Grace is bendy just like her MeeMee

Grace is quite flexible.

Apparently, that is an inherited trait from her MeeMee.

It's not from my side of the family.  My bones definitely don't bend like that!

Estuarium

Today we went to Dauphin Island.

Specifically to the Estuarium.

It was our first time to visit.  And it was amazing.

There was plenty of room for Faith to walk around.

And all kinds of interesting things to explore.

We could even touch some of the preserved animals like this sting ray.

And like this tortoise.

Who knew pufferfish could be found in Mobile Bay?

And octopus and squid?

We saw tiny seahorses swimming around.

And this cute little guy.  It had the most amazing blue eyes.

Every corner had something new to observe and learn about.

We were fascinated by this octopus.

I've never seen one so close before.

Grace was really sweet and helped keep Faith entertained.

Actually, Faith was easily entertained with the fish.  In fact, we all were.

And we found all sorts of unusual things to interact with.

After today, Grace may grow up to be a deep sea diver.  Or marine biologist.

She still has some growing to do though.  Right now she's barely as big as a redfish.

Her Daddy's almost the size of a dolphin.

Much too soon it was time to leave.  But first we got a souvenir penny.

It's a small obsession I've passed on to Grace.

Then we went for a quick stroll outside before everyone's blood sugar crashed.

All I had in my purse were mini Oreos.  Note to self:  Mini Oreos are exceptionally messy in the hands of a 1 year old.

We brought a close to the day by sharing a nice seafood dinner at the River Shack. 

Beach trip

We drove to the beach today.

Today is Faith's 1st birthday.

How old are you Faith?  One.  That's right!

Faith had a great time playing with MeeMee.

MeeMee had just as much fun.

Faith is finally beginning to enjoy the sand.  I think.

Of course, having someone hold her out of the sand helps.

Grace, on the other hand, loves to get dirty.

MeeMee and Pappy just enjoy being with family.

What a great day.

Faith! That can't be comfortable!

Faith woke up during the night and cried herself back to sleep in less than 5 minutes.

When I came in to get Grace ready for school this morning, this is how I found Faith sleeping.

Her bottom on the mattress with her feet propped up the bumper pad.  The rest of her body folded nearly in half!

And holding onto her toes while snoring ever so softly.  It's amazing the positions that my little ones can sleep in.  And it's memories and photographs like these that I will cherish always.

An Arabian princess rides a camel

Grace has a pretty vivid imagination.  And so does her Pappy.

This isn't Grace riding on her Pappy's back.

She's an Arabian princess riding her camel across the desert!

Fishing with MeeMee and Pappy

We decided to go to the pier today and enjoy the outdoors together.

And try a bit of fishing as well.

It was so beautiful out.

Pappy sat for a while pondering.

Meanwhile MeeMee tossed the castnet a few times trying to catch some bait.

Pappy decided to get some exercise, too.

Then we caught our first fish!

Grace showed us how big it was.

Then she helped her Daddy set that fish free.

Faith convinced MeeMee to get her out of the stroller and let her walk for a while.

And Grace fished some more.  She has progressed to the adult rods - with real hooks!

Then she swung her rod back and exclaimed, "Look guys!  I caught a bait fish!"

Next, Grace insisted on taking a few photographs of everyone.

And MeeMee and Pappy along with Grace, Faith, and David piled onto a bench to enjoy the sunset while waiting for another fish to get caught on a line.

The sunset was beautiful.

But the time spent with family was the highlight of my evening.