Our little family along with my in-laws, niece and nephew traveled to Gulf Shores for a week vacation. We stayed in a relative's home not far from the beach. Louie's two great aunts and grandmother also joined us. We took turns cooking dinners and took several afternoon trips to various places nearby when we weren't at the beach. It was definitely nice to get away from our everyday routine and schedule and the kids had fun together (when they weren't disagreeing with each other LOL).
Louie and I had never been to Gulf Shores. It was really a nice place to spend a family vacation. Lots of restaurants, shopping, beaches, and family entertainment spots. Our trip was outside of tourist season so I am sure it can get pretty crowded on the beaches during the summer.
The cousins
Father and Sons prepping for their fishing
Our first attempt to hit the beach turned out to be a short visit. The ocean was rough and the shoreline was covered with palm size, purple jellyfishthat washed up. I took the opportunity to snap a few pretty photos and then we headed back.
Beautiful scene
These jellies were scattered all over the shore and prevented us all from getting too close to the water
Nana and her older grandbabies
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
While the ocean was still rough we took the kids to the zoo and had a wonderful time. This zoo is often called "the Little Zoo that could", but it was the perfect size to spend a few afternoon hours and get to see everything.
The zoo offered 2 "encounter" activities; the first was 1-on-1 playtime with baby cub tigers (unfortunately you had to be 4 and older), and the second was playtime with lemurs. I was a bit skeptical at first thinking that Bella would be ok with being in a cage with baby lemurs, but as soon as she saw them she told us she wanted to pet them. Louie and Bella along with Kim and Cameron went inside the cage with a trainer and 4 baby lemurs. It was so much fun to see them engage and react to these baby lemurs; they were gentle but a little jumpy. They fed them treats and played with their toys.
I love Bella's face in this photo!
Bella didn't like it when the lemur came up behind her.
Stopping for a quick rest with Grandma Banes
Feeding the goats
The Beach
When the ocean finally let up and calmed down enough to be able to swim we took the kids to a state park where there was a beach with a fishing pier. Louie, his dad and Wesley fished off the shore while we played in the sand and swam in the ocean with the kids.
Beach Beauty
Making sand castles
Pawpaw in his glory
Deep Sea Fishing
This day was started out good; we got to the dock in time, got what we "thought" were good seats, enjoyed the leisure boat trip out of the inlet.... then it got rough.... really, really rough. Lets just say, the dramamine did NOT work, and now I am taking a long break from eating any bananas. The unfortunate result of the trip and fruit our labor did not bear ANY fish to take home.
Major. bummer.
Dolphin Tour
My second boat trip was MUCH more pleasant! We all hopped on a pontoon boat and took a two hour tour of the inlet and we got to see a few dolphins in their natural habitat.
Enjoying time with her Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Wesley
Such a beautiful day and a relaxing ride
Night out - sans kids
Mom and dad gave us kids a couple of nights where we could slip away and go enjoy some time at a nearby restaurant and bar called The Hangout. We chatted with our server and found out that in the early summer this place has a huge Music Fest that is always packed out. Several big name bands come from all over to play here on the beach. Louie and I have agreed to check this out one year!
The Last Day
It was another fun day at the beach. We spent most of it in the water because it was a warm day and the ocean was so clear that you could see the fish (and in Louie and Wesley's case, way out, a shark and some sting rays!) at your feet. Bella and Cameron enjoyed some bubble wands that Aunt Geraldine gave them.
We look forward to our next beach vacation...hopefully it will be at a beach, far, far away.... Greece maybe? :)
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