The Moen Moments: Gulf Shores

This was our very FIRST family vacation and the kids' very FIRST time to the ocean! On a whim, we boarded the dogs, packed up the Honda and headed south, to the beach for the weekend. The 5 hour drive seemed to go by fairly quick as we enjoyed seeing the small, Alabama towns and the beautiful terrain. The kids slept, ate, fussed and played games the whole time. We arrived just after dark Friday night, but just in time to check into the hotel and head out to the beach for "Ghost Crab" hunting with flashlights and a bucket. We got to bed late that night, but it was SO worth it! E in bed with us and H in the living room of the suite. Saturday morning we headed out to the beach early (as most families with kids did), claimed a spot in the sand and played all morning. E and H weren't too sure of the active water, but loved playing in the soft, white sand. After a few hours we decided to pack up for lunch at the National Annual Shrimp Festival...a huge arts, crafts and food festival walking distance from the hotel. We had amazing coconut shrimp, saw some beautiful (and crazy) artwork, played games and decided it was time to head back for a much needed nap (and beer!). While the kids slept, Dr. M watched the MU/UA football game and I enjoyed some uninterrupted time on the beach, alone. After naps, some more time playing in the sand and a short wait at a local restaurant, we had dinner over-looking the beach and sunset. After dinner, we strolled along the shore until it got too dark and settled in for an early bath and bedtime for the kids, while Dr. M and I sat on the balcony sharing a bottle of wine. Sunday morning we were up early and back on the beach. This time, E was much more excited about the water, running and playing in it, chasing the seagulls and hunting for seashells. After just a couple hours, it was time to pack our things and say goodbye to the ocean. After stopping for a seafood lunch, we headed home in time to pick up the dogs. It was a short, but very sweet trip....one we hope to take annually now that we're this close!

The drive down...