Rosie's and a First

Our final destination was Huntsville, Al where Matt's parents live.  

We visit four times a year and in the summer two things are guaranteed:

 a trip to Rosie's and swimming in the pool.  

Here is our traditional Rosie's picture:

And some individual "poses":

Wyatt unfortunately takes after his mom and is a wiener when it comes to jumping.  After a lot of coaching from Daddy and Grandma,  Wyatt jumped off the diving board!

Elated that he overcame his fear? I believe so!

Gulf Shores

We rented a little KOA Kabin for two nights in Gulf Shores, AL. The cabin was located by the bay and had a beautiful view.  I really hate staying in hotels and this is a step up from tent camping.  The cabin had AC and cable T.V.  Shameful!

 You may remember that we were here back in 2010 right after the oil spill.  This trip was more enjoyable, less oil, and older kids makes a big difference!  Good friends were also vacationing nearby and we spent a day with them visiting, eating, and jet skiing.  The second day we hit the beach solo and here are some pictures of that day.

Luke wrote his own name in the sand. Prepping for kindergarten!

Wyatt spent all of his time in the water "surfing".

Luke wanted to be buried.

Madeline spent most of her time searching fro creatures!

Sand Castle complete with shell accents!

And the only picture you will see of me on the beach!

Louisville Slugger Museum

We took a vacation last week to Gulf Shores and to visit Matt' family.  On our way down we stopped at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory Tour.  The boys are on summer baseball leagues and we thought that they would enjoy it.  Actually, the whole family had a great time and it was an informative and entertaining stop!

Madeline posing with Babe Ruth with her souvenir bat.

Wyatt at the batting cage.

Luke admiring one of the Lego stadiums... I have no idea which one!

Rosie's ReVisited

It is tradition when we are in Huntsville visiting family to dine at Rosie's and if I have remembered my camera to snap a picture at the fountain.

2010

2012

Horsing around. This what my kids do best.  Last year Luke jumped in because he thought it was a "swimming pool".  On one of our first trips to Rosie's several years ago Wyatt took a wiz out here.  My father-in-law was horrified.  Memories.

Let's Go Camping!

We went primitive camping last week for two nights at Mammoth National Park and had a blast! Matt, Wyatt, and I went camping with friends seven years ago so it is safe to say that it has been awhile.  My friend Mary loaned us some gear and helped me get organized. Mary and her crew are master campers. Her best piece of advice? Don't forget the scooters!  

Deer visited our site several times and were not afraid of my loud and rambunctious kids. Amazing!

Luke helping set up the tent.

So will we primitive camp again? Yes! Matt and I made a list of things that worked, those that did not and gear that we would like for the next time. There is nothing like falling asleep to the sounds of nature and waking up to a crisp fall morning with hot chocolate and pancakes over an open fire. After the initial set up there was a lot of time to relax and just enjoy each other.  

Dino World

On the way home we stopped at Dinosaur World at the Cave City exit in Kentucky.  The kids always talk about how they want to go there and we went.  It is not worth the money and my mission in life is to never return.  Luke was terrified of the fiberglass beasts and he was the main reason why we went as he was absent from the first trip.  Our first trip was four years ago when I was as big as a dino just weeks away from Luke's arrival. 

  The Fossil Dig