Our happy place - Gulf Shores, AL

Poor Deedee. She got a sticker makeover on our way. I don't think she's happy about it.

WE"RE HERE!!!!!!

Jonah is smiling on the inside

Happy 35th birthday baby!!!!! We got him a Garmin Vivo Active watch and Power Beats wireless headphones :)

Night beach walks are the best

The Little Zoo That Could second year in a row. We  had a great time :)

At the Hang Out! 

Bike ride to Fort Morgan 

So Jonah took his arm wings off to go to the bathroom inside and then he came back and just jumped into the pool. Minutes went by before we all realized he wasn't wearing arm wings. He was just swimming! Jonah Patrick can swim and we didn't even know it. We all laughed and whooped it up and was just so proud of him. He never put the arm wings back on the rest of the trip. My little dude is a swimmer. By the end of the trip he was swimming under water the length of the pool. The only time he wears wings now is if we're at the lake. I just can't believe it. Journey Kay isn't far behind. She's already swimming under water but likes for her puddle jumper to be on. We are so very proud of our babies and I just feel so much safer knowing he can swim. He understands the exit points and where to go if he gets tired. Little dude surprises us every day. He did the same thing with reading. It's like he just picked up a book and read it. He now is reading on a 3rd and 4th grade level. And now he swims. Just took his wings off and swam like he knew how to all along. Same thing with talking. He didn't talk until he was almost three years old and then when he did he just talked in sentences. He does stuff when he's ready. On his terms. I've learned to not push him. There's no need to. He can and will do anything he wants when he's damn well ready. I love that about him. 
We had a lot of fun in this pool. So many wonderful memories made.

A little nervous at first...

We're ok now!!!!!! Loving it!

Our anniversary date night. We went to dinner then out for drinks and a walk on the beach. I love this man. 

8 years...and forever to go ♥

Jonah took these pictures which is why he's not in them. Great shot of the blue heron below! Ota would be proud. 

Lots of cuddle time in my beach chair. Journey wouldn't sit still long enough to cuddle but my boy would. He would sit and look out at the ocean with me content in my arms. Some of my most favorite moments of the trip.

Justin caught her right out of the water. They ate her later :( 

She loves the beach and lays and watches the waves and will even run in and out of the water. Such a sweet girl. She remembers this place and loves it just as much as we do.

We took this pic right before we left. Should be frown faces really but we were ready to get home. We loved this house and all the fun we had but there really is nothing like being home. We are planning a much longer stay in the summer of 2018! Until then....we've got our memories. 

♥Jessica