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!

CATCHING UP...

Mauri says my blog sux. Okay, so yeah, I'm slacking. I started this blog and then neglected it. I will try to do better. Haven't quite gotten used to all this yet...I mean, it took me forever to agree to do this, and some friends are still on my tail about myspace. Please gals, I am taking baby steps. Give a sister a break!!! A lot has happened since I first created my blog. Aden, Anna Reese's buddy who was born the day after her had his first birthday party. I was successful in eating more than anyone there! Hot dogs, a hamburger and tons of cake. No, I'm not pregnant. Darren and I went to the March of Dimes Benefit at Pan Asia, for its grand opening and had so much fun. It was the first time we had been "out" together in a long time. It is a stunning restaurant and the food is awesome. It is our new fav place!!!!
AR celebrated her first Fourth of July. We went to Lexington to the farm and had Popa Dees' scrumptous steaks and shot fireworks. AR enjoyed every minute. As she was cheering for fireworks, she socked mama in the eye. It was so bad, I stayed in bed the whole next day and my vision was blurry for 3 days. Ugh!!!! I've never been incapacitated due to an eye injury. Bad times!!!
The past couple of weekends, we've gone out on the lake. Our friends, Josh and Jennifer got a new pontoon boat. We went to the Pelican Cove on Sunday and listened to a great band...while sitting in the boat. It was very fun, but extremely hot. Yes, the MS Summer heat has finally arrived. We are leaving for vacation Thursday....beach bound baby! Can't wait to share pics of AR's second beach trip. She may remember this one :)

Some pics of Anna Reese playing outside this weekend. She loves the little pool we got her!!