We just got back from an awesome beach trip. We had been planning a trip, but there were alot of loose ends, due to the fact that William's job at B,E and K was coming to an end, and he was not sure where he was going next. He found out about a job in Mississippi through a co worker, and went down with him to apply. He passed all the tests, and was ready to start as soon as his drug test came through ok (Cross fingers!!) In the meantime, we had been researching several different vacation locations: we had originally planned on Gulf Shores because we love going there. But then we found out our pastor's family was going to Mexico beach, FL the same time we were planning on going, so we tried to coordinate a trip with them. When William got called to Mississippi, he said maybe we could go to Biloxi, MS since it is on the beach. After many hours of researching condos, motels, beach houses and the like on the internet, we finally decided on Gulf Shores. The condo we had been interested in had only one week available in October, and it was the one we needed. Thank you God! William realized that it was only a couple of hours from Gulf Shores to Pascagoula, MS, so we decided to take 2 cars and he would leave from the beach to go to his new job when they called. We threw all our stuff in the cars, and tried not to forget anything. It was defintely a rush packing job. We were able to get our friends the Lamberts to take care of our pets, so we were ready to go. William did not hear from the job in Mississippi, so he called them on Wednesday. They said his test had not come back yet. On Thursday, William got a call from another company, Lavender, that is in Northport. The job they are doing is actually at the same oil refinery he was working for with B, E, and K. But this job will be more permanent and, unlike the MS job, ALOT closer to home. Praise the Lord!!!! So we got to enjoy a vacation at the condo we had originally selected, which was a great price and location, and he left a day early to come back home and start work. The condo was right next to Sea and Suds restaurant, which we loved because we could walk to dinner insead of driving. We also visited DeSotos' Restaurant, which William likes because you can get home cooked vegetables for sides instead of just the usual coleslaw/baked potato/fries/salad options. And of course, we ALWAYS get gumbo, no matter what seafood place we choose. But we forgot they don't serve hushpuppies. That should be against the law. How can you eat seafood without hushpuppies?
I got up a couple of mornings and walked down the beach to the pier. It was not quite a mile each way. I collected a ton of shells, and other "sea stuff". The weather was cool, but still warm enough to swim.
The kids spent alot of the days at the beach and the pool. There was a blue heron that came up to beg from the fishermen, and Bailey and Noah got close enough to have their picture taken with him. They also, fed the seagulls, and swam with millions of minnows. William caught several different fish, and just avoided stepping on a couple of rays or skates. We remembered to use sunscreen, and avoided any bad burns.
It was a really relaxing, fun trip and we are thankful that God allowed us the time relaxing together.