110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Pensacola, FL 32508
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Foley, AL 36535
Foley, AL 36535
When we decided to take this trip, one of the things we most looked forward to was having visitors! On Thursday, my parents and my sister, Katie, came into town! We had planned to meet in Gulf Shores, AL, but the RV Resort that we chose was about 6 miles north of that in Foley, AL. It is a small town so my family had to fly into Mobile, and drive to Foley. We met them at the greatest restaurant ever, Lambert’s Cafe! It is the home of “throwed rolls”. They literally throw the bread at you from across the room and we all loved it! They only have two locations, one in Foley and one in Springfield, MO, and it is Southern home cooking at its finest! Scott had to work on Thursday so the kids and I met my parents and Katie there for lunch. It was so good to see them, and they were so excited to hug and kiss the kids! After many tears and hugs, we enjoyed lunch and took them to check into their hotel which was only 1/2 mile from the trailer. After they were all checked in, we had some time to catch up before it was time to pick up Scott and have dinner. Before we found a place to eat we drove down to the ocean to do some shelling. We were a little disappointed in the selection of shells at the beach and the wind was so strong that the sand was blowing everywhere. We still had a lovely time together, and the sunset was beautiful.
The next day while Scott was working, the rest of us went to visit “The Little Zoo that Could“, and it did not disappoint. It was a small zoo that is comprised mostly of rescued animals. There are lots of tigers, lions and tropical birds — all of the animals that people buy and later realize they cannot care for. It was laid out in a path of sorts so making it easy to see the whole zoo in just a couple of hours. It was very entertaining to hear all of the birds say funny things that they had learned from the families that they had lived with. One bird said, “No, No, No” over and over, another said “Uh Oh!” and another sang a song that we couldn’t recognize.
Later that night we hung out in the banquet room of my parents hotel and played board games as a family. There is something to be said for a good old game night! Between the laughing and the competitive natures, and stories we remembered, it made for a fantastic night! My parents reserved a room that had two beds and a pull out sofa so that the kids could stay with them overnight in the hotel and the kids stayed every night they were there. I have to admit it was nice to have some quiet time in the trailer and have some time to work on my latest project, cross-stitch.
The next day we went to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL. It was fantastic. We all enjoyed it, but I think my Dad loved it more than anyone else! There was a ton of information about all of the different aircraft used by the Navy and the best part: it was free! Yes, Free! We spent quite a bit of time letting the kids climb into the planes and pretend they were flying, and we also got to explain a lot about Uncle Keith’s time in the Navy! I think they were able to appreciate his work, as well as the work of all of the armed forces, to keep our freedom in this country. If you are anywhere near Pensacola, the National Naval Aviation Museum is a must see!
The next days were filled with fun! I got to spend some girl time with my sister, which was so great! We went out for sushi, shopping and a movie! Can’t beat that! It was so nice to catch up and laugh at all of the things that have happened to each of us since we have been apart. We all visited the Fort Morgan ruins which were really neat as well. The Fort was in fairly good condition and it is located on a peninsula so when you climb to the top you are surrounded by water! The weather was beautiful, but windy! That was perfect for flying the kites which my parents had gotten for the kids. It was so much fun for them to fly their kites and they ran around screaming and shouting at how high they would go!
The next day, after a round of mini golf at a really cool pirate adventure place, we had to say goodbye to my family. Saying goodbye is the hardest part about this trip. We are having such an amazing time seeing the country and going on adventure after adventure but I find myself thinking, “Mom would love this”, or “my friend would really like that!” I wish I could bring everyone I love with us on this adventure. It is such a blessing and I wish I could share it with everyone I love.
