Vacation part 2...Orange Beach

The kids and I left Calhoun, Georgia on Wednesday about lunch and headed to Orange Beach. It look us forever to get there. I missed a turn and it cost us over an hour. Considering I was traveling by myself with 3 kids, we did great. I was totally stressed out and my nerves were shot but we made it. Needless to say, we didn't do anything that night but check out the house and get settled. The great family that let us stay in their condo last year, let us stay in the house this year. It was beautiful and had a great neighborhood pool that we pretty much had to ourselves when we went. They have 5 children so everything was very kid friendly and they had plenty of toys and games. Thank you so much Sellers for your great generosity! We had a blast! Richard's parents came on Thursday afternoon and Richard got there late Thursday night. Richard's parents were at the World Series, too and his mom was a great help with Evan! Thanks Juanita! She's also spent the summer entertaining Hudson and has been a life saver! Enjoy pics of the beach trip!
Evan's first time on the beach. She didn't seem to mind the sand at all. I was worried about her getting it on her hands and then rubbing her eyes but she was okay. I didn't keep her out there long at all. We're more pool people.
The boys are getting so big and actually got along pretty well this trip.

How cute is her swimsuit?

She really starting trying to crawl but couldn't quite get it down. I love this skirt I got at the Children's Place Outlet for $2.99!

She was way excited when the waitress at Lambert's gave her this balloon!

The house backs up to Gulf State park and there was a pond behind the house and several little lakes in the neighborhood the boys fished in. Richard saw a baby alligator one day and we were warned about snakes by the owners but luckily we didn't see any of those!

Of course we did the putt-putt and go carts. Evan stayed with Me-maw while we did that. Richard and his dad did a great shrimp boil one night and we played lots of Uno. I love my family and vacations!

Vacation part 1...The World Series in Calhoun Georgia

Hudson's World Series was held in Calhoun, Georgia. That's about 45 miles north of Atlanta and 45 miles south of Chattanooga. It started on Thursday, July 16th with opening ceremonies at 5:30pm. Since Richard was the head coach of the team, he had to be there by 1 for meetings. So, he and Hudson and another dad and son left early Thursday morning. I worked til 12 and then me, Chandler, and Evan headed out. We didn't make opening ceremonies but I wasn't too upset about it because it's usually a big chaotic mess and a lot of standing around. So we headed straight to the hotel. The games started Friday morning with pool play over the weekend. We had 2 on Friday. We won the first one and it was a great game. We were behind the whole time but came back the last couple of innings and won it...it was great. The rest of the weekend didn't go so well for us. We lost the next game on Friday and the game on Saturday. After finding out how the rest of the games in our pool turned out, we realized we did not make it out of pool play to advance to the bracket to play for World Series Champs but that we could play in the consolation bracket. Everyone voted to stay and play ball. It was a single elimination bracket. The kids were excited to stay longer. I think Hudson cared more about staying so he could hang out with all his friends and swim at the hotel! The consolation bracket games started on Monday and we played 2 on Monday, 2 on Tuesday, and the championship game on Wednesday. We won! The team got a huge trophy and all the kids got trophies. They had a great time and I was so glad they could walk away winners. Hudson mostly played outfield but he had a few innings at catcher and first. Our team was so great with great parents and siblings. Chandler had a great time with all the other siblings and it was just a great trip. The weather was great as well! I don't know what was up but that week was so cool and wonderful! There was only 1 really hot day but it wasn't unbearable. That was such a blessing!
All the little sisters loved Evan and she had someone giving her attention all the time!

Evan's first time in the pool. She loved it!

Getting ready to go swimming and clapping. She had just really learned to do that! So cute!

One night we were able to go to a Rome Braves (minor league) game for really cheep. It was a lot of fun and once again, beautiful weather. We were in lawn seats in the outfield where they have picnic tables or you can just sit on the grass.

Evan and all her friends.

This little girl, Megan, adored Evan!

One night, us and 2 other families were also able to go to a Braves game in Atlanta. They played the Mets and won! We all had a great time! Evan can sleep through anything!

It was such a great experience and a blast! The kids and I left straight from Georgia on Wednesday and headed for the beach! Richard had to go back and work a day so he came really last Thursday night. So...part 2 of our vacation will be another post.