Only 383 pictures at the beach- PART 1

I’m alive and well.  No one panic.  It has been a while since my last post, but we have been at the Big Pond…aka Destin.  Now normally we go in July on the annual Anthony Family Vacation which started back in 2007, but this year was different.  Since mom got sick we didn't plan a trip right away, but by February she was trucking along quite nicely so we decided to go on with it.

We left on Friday, May 30, and headed to spend the night at Puddin’s Jackson house in order to break up the trip a bit.  On Saturday morning it was game time.  If you travel with me you need to expect some things.  First of all, I pack WAY TOO much.  I do.  It’s a problem, but I can’t stop it.  Secondly, we will leave early… like don’t plan on sleeping in or I might bang pots and pans in your ear.

We set off before 7:30 AM headed for Mobile.  We always, always, always eat lunch on the way to the beach at a neat little spot.

I think driving/riding pictures are appropriate.  A principal once told us at a staff meeting to “document, document, document”, and I document our lives through pictures.

 First Stop: Felix’s in Mobile, Alabama, for lunch.

 We rolled into Destin around 2:30 that afternoon and the cousins wanted to play on the beach, in the pool, and attack each other on the couch!

 Bitty was playing Hide From Momma, apparently!

 Ford sported these goggles most of the week.  My confession of this post is: When I was younger I thought I couldn't swim unless I had on goggles like he is modeling in this picture.  I’m pretty sure I was 10 or 12 before I got over this issue.  Enough said!

 Gran and BoomPa came down in their groovy hats.

 I found a hat too, but mine was all bent and folded from living in my beach bag for years.

 Trey made a store run and came back with some fancy-touristy shirts for him and Ken to sport all week.  They aren't scared!!!

 Molly Cate wanted to be a Mermaid.

 Snack time

 Bitty is OCD.  He is and I can’t help him with this problem.  Having dirty hands isn't ok to him.  It’s just not okay at all.  Whenever he’d get sand on the fingers he immediately wanted to walk up to the hose and rinse them off.  I couldn't condone this behavior all week so I sternly told him “NO”!!!

Mom bathing suit.  Two kids will do it to you!!! 

 The third night we went out to eat, which isn't an easy task with 11 people might I add.  Dad, BoomPa, is in love with (not joking) The Louisiana Lagniappe and we must always go there.  I don’t eat anything that swims, so I opt for a nice steak.

 Show me your muscles!!!!!!

 After supper we headed out to look at the boats.  Apparently, boats are boring and catching critters in the water is where it’s at!!!

 Someone locked me out….!!!!!

 Gran and BoomPa with the kids!

Stay tuned for more beach blogs to follow.  I only took 383 pictures this week!!!!!!!!!!

Stay dry out there my friends!!!

Summer is in full swing and we are making the most of it at the Lamar household.  The boys need constant entertainment or things can get hairy.  However, sometimes I need to do some cleaning and such and they are forced to get creative.  The other day I found them in John Brantley’s closet making a tent.  Whatever works, right?

Memorial Day was nice.  It actually didn't rain that day either!!!  We were able to go to Puddin and Pop’s pool and swim a bit.  I opted for my chair and let them get in the chilly water.  This bod needed all the sunlight it could get!  Leaving the pool for naps is always hard…. Lots of tears.

 Ford has always enjoyed art activities more the Bitty.  But the other day he grabbed some paper and colored pencils and said he wanted to color.  Of course, he didn't come out and say “I want to color” because he doesn't talk in sentences, but I got his drift.  We communicate nicely.

 Bath time is a favorite around here.  The boys write on the tub walls, drive trucks, and play with little men.  On occasion, John Brantley gets wild and soaks the floor down with all the water he can dump out of cups before I catch on!

 Last week I got Ford an appointment to get his haircut and I should have made John Brantley one too, but I didn't.  Instead we went today.  He is such a funny little guy.  If he knows what’s at stake he will act accordingly.  Suckers are at stake when it comes to a haircut and you better believe he sat still.

 So big!!!!!!

 I am sure he was thinking "suck suck" (sucker)

 Tonight was supposed to be Ford’s last tee ball game of the season, but of course there was rain.  I am feeling like I need to read up on arc building because we may need one soon.  I went by and picked up his trophy which cannot be called a tee ball trophy, but a baseball trophy.  When we got home I took his picture and then he needed to compare it to his last years’ trophy.  Upon comparison, we noticed that this year’s trophy had hair sticking out of the helmet and last year’s didn't.  Then it dawned on me that I grabbed a girl trophy.  Back to town we went to exchange it for a dude one!

 Once the massive downpours decided to stop today the boys could hardly contain themselves and had to get outside and play in the puddles and mud.

 And stopping for a snack break of some "smarties" is also key.

Stay dry out there my friends!!!!