Gulf Shores, AL (Bucket List Special Edition)

Words cannot even describe how much fun we had on this trip!! We stayed in a house (for 7 days) with Virginia, Amy & Daxton right on the beach and it was such a dream for us and the kiddos! Here is the trip in pictures (because it is so much easier to explain)!


The boys riding the luggage cart at our hotel in Birmingham, AL. After about 8 hours we were done and ready for some sleep. We woke up the next morning and drove the additional 4 hours to our beach house. 

The kids were in awe (and honestly so were John and I) with our place and the ocean/beach. It really was breathtaking.

Our first two days were spent at the beach taking it all in! What we didn't know, but quickly found out, was that the jellyfish were out in full force. The kids were all playing having a great time when Daxton ran out of the water saying he got bit by something! Right after that Johnny came running out saying he got bit. We soon figured out that jellyfish were the cause. John headed to the store for vinegar and luckily that took care of most of the pain. 

Our first dinner out was at a local restaurant called King Neptune's and it was fantastic!! The 45 minute wait was totally worth it. I sat in the car with the kids while they watched a movie and it was a win-win for everyone. 

Our kids decided that 6:30 was a good time to get up each morning (I think mostly due to the fact that we live in Eastern time and Gulf Shores is central time) so one morning I corralled them into our room to play with their busy books. 

Souvenir shopping at Souvenir City.....the most chaotic store I think I have ever been to.

Lunch at LuLu's did not disappoint either. It even had activities for everyone obstacle climbing rope course, arcade, gift shop, sand volleyball and at nights there's even live music. 

Johnny tackling the smaller course...

John & Mellany taking on the adult course

Coolest Nana ever!! Playing sand volleyball with her boys!

The arcade was perfect during the rain storm

We took a boat tour to spot dolphins and after about 45 minutes of not seeing anything but jellyfish, we found a large group of dolphins. It was sooooo neat and the kids couldn't have been more excited. 

Mid-way through the week Amy & John took Daxton & Mellany to the local waterpark and Virginia & I took Johnny & Charlie to the beach for the morning. Mellany ended up having to cut her trip short so John took Johnny back to the waterpark and this girl and I headed out for a little shopping. Nana enjoyed some peace and quiet with a sleeping Charlie. 

A walk on the beach later that night...

Can you see the jellyfish in the water?

Daxton's catch of the day :)

Nana helping clean off shells

The following day we took an air boat ride in Mobile about an hour away. It didn't take long to find this "little" fella.....we named him "Albert". It was seriously incredible to see him swimming alongside the boat like he did. 

After the airboat ride, we drove over the interstate to take a look at the USS Alabama. Johnny was in HEAVEN! The size of the ship is just incredible. We didn't go in because we had heard it was extremely hot in the ship but just looking at it from a distance was awesome. There were other military vehicles on the site as well and those were just as neat to look at. 

Our last day at the beach. 

And wouldn't you know it, there's a Lambert's in Gulf Shores, AL. We always visit Lambert's while we are in Branson but had no idea they had one outside of MO let alone right where we were visiting. So of course, our last meal was at the home of the throwed rolls! 

Daxton and John competing in thumb wars

The drive home couldn't have gone better. In fact, everyone was doing so well that we traveled the 12 hours all in one day. We woke the kids up out of bed bright and early and in their jammies and we finished the day by putting them into their beds at home, fully asleep. 

I just love this family of mine! The kids thought it was so cool that daddy was sitting in the back with them.

It was truly an amazing trip and something I definitely think we will do again!! The beach was fantastic, the food was yummy, spending time with family was awesome and the memories we made are ones we will never forget.