1809 miles and 30 weeks pregnant

That's right. I'm not lying. I rode 1809 miles in the car in less than one week, all while 30 weeks pregnant. We first drove to Knoxville to pick up my parents, then headed to Philadelphia, PA for my cousin's wedding. Then we drove over to Alexandria, VA, where we toured DC for a couple of days. We headed south stopping overnight in Staunton, VA, then back to Knoxville, and home to Birmingham.

Here is my picture diary from the trip:

We had a great time. I'm glad to be home to rest, but I'm definitely glad we took the trip. Seeing my dad experience the Vietnam Wall was an incredible thing (he was front line artillery in Vietnam for 13 months and had friends on that wall). Letting James and my Mawmaw hang out with each another was another great memory. And after many family spats, 25+ hours in the car, three hotels in three cities (and packing and unpacking car at each), and being pushed around in a wheelchair at two museums, I can say that I am thankful that I was able to experience it, even at 30 weeks pregnant. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Beach Bums (or, actually, living like Kings)

I love the beach. I love everything about it. I love the smell. I love the sand (call me crazy). I love the water and the sun. I love it during the day and late into the night. We grew up going to Pawley's Island for three weeks every summer in what was known as an "Arrogantly Shabby" vacation- no air conditioning, no tv, no pool. We showered under the house in an outdoor wooden shower and went to sleep with the breeze coming through the windows. Most people would call that roughing it, but I miss those days. We would stay on the beach all day long. We would come in, eat dinner, shower, and go back out. We would read dozens of books and play cards. But mostly, we learned to enjoy each other and the beach.
Our vacations now are much different. Last week, we enjoyed the high class living at the Beach Club in Gulf Shores on the 16th floor of a high rise condo. We froze in the air conditioning, we had beach chairs and umbrellas set up for us before we even had breakfast, and we watched movies at night. But I still enjoyed myself. Vacation is vacation, right?
The best part of the week was watching James experience the new, fun beach things. And watching my mom, dad, husband, and sister witness it was fun too!!!
So here is a short recap of our Beach Adventure:
cool breeze, hot sun, perfect weather, yummy coffee, independant toddler, outdoor breakfast, warm sand, good books, beach walks, late night swims, mid-day naps, fresh seafood, family game-night, ben and jerry's ice cream, crab hunts... can I go back right now??!?

The cheesy preg shot.

James, Lizzie, and Nana

James and Grandpa: just chillin'

Big Swimmer

James loved to jump down the sand hill...check out the concentration on his face!

so handsome

Family of 4!

Beach, Lulu's, and Airplanes

We had the opportunity to spend the last weekend in February at the beach at Gulf Shores. The weather was beautiful (72 degrees) and James could hardly stand the excitement. He wanted Daddy to build sandcastles (so he could destroy them); he drove his little yellow truck around and buried his Little People and threw sand everywhere. He was WILD!

We went to Lulu's for dinner, and our server was this beautiful girl named Anna. And James was in LOVE. He was acting so shy and coy; he was pulling on his sweatshirt and looking down at his feet! But when she would walk away, he would call "Anna! Anna!" It was sweet. Finally he really started flirting-giggling and talking...the whole bit. She finally brought him a little cup with whipped cream and a cherry from the bar. He loved it.

On Saturday, we drove to Pensacola and spent some time at the National Naval Aviation Museum. James loves airplanes, and was amazed the moment we stepped out of the car. We started looking around, and noticed that some of the airplanes' cockpits were open. Daddy asked a tourguide if we could sit in them. "Well, we figure if the Germans and Japanese couldn't hurt them, you can't either!" he said. So James had a great time sitting in the planes, and pretending to fly them. I hope we can make it back this summer, and take Grandpa with us.