Stop # 3: Mobile, AL

Our last stop along the way on our family vacation was Mobile, AL. Now, I know what you are thinking.  What is in Mobile, AL worth stopping for with 2 kids in tow? Well, we decided to stop to tour the USS Alabama Battleship and the USS DRUM Submarine.  At the Battleship Memorial Park we got to walk the decks of a battleship, go below in a World War II submarine and view cockpits of combat aircraft. We also saw tanks, a Vietnam River Patrol Boat, and a plane like the one flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. Displacing more than 44,500 tons of water the ship measured 680 feet from stem to stern, half as long as the Empire State Building is tall. It was armed with nine 16-inch guns in three turrets and 20, 5-inch, .38-caliber guns in 10 twin mounts. The ships main guns could fire shells as heavy as a small car accurately for a distance of more than 20 miles.  It was just amazing to see and walk around on.  After spending a few hours enjoying the park and all it had to offer it was time to head to the hotel.  Needless to say it was not difficult getting the kids into bed that night. We were all excited to be heading home the next day, but at the same time sad to be at the end of a great week.  Most of our conversation on the way home revolved around returning next summer and all the fun that we had.  Thanks be to God for our awesome adventures together and times we will never forget.  Wonder what our next adventure should be?

Stop #2: Sandestin, FL

    Sandestin was by far our favorite stop on the vacation.  We rented a nice two room house not far from the beach and really had no firm plans other than to simply enjoy the beach and pool.  The house came with a golf cart that allowed us to drive to the beach, the pool, and the wharf. The day we arrived we unloaded the car and immediately jumped on the golf cart and headed to the beach. We have never seen such white sand and clear water (sorry Galveston). The kids instantly began playing in the sand and water, even though we did not put their swimsuits on.  The beach was wonderful.  Normally our kids are not beach kids.  Don't get me wrong.  They like playing in the sand and they like playing in water.  However, the waves at the beach have always been a little disconcerting for them.  Not here on the Mirimar Beach.  They jumped right in a played in the waves, built sandcastles, got covered in sand like a mermaid, and looked for shells.  Each time we had to leave it was a fight because the did not want to do anything except play at the beach.  It was such a fun beach experience.  It wasn't all beach and pool though. We visited the Gulfarium with the Collins' family who happened to be in Destin at the same time all the way from Texas.  We saw a dolphin show, sea lions, seals, penguins, sharks, and more. Other than the Gulfarium and visiting the beach we spent a couple nights at the resort wharf. The Village of Baytowne Wharf features an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife -- not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. The first night we got to see a country singer and everybody but Cade danced.  Cade is not so much a dancer yet.  Caelin on the other hand didn't care who was watching and lived it up with every twirl.  The second night there was nothing on the main stage, but still a couple of guys performing on small side stages.  The weather was wonderful which allowed us to sit outside listen to the music and eat some ice cream.  We were all sad to leave Florida.  The kids kept saying that they did not want to leave our beach house.  Can I just say that if we could afford a beach house that we would not have left!  On our way out of town we stopped for gas then got some breakfast at a place called the Pancakery. They had some amazing pancakes.  You know the kind that fill the entire plate.  Cade and Caelin both ordered the M&M pancakes with chocolate milk (which looked like a chocolate shake). It is always a good idea to carb load your young children and fill them with sugar at the same time. Needless to say the kids were more than excited and ready to go at this point.  Finally, we were off to our final destination, Mobile, AL.