ORANGE BEACH, AL VACATION - 2008

We left for our annual family beach trip on the 24th and returned on the 30th. It was quite an adventure. Nana and Gramps get an awesome condo every year at the Phoenix IV on Orange Beach. Our condo is ground level and literally five feet from the pool. It is gated too, which is perfect for small children. Anna Reese didn't sleep the first three days. How we all survived that is still a mystery :) She was nicknamed "WC" while there...stands for "wild child." HA-HA!!! Gramps asked me if she had webbed feet b/c she just adored the water. She played (over and over) the 1, 2, 3, jump in the pool game. She learned that on the count of 3, she had to hold her breath to go under. So precious! She wasn't crazy about the ocean though. The noisy, powerful waves scared her at first, but once Daddy and Mama took her out she was fine. As far as the sand is concerned, well, she ate it. Ugh! We will be glad when the hand-to-mouth phase is over with. I feel like I'm raising a lab all over again...LOL It can cause much panic. Her second day there she slipped on a concrete step and skinned her nose...so in the rest of her pictures, she does look like rudolph, but a cute version I must say. She enjoyed playing with her cousin Walker a lot. They played in the play-pen quite a bit. It was great to see her enjoy herself this year b/c last year she was only three months and clueless. It's amazing how much children change in one year! I've posted some pics from last year too...

We also celebrated Nana/Gramps' 4oth Wedding Anniversary. We had a cake made and gave them a picture of all the grandkids. Mauri said one grandkid for every 10 years. We grilled fresh fish, had steamed shrimp and other goodies. We didn't go hungry!!! It was a great, special occasion. What a blessing!

Leland, AR's other cuz was actually only three months this trip. We are looking forward to the circus coming to the beach next year. Can you imagine...a 13-month and two year old. GOOD TIMES!!!!

PS...her hair is growing, I promise! I'm aiming for a bow by Christmas.

Take care!