Our Little Man: Family Vacation 2010...

We had the BEST time on our little family vacation! Luckily, the oil spill stayed away just long enough for us to get our trip in. The weather also cooperated. It rained just about everyday, but it was usually in the morning an by the time we all ate breakfast and got ready the rain had cleared up and it was beautiful the rest of the day. We celebrated David's birthday by going out to eat and shopping at the outlets in Foley. Most of the other time was spent at the condo, in the pool or on the beach. It was definitely full of some much needed family time and R & R!!! Can't wait to go back!!!

Look at my BIG boy and his BIG muscles! He was a champ about these floaties. I had no idea if he would even wear them, but he did without a fight!

Taking a papa ferry down to the deep end. He loved climbing the ladder.

One of our many trips down to the beach. It usually took Nico a minute or two to get used to the sand. Here, he is crying because he wanted one of us to carry him. David talked to him and convinced him to make his own way down to the water. He wasn't a fan of the waves crashing on the beach either.

He loved it once we were in the water...safe and sound on a float...with no body parts in the ocean water. I'm pretty sure he got this from me. I feel ya, buddy!

As you know, Nico loves golf, so we had to hit up one of the miniature golf courses in Gulf Shores. It was hot, but it was fun...partly because I kicked David's butt!!!

On the way back we saw them putting out buoys to keep the impending oil away from the coast. It was so sad to see that it had reached here-our beach-the place we have been coming to since we were little-the place where friends married. The place we love. There was a somberness in the air while we were there. It was like everyone knew this would be the last time we would see the beaches and water as beautiful as they were at that moment. Even in thunderstorms you could find kids running away from the waves and couples walking hand-in-hand staring out at the ocean. The beauty will return, I'm sure of it. It always does.

Kids eating Cheerios HAS to be one of the cutest things ever!!!

"Check these things out, papa."

We did let Nico play on the pool steps without his floaties. He actually wanted to practice swimming. He did so well. He would go under (try to kick his feet) and come up with a big smile on his face. I was most impressed that he didn't choke on water...which meant he was actually holding his breath. He did learn something in swim class!