PB II

 Day 4 still. Dan and the kids built kingdoms and attempted knocking each others down. The beach was certainly less satisfying under the weather conditions. So we headed inland to Lulu's for some fun and grub.

 Ryan braved the Mountain of Youth by wearing a harness and climbing up to the top.

 It was a very hot day, but he climbed all the way up with no complaints.

 Conquered it!

 Thumbs up? Sure, why not!

 On the way home we caught the signs we missed on the way in. But I didn't see a Mississippi one. Guessed we overlooked that one.

 We had a great trip. Certainly it was worth the drive. 4 days there was the perfect amount. I did have to do laundry 2 days in because no towels or suits could dry in the humidity. We were happy in Pensacola, but I can see why folks would choose Gulf Shores over it with the wider shore line and many more opportunities to eat and shop and sleep right on the coast. It was especially fun for the kids to have their friends with them on the beach and fun for us to have extra adults around to supervise and chat with at dinner.

Macey was very glad to get home. She missed her toys! And Megan. Always a fancy dresser, she got all dolled up after getting home at 8pm.

Pensacola Beach

 We start with Macey in her dress, which is backwards and her knee socks. Isn't she lovely!

 We were on the road by 6:15. We had a 10 hour ride ahead of us. We were caravanning with our friends the DeLucias. They were stopping over at the beach before heading on to Orlando.

 This is a rare sight. Our kids do not often sleep in the car, but if you take away every form of entertainment they do occasionally give up!

 We had some delicious meals while at the Gulf Coast. This bowl of goodness was $60 and easily fed 4 adults. It was labeled a platter for 2, but you'd have to be very hungry or have a fridge at hand for leftovers for that to be true.

 Saturday we found ourselves on the beach. The parking was free and close to the shore. The beach wasn't very crowded to us. The first day by the water had calm waters and scattered clouds to keep it cool.

 Ah, but it was the day of the annual airshow. Great! Except it went on for 3 hours and we couldn't swim during that time.

 We did have excellent seats. Too bad the kids lost interest.

 They would dutifully turn around and watch when told to!

 The show was very good with many stunts, planes, and maneuvers.

 3 hours on the beach and your going to build a castle.

 And take at least one picture of the wife...

 Our beach buddies.

 Sweet moves.

 Sweet dreams.

 When we got back in the water Dan became the Great Hunter. He collected fishes and crabs for the kids buckets.

 Ryan's prize.

 Macey loved being in the water with daddy.

 Brothers!

 Dan getting buried by the little ladies.

 The boys finishing up the job.

 A tasty family...

 A rainbow. We could see storms up and down the shore, but only a few sprinkles came our way for 3 days.

 Another day at the beach.

 Another burial.

 On day 3 we did some extra activities. First was mini-golf.

 Sister loved golfing even if it was hard.

 I'm not sure where Macey learned how to golf, but her stance was twisted and crazy. She did learn by the end how it was done.

 When you lack skills, just smile and nod!

 The last time we had a family picture of us mini-golfing, Macey was riding in a pouch on my front 3 years ago. I wanted another picture for comparison.

 There was an arcade attached to the golf place. Dan impressed the boys with his Ms Pac Man skills.

 He is amazing. I'm such a lucky girl. ;)

 Later on day 3 Dan rented a kayak. Ryan went first.

 Peace!

 Alex rode during the middle section, and then Ryan had to ride back to dock it. The rest of us hung out on the bay side playing in the sand and water.

Day 4 brought us back to the beach. This time the storms found us. The wind was wild and the surf strong. We spent a few hours on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama, but gave up just as a down pour came and drove us off the beach.

July Stuff

Ryan found 2 grasshoppers in the yard and brought them in as pets. They were living in the crab aquarium. It was convenient that the crab was molting and not hanging around. They finally escaped and wandered the Lego city ruins in the boys room. One was found and released the other is still lost.

You don't think that dead grasshoppers give off much smell, do you? Anyhow, Ryan would pet and carry this beast around.

 Macey was also able to enjoy these lovely creatures.

 Ryan has shown an interest in wood crafting. I got him a few of those Home Depot kits and he has been working on them slowly.

 This will be a picnic box. He is carving out the Superman symbol and flames on the sides.

 Here is Macey's baby Rapunzel that she really wanted!

 Here is Macey the NEXT day crying at Toysrus for this Unicorn on a stick. Sorry sweet cakes; your birthday is coming!

 If you take all the kids electronics away, they do know how to play together. Alex has become a recent owner of an IPod and I have lost nearly all control over the gaming in my house.

 Cub Scout camp. Alex has the tall black socks on at the archery range.

 I got to go to camp for 2 days. It was hot, but really satisfying. I got to be with the older kids and it wasn't stressful or hard. We had fun playing games in between activities. It was fun being with the boys. I'll miss them as they go off to boy scouts.

 That same week I had two other kids home sick. This pink puppy showed up on the front porch on one of Macey's sick days. She was very happy. Well, she was somewhat less grumpy I guess.

 This is my 'Rabbit' salad. I laughed and had to take a picture of this artful meal I had at the cheesecake factory. I went with a new friend to celebrate our birthdays, they being the same week.

 ANOTHER birthday party. We have had a slew of parties lately. This event was for our good sports buddy Andrew.

Ryan enjoying a big brother party. He got to tag along and was thrilled about it!
This skips over my birthday, which was a truly wonderful day with my children and husband; the 4th, which was another great day of swimming and dinner with friends and fireworks; the sickness that had attacked everyone but me; my finally getting a big girl cell phone!
We are getting ready to go to the beach! Hoorah! It will be a long haul to reach a coastal water; I hope it is worth it!