Gulf Shores 2014

We went to Gulf Shores with my family the week of memorial day!  It was our first vacation with all my family since Elli and Kensley were just months old.  We were a bit nervous at how it'd be with 5 kids, 4 and under all sleeping in the same condo, but it wasn't as chaotic as we had originally thought (now, add 1 more kiddo to the mix next year and it might be a bit too much).

My parents rode with us on the way down there and on the way back.  We left in the evening and drove straight through the night.  The kids did awesome, but we were all exhausted once we got to the condo.  The kids were so excited to get there!  Here are some highlights from our trip…

Playing at the beach

All dressed up alike to go out to dinner.

I love these next 2 pictures of Elli.  She had such a fun week with Kensley.  Here they are dancing and playing in the sand while we waited for our table at dinner (yes, a huge sandpit AND live music while we waited for dinner….genius)!!

Connor playing in the sand!

Swimming in the pool!  The kids spent every moment possible in the pool or hot tub!  Both kids made great strides with swimming!

Scott and Connor looking at boats while waiting for dinner at another restaurant….

Swinging!  The kids even got some balloon animals while waiting on their food.

After dinner we watched the light show at the Wharf and the kids danced like crazy.  I think this was their favorite place….we ended up here twice that week.  

Notice Avery and Connor….they definitely became best friends that week.  They were so sweet and I loved watching them play together.  Avery definitely has ideas of what they should be doing at all times….he's always being bossed around by the ladies ;) (something he should get used to!!). 

Scott and my dad took Connor to the Airforce museum and Blue Angels airshow.  This was definitely a highlight for Connor and Scott.  Connor (and also Scott) still talk about the Blue Angels and how they flew upside down….in fact, every airplane he sees he refers to a Blue Angel!

Elli putting some lipgloss on Avery before going out….

Dinnertime!  He's such a stud!!

And we were back at the Wharf riding on the Ferris Wheel…..the kids loved it!!

Swimming!  Elli is now no longer swimming with her floaties.  Since Gulf Shores, I can't get her to wear them in the pool.  She does great, but needs to learn how to take a breath while swimming, so she can keep going!

Connor swimming…..he loved putting his face in…(Mom is in the hot tub soaking her back…..Maddy is getting a little to heavy for her).

Playing in the waves at the ocean.  

We had a really great week despite the weather.  It rained for a few days (luckily we had an indoor pool also) and then was sunny for the rest of the week.  We went to a waterpark in the middle of the week, which the kids absolutely loved!  They love going down the big slides!  

Unfortunately, Amber, Scott, Connor and I all ended up getting sick that week.  We decided to make the trip home in one day.  Scott drove the whole way….it took us 13 or 14 hours.  We only made 4 (maybe 5 at the most) stops and our last stop being the longest at probably 10, maybe 15 minutes.  I'm crazy when it comes to travel and don't like to stop.  Hey, I was 30 weeks pregnant and traveling gives me contractions….I was ready to get home!  The kids did awesome on the way home though!

We had a great week and the kids still continue to talk about their week in Gulf Shores.  They want to go back!