Dauphin Island

We have a bit of beach fever.

So today we headed to Dauphin Island for a change of scenery.

As usual Grace and Faith headed straight for the sand and water.

While Benjamin hung out in the shade.  

On our way home we even managed to spot a rainbow peeking through the clouds.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

An afternoon at the local beach

I miss the beach.  We live so close that I couldn't let another day pass us by without hearing the sound of the surf crash and burying my toes in the sand.

So we took an impromptu visit to our local beach and enjoyed a picnic.

Then we spooned shovelfuls of sand onto our bodies.

And rinsed our toes off in the water.

We chased the birds for as far and as fast as we could run.

Then we heard the unmistakable sound of the ice-cream man.

So we purchased and devoured our treats.

And thoroughly enjoyed our spontaneous beach day.

A trip to the museum

After our cousins left I decided to take my kids to the museum.

They are used to interaction that we just had to get out of the house.

Much to our surprise, there was a giant sandbox under a tent outside for the summer exhibit.

It was right up our alley.  My kids adore the sand.

We played there for over an hour building sand castles and tearing them down.

Then we headed inside to cool off.

Even then my kids were bouncing all around.

So we stayed for another hour.

Until Benjamin decided he had had enough.

And was ready for an afternoon nap.

Dress up

One thing all kids seem to have in common is the love of playing dress up.

From fire fighters to princesses.

It's a joy no child can resist.

Alligator Alley

We took all the children to Alligator Alley today.

And we started by holding a 2 year old baby gator.

Luke bravely held him.

While Faith gave him a little pat on the back.

Stephen was fearless, too.

Benjamin was more curious than anything.

Then we were able to see other reptiles.

Like monstrous snakes.  Grace was adventurous as always.

So was I.

David is absolutely fearless.

Benjamin was quite frightened.  He just buried his head and pretended those giant snakes weren't there.

He didn't like riding on the tortoise.

Faith refused to hop on but she did consent to touch him.

Then we saw an alligator snapping turtle.

After that we checked out the numerous resident alligators.

We fed them.

And watched them eat.

Then we settled for a snowcone snack before watching the gator feeding and heading home.  How exciting.

A little wedding

Our cousins are in town!

And what better way to start their stay than to have a little wedding with an orchestra?  So everyone dressed for the occasion and the celebrating began.

Stephen announced to us he was going to marry Grace first.  Then Luke was going to marry Scarlett.  Then Stephen was going to marry Faith.  Grace objected quite vocally and said that if Stephen was going to marry her and Faith then he needed to marry Faith first so she could be his last wife.  Because Stephen is going to be her best friend forever.  My how those little minds work.  

Nanna and Gran

We went to visit Nanna and Gran today.

Benjamin made himself right at home on Nanna's lap.

We enjoyed great conversation and lots of hugs

Before we had to go home.  Grace didn't want to leave so maybe we will come back again soon.  We love Nanna and Gran to pieces.