Beach Vacation

So it’s been a little over a week since we had our family vacation in Orange Beach.  We went up Thursday and did some shopping at the outlets in Foley and then we were able to check in.  We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, which was right on the beach.  We stayed there last year, too, so we knew it was clean and had a great view.  We have never gone there as a family in peak season, so it was a lot more crowded than normal, but we still had a good time.

We headed right out to the beach.  Boogie didn’t seem too impressed.  The big ocean can be a scary thing and the flags were red the whole time we were there, meaning the waves were very high.  That didn’t stop anyone from playing in them, though!  Daddy held him most of the time, but at one point we set him down so the waves could wash over his feet and he ended up getting splashed in the face a little.  Poor thing was scared!  From then on, Rickybear was daddy’s baby for the whole trip.  Never left his side.

This was the only night made the mistake of eating out late.  We headed out too late and Rickybear was so very tired.  He is used to his 9:30 pm bedtime and once 9:30 pm hit he wanted to be in bed!  He cried until we picked him up and rocked him to sleep.  That child never sleeps on me!  It was so sweet, but I felt so bad for him.  Daddy and I had to alternate eating, but the baby was happy, so we were as well. 

We headed out to the beach on day two.  Daddy bought us a chair with an umbrella for the day.  He was out there all day long, which he loved!  Under the shade it wasn’t too hot at all.  I brought the baby back to the room for a meal and a nap, but as soon as that was over, we were back out in the sun.  Thank goodness, I was the only one who burned! 

We learned that Rickybear does not like the sand this year.  At all.  It also took him most of the day to enjoy standing in the waves with his daddy.  If we tried to set him down, though, he would cry.  As long as he was safe in someone’s arms, he was super happy.

After the beach, the baby hit the pool.  The pool is always a winner with this kid.  Dinner at Pizza Hut was also a winner.  That kid is definitely his daddy’s child- he loves pizza!  We decided over dinner that we were having too good of a time to go home the next day, so as soon as we got back to the hotel, I went to the front desk to book another night for us.  I couldn’t believe they actually had a room available, but they did!

Day three was more relaxing.  We went to Adventure Island for mini golf and arcade games.  I thought I was going to pass out from the heat.  It was so much more oppressive than the day before!!  Glad we weren’t at the beach all day on this day!!  Boogie and I hit the pool and we went to the beach for sunset.  We picked up takeout and also hit up Dairy Queen (which we don’t have near home!!) and got a delicious treat!

This is the third summer hubby and I have gone to Orange Beach and we have picked up some traditions.  It was fun when it was just the two of us, but even better now that we had an addition to the family.  Last year was easier since the baby wasn’t mobile and he was just along for the ride, but this year was more special because he had so much more awareness.

In summary, the trip was great.  I am super thankful that we brought the Pack-N-Play… it was a lifesaver!  I am also glad we brought a whole arsenal of toys (even bath toys!) to keep the baby occupied.  I wish we had planned Rickybear’s meals better and brought more food specifically for him.  It would have saved us some trouble.  I will know better for next time. 

I can’t wait for our next family vacation!