To The Beach

This weekend, we decided to go to the beach. SG has been asking for weeks, "can we go to the beach?", so we decided to head out to the gulf coast.

Our destination was Gulf Shores, Alabama. Usually we go to Destin, FL, but decided to stay a little closer for our first venture out with both of the kids. This was MM's first trip to the beach. She loved it! SG had a great time and has a savage tan. I am so glad she got those jeans from her father. Now, MM on the other hand took after me and has lily white skin.

Now, what is it with children and the beach! They just can't get enough. No matter how blue they are from the freezing cold water, sunburned, or full of sand, they do not want to leave. Sand can be in every crevice of the body, but it makes no difference, they don't want to leave.

A couple of highlights and then I will share some photos. I had the BEST steamed shrimp and crab legs at Gulf Shores Steamer. I will drive down there just to have their steamed shrimp and crab legs again. I grew up eating boiled shrimp, but these steamed shrimp put boiled ones to shame. Next highlight is the view from our room. It was spectacular! We were right on the beach.

Can you believe this is what we saw each morning we woke up. How splendid!

The only regret I have is where we stayed. Although it was nice, there was something I did not like about it. I just can't put my finger on what it was. Our accommodations were at the Phoenix All Suites Hotel. It had everything we needed, but something was just off.

The Beach Babes:







SG was so enamored with the "old school" souvenir shop entrances.

Pajama Party

I came across this cause and am very excited about helping out. It is called the Pajama Program. All that they ask for is a pair of pajamas or a book. Who doesn't want a good book or nice warm PJs? I challenge everyone out there to send a pair of pajamas and a book.

They have many chapters in the US and a couple international, which include Canada and Australia. If you find a local chapter, get involved locally!

How about plan a pajama drive party!

"It's easy and fun for all ages! PJ drives can happen almost anywhere - homes, offices, retail stores, spas, and throughout towns and cities. Drives can be organized by almost any group - Scout troops, churches, synagogues, teachers, seniors, day care centers, libraries, performers or any group you belong to or are aware of. You can even have a birthday party for your child and ask your guests to bring a pair of new PJs to the party!"

Weekend Getaway

Over the weekend, we decided to take a trip over to St. Francisville, LA. In addition to going to the town of St. Francisville, we stopped in Jackson, LA to visit the Feliciana Cellars Winery. Our outing was just splendid.

This was our first trip with both of the girls. I feel bad for the baby because she has not been anywhere. SG is only 2 1/2 years old and she has been out of the country twice and I think her trip total is up to 15 (with most of those being on an airplane).

St. Francisville is such a lovely town. They were having the 36th Annual Audubon Pilgrimage. Of course we did not get to go inside the beautiful homes, but we did get to see the outside of such beauties. The town was just picture perfect with white picket fences. It makes you want to move there and live a simple life.

Here are some pictures to show what a lovely time we had.

Feliciana Cellars Winery

Everyone taking a turn on the tree swing.

This is part of what used to be the West Feliciana Railroad. "One of the South's earliest railroads. Ran from St. Francisville, LA to Woodville, MS. Idea conceived in 1828 as a means of transporting cotton to river. Chartered in 1831. Completed in 1842. In use in Illinois Central system until abandoned in 1978."




This is Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church c.1871. It was built from plans by General P.G.T. Beauregard. We attended mass here.









Just a cute shot of the girls from the weekend. Yes, I had them in matching tops. As a parent, I never imagined I would do such a thing, but here it is documented.

Take Stock

As I was lying awake in bed this morning, I was thinking about all the money we spend on baby and child products. It comes to a lot of money on a select few items. I should probably buy stock in a lot of these things. Here is a sampling of the items I spend tons of money on:

• diapers
• baby wipes
• Band-Aid brand bandages
• antibiotic ointment
• gas drops
• infant Tylenol
• infant Motrin
• crayons
• books (but, not any one particular publisher)
• stain remover
• stickers
• sticker remover
• nite-light bulbs

I know there are tons more items, I just cannot think of them at the time of this posting.

Mom and baby: Flappers

One Day Soon

I am in the planning stages of my blog. One day soon I will go live and be up and running. I am transitioning from another blog host. Be patient and I will be online.