Family Vaca!

I'm back from a week at Orange Beach with the family.  The summer I graduated from vet school, my parents decided to rent a condo in Orange Beach for a week of family time.  Cameron and I had just moved to Mobile, my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew were out in Austin, and my parents were in Baltimore for a while (they recently moved to Memphis so they're at least driving distance now!)  Needless to say, we did not all get together very often.  So the beach trip was born.  This is the third year in a row we have continued the tradition.  It was so good to spend time with them, especially my precious 3-year-old nephew, Elijah!

 The beautiful view from the 11th floor of Phoenix West

 the most peaceful place on earth

We played on the beach....

Elijah's own chair...

...unfortunately, turned into the time out chair later :(

Elijah showing us how to play air guitar

it's fun to bury Uncle Cameron's feet in sand

Nana & Gramps are always willing to play

I actually have a very similar picture of Elijah chasing the sea gulls from every other year!

And of course we enjoyed the lazy river & water slide...

Cameron & I ventured off to Bon Secour to pick up some shrimp for dinner.  If you are ever in the area, don't pay a fortune for seafood at the touristy stops.  Head a few miles down Hwy. 10 and you will see tons of signs for local shrimpers.

We've been to "Joe" before, but he was closed today

 This sign was on the other side of the road.  Notice the "Do Not Turn 

Here" - Something tells me Joe & Billy don't get along...

when you drive down a dirt road that looks like this...

with old shrimp boats...

and one of these guys to greet you...

you know the seafood is fresh!

 There was plenty of hanging out in the condo, because anyone who has hung out with a 3-year-old knows their attention span doesn't last very long...

what are you doing, Uncle Cameron??

typical TV trance

pretending to be a "mac truck driver"

 after about 30 pictures, this is the best I got of my mom with a 3-year-old who was not interested in having his picture taken...

We did venture out for dinner a few times...

Elijah & Gramps & Wintzells

Our one family pic at Grazie's

how did parents entertain kids in restaurants before technology???

amazing Italian seafood!

playing in the sandbox @ Tacky Jack's

We had a wonderful trip.  I wish we were able to see Elijah as much as our nephews from Cameron's side, but it just makes these times that much more special.  Can't wait to see everyone again for Christmas!