Gulf Shores 2012, a set on Flickr.
For our family vacation this year - we went to Gulf Shores, Alabama. There were 16 of us so we rented a beach house. Those who went included me, my hubby, 4 of our kids, son-in-law, grandson, my hubby's parents, sister, brother, brother-in-law and 3 nephews.
Places we traveled from - South Dakota, Missouri, Louisiana and Texas
Weather - It rained most days while we were there but not all day. We still had plenty of beach time and we went on a dolphin cruise. The only thing the boys didn't get to do that they wanted to was para-sailing and that was just because we waited to late in the week. The temperatures were in the 80's and some 90's. After several 100+ degree days this summer and a drought - I found the rain and the temperatures quite nice.
Silliness - There was lots of laughter and silliness throughout the week. We laughed until we cried. A couple of the things we laughed about were the boys creative and silly answers while playing Scattergories. Foot cramp and belly flop talk while watching the 2012 Summer Olympics. And on the way home Brad saying 'Chickasaw' over and over (you had to be there). Fun times!
Nature - Jellyfish - There were a few jellyfish stings. One got in Seth's swim trunks. You know that had to hurt. Dolphins - on the cruise and ones we could see from the beach. Mole crabs - something I had never seen before and didn't know what they were. They look like little shells until you see them bury themselves in the sand. Pretty cool to watch but then I am easily entertained. Also saw a couple of sand crabs, a few lizards, some stingrays and several large schools of mullets.
The water and the beach - When we first got there the water was pretty calm and we set up our beach stuff not too far from the surf. By the last day we had moved back several 100 feet and the waves were much bigger. The first day or so we were able to just float around on rafts and relax in the water. Later in the week the waves were a lot of work. The kids (young and old) had a great time riding the waves though.
Sand - This is one thing that would take getting used to if you lived at the beach. It gets everywhere! All over the floor, on the couches, in the beds, and in the showers.
Food - We mostly ate at the beach house and made several trips to the grocery store. It is amazing how much food 16 people can consume. But then again we did have 5 boys with us ages 12-18. We did eat out a couple of times. I think my favorite place was Gulf Shore Steamers. Great seafood!
The House - This was my first time to stay in a beach house. I could really get used to it! I loved being so close to the water and we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. A very different atmosphere than a condo with lots a people and crowded beaches. The house had 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Plenty of beds for everyone but at least one person usually ended up on the couches, each night, for whatever reason. The house was a bit run down. I guess mostly it was just well used. We added our use to it too - so all was good.
Lessons learned - do not speed on Beach Blvd! On our first day I got stopped for going 53 in a 35 mph zone. Luckily the police officer was very nice and only gave me a warning. I didn't speed the rest of the week and don't think anyone else in our group did either. I guess the warning worked.
I personally had a wonderful time on the trip. It was great to spend time with family we seldom see and I always love the beach. I did not want it to end.
For our family vacation this year - we went to Gulf Shores, Alabama. There were 16 of us so we rented a beach house. Those who went included me, my hubby, 4 of our kids, son-in-law, grandson, my hubby's parents, sister, brother, brother-in-law and 3 nephews.
Places we traveled from - South Dakota, Missouri, Louisiana and Texas
Weather - It rained most days while we were there but not all day. We still had plenty of beach time and we went on a dolphin cruise. The only thing the boys didn't get to do that they wanted to was para-sailing and that was just because we waited to late in the week. The temperatures were in the 80's and some 90's. After several 100+ degree days this summer and a drought - I found the rain and the temperatures quite nice.
Silliness - There was lots of laughter and silliness throughout the week. We laughed until we cried. A couple of the things we laughed about were the boys creative and silly answers while playing Scattergories. Foot cramp and belly flop talk while watching the 2012 Summer Olympics. And on the way home Brad saying 'Chickasaw' over and over (you had to be there). Fun times!
Nature - Jellyfish - There were a few jellyfish stings. One got in Seth's swim trunks. You know that had to hurt. Dolphins - on the cruise and ones we could see from the beach. Mole crabs - something I had never seen before and didn't know what they were. They look like little shells until you see them bury themselves in the sand. Pretty cool to watch but then I am easily entertained. Also saw a couple of sand crabs, a few lizards, some stingrays and several large schools of mullets.
The water and the beach - When we first got there the water was pretty calm and we set up our beach stuff not too far from the surf. By the last day we had moved back several 100 feet and the waves were much bigger. The first day or so we were able to just float around on rafts and relax in the water. Later in the week the waves were a lot of work. The kids (young and old) had a great time riding the waves though.
Sand - This is one thing that would take getting used to if you lived at the beach. It gets everywhere! All over the floor, on the couches, in the beds, and in the showers.
Food - We mostly ate at the beach house and made several trips to the grocery store. It is amazing how much food 16 people can consume. But then again we did have 5 boys with us ages 12-18. We did eat out a couple of times. I think my favorite place was Gulf Shore Steamers. Great seafood!
The House - This was my first time to stay in a beach house. I could really get used to it! I loved being so close to the water and we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. A very different atmosphere than a condo with lots a people and crowded beaches. The house had 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Plenty of beds for everyone but at least one person usually ended up on the couches, each night, for whatever reason. The house was a bit run down. I guess mostly it was just well used. We added our use to it too - so all was good.
Lessons learned - do not speed on Beach Blvd! On our first day I got stopped for going 53 in a 35 mph zone. Luckily the police officer was very nice and only gave me a warning. I didn't speed the rest of the week and don't think anyone else in our group did either. I guess the warning worked.
I personally had a wonderful time on the trip. It was great to spend time with family we seldom see and I always love the beach. I did not want it to end.
