Gulf Shores, A-l-a-b-a-m-a... (did you get that ConnieBean?)

We knew vacations would be kept to a minimum this year, but we still wanted to take a little family vacation get-a-way. Tom had received a $500 Travelocity Hotels gift card for a promotion at work (selling a robot...do you have robot insurance?) so we decided to look for someplace close to use the gift card. Our answer was Gulf Shores, Alabama! It is considered the beginning of the "emerald coast" which is the nickname given to the part of the gulf that isn't totally muddy from the Mississippi River run-off. The beaches are sandy white and the water is totally clear. And it is less crowded than Florida Beaches and very family friendly. It was a really great choice for us, especially since it would only be a few hours drive!

This is a picture I took of William and Natalie chillin at the hotel before we went out for the night. We got to our hotel at about dinner time, so we decided to go to dinner on the beach that night and save ocean time for the next day.

This is Natalie saying "Beach!"

I tried to get a picture of the two of them actually looking at me, but Hannah Montana was on, and I just couldn't get Binky's attention long enough for a picture!

We ate dinner literally right on the beach. It was a pretty cool place with alot of outdoor activities and entertainment. As you can see from this picture, there was only one thing William wanted to do...

Next morning after a delicious continental breakfast, we headed to the beach! But first we had to make a stop inside the giant shark mouth to buy some forgotten necessities, such as sunscreen! (whoops!) This was truly a magical shop with all sorts of treasures. For instance, lets say you were a bald person looking for a sun visor with built in hair....

Well...Look no further! You can get that here!

Or perhaps you were just looking for a few braids to add to your hair? Yeah, they got that, too. (Sorry, William. This will be blackmail for the rest of your life!)

Finally, the beach!! It was perfect weather. It was hot, sunny, with a slight breeze out of the Gulf. Water temperature was perfect, too. William could have stayed in the water all day. Not Natalie, though. She was more of a sand girl. The water made her a little bit nervous.

Here I got a nice picture of William's sexy beach pose. I know, real nice!

Finally, the only way to get Binky into the water was to have her literally wrap her legs around me and her arms around my neck!! But we had a good time regardless.

So, we spent a few days at the beach and then headed home. On the way, as promised, I got to hit up the outlet mall (woo hoo!!) and we stopped to see the battleship that is parked in Mobile Bay. Even though it is a permanent fixture, it still moves with the water, and it totally makes me seasick to be on the ship!! We even got to explore a submarine. Good times!!