on the state park, in a small V in the trees, you could see out on the horizon some blue that was the ocean.  Magan said that at least we could hear the ocean when the door to our balcony was opened, but that turned out to be steady car traffic.  That night we hit Mimmo's Italian restuarant, but we are spoiled with Bertelones in Birmingham...it was good, but not Bertelones good.  

The next morning we visited the Destin church, and sat on the social distancing left side, while the right siders were the huggers.  It was a good service and lesson, but I mainly remember the gentleman that provided the closing prayer and announcements.  He definitely was a right sider, as during his prayer he spoke about us recognizing that we had good immune systems, and this Corona virus was not a big deal.  Which is interesting as so many people have died from it, but to each his own, and I think I got his intent.  Magan and I traded looks after the Amen, both raising our brows a bit.  But then it got even more interesting, as that same man shared news of a potluck that evening where everyone would bring meat and veggies for a big stew.  It was at this point he got very serious, and told everyone to be careful bringing anything with MSGs in it, as that might cause headaches for some of the members.  He then made a simple suggestion that the veggies be organic for the stew.  So weird, and kind of funny, but really not funny.  I left with a good lesson, but not interested in any stew they were cooking up with this group.  :)

We then made Magan's dreams come true with a visit to the outlet stores, but with only 2 hours before we needed to get to our picture session, the outlet shopping was not near enough for her.  While she shopped with the boys for some clothes, me and the girls went to the Disney store, where we had to wait in line to enter.  This was my first experience at waiting to go into a store, and it was about a 10 minute line.  It was then time for the photo session, where we again got Doug for our family.  He was our photographer last year, and it awesome.  I can't share any of the pics, as those are probably christmas cards, but Doug is Magan's celebrity, and she was excited to meet him again.  He did excellent with the kids, and made ruby laugh alot.  He did get me and the boys doing the same shot we did last year by staring out at the water...maybe we will tell him next time, he needs a new trick here, but he does travel the world taking pictures, so may not be interested in our little tips.  

Doug was done with us with about 15 minutes of daylight, and I could see it in Davis' eyes...the need to have those feet in the ocean.  We gave them about 25 minutes to change and play, and they used every minute.  Afterwards, we got cleaned up and went out for an excellent Mexican dinner.  The boys got a HUGE burrito and shared it, and even sharing it, it almost took them both out.  A fun trip...USS Alabama on the way home!

A Fall to Remember

Where do I begin another fun month working from the house?  I love the monthly hodge podge of random activities, as these are often the unplanned craziness that goes on "around the house".  I guess the only thing I specifically wrote down pertains to this first picture below...Little Ruby and her disappearing teeth.  They just keep falling out, and it seems that the tooth fairy is having to come later and later due to kids staying up later and later.  And during one lost tooth day for both Belle AND Ruby...yes, they both lost a tooth on the same night...and they both lost them AT CHURCH, and they both left kid's class at different times for teeth falling out....ahhhhh.  Anyway, on this night, the tooth fairy actually forgot to pick up these newly lost teeth.  This is a rare occurrence, and one that is very upsetting to the tooth fairy.  So upsetting in fact, that the next night, the tooth fairy brought both girls their normal dollars for the tooth, but also with a new notepad and envelope set.  The tooth fairy even drew both girls a cute little fairy picture shown somewhere down below, with a note that explained the tooth fairies lateness on SAM still being up.  

The girls had some dress up days at school, dressing up for Disney Day, and getting to dress up at their teacher one day.  This day almost did not happen because of a hurricane that came through and knocked down trees and power resulting in schools being cancelled for two days.  We were out of power, but only for one day.  But our yard is now full of about 15 downed trees that I slowly am cutting up as I get time.  Anyway, the girls when back at school, did get to dress as Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Sulenski.  

Magan got some visiting time with the Sartin kids this month, and while she was gone, we all missed her, and she had to get our picture as we all waved her goodbye from the front porch.  I am ok with being Mr. Mom, but let me tell you, these kids would not last very long without her.  We had Taco Bell Night, then Pizza Night, then Chili Dog night...It was rough.   Magan tried to get the pantry ready, and asked Ruby what does Daddy cook for you guys...her responses were "scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, fried eggs, chili dogs, and omelets" ...so my skills are very limited.  I did open up a recipe book once during Magan's absense, but there were lots of things to get and ingredients, and directions...I gave up easy...so we just went to Mt. Fuji where I knew we would at least have some vegetables.  Also so glad belle can fix both the girls hair in the morning.  Those kids were great for me.  As for the rest of these pictures...just fun times.  

Youth Group Frisbee Golf Outing

I have taken the boys, then I have taken the girls, we then took the Boy Scout Troop...Who Next?  Church Youth Group Trip!!  After services on this sunday, this group of cool guys gathered together for a picnic lunch at Veteran's park in Alabaster.  After a fun lunch, we set out on the course with the boys in one group, girls in the next, and the Old Goat dads bringing up the rear.  It was a beautiful day to enjoy with our church family, and always nice to sling some discs...even tho I lost my best driver on hole 2 in a small creek...DOH!