Last week, July 16-23, we went on a much needed beach vacation. My mom Beth, sister Madeline, and brother Cal were also there. We used some free Southwest tickets (from David's points he accrues flying for work) to get there since we did not have time to make the drive (and did not particularly want to make another 12+ hours road trip for vacation since it leaves us exhausted when we return). We flew into New Orleans, rented a car, and drove to the beach (about 3.5 hours).
We stayed in Perdido Key, Florida which is not only where my family went every year growing up (until I was 18), but we stayed at the same condos again! My dad referred patients to another doctor, and he would let us stay free at his condo for a week every summer. He asked us to stay a far a few more years after my dad died, but then we lost touch with him. This was our first time to be back at The Mariner- my favorite because of the years of memories, lack of being a high rise, family- friendly, nice owners, right on the beach, beautiful views, and an awesome pool!
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Waiting on our flight. Brieleigh LOVES "abiets" and her Daddy! This should be a Southwest ad... |
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Brieleigh was glued to the window most of the trip there. She was facinated! She was very good on the flight too which was a blessing. She ate snacks, read books, colored, and just took everything in.
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Since we were flying into New Orleans and got there early morning, we decided to stop at Cafe du Monde for breakfast and order some beignets. David had never been there much less ever tried beignets. It was super crowded in the French Quarter. It took awhile to get parked, get a table, finally get our food, and get back out, but it was a fun little experience. Sorry, I left my camera in the car. The beignets did not disappoint, and we washed them down with free squeezed orange juice and cafe au lait. We were glad to not be vacationing in NOLA- just too crowded for our taste and not much to do other than walk and shop.
We stopped at the Mississippi Gulf Coast for Brieleigh to run around for a break on the beach. I had not been since Katrina, and let me tell you- I would not have recognized it if I had not know where we were. There is not much there other than a few scattered houses. It was incredible how different it looked! The beach though was still nothing compared to Florida.
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| We got stopped for a draw bridge while a big boat came through. Cool! |
After loads of traffic and rain that we could barely see through, we finally made it to our condo (slightly faster than we would have since we now have a trusty GPS to give us alternate routes!). The rest of the crew had just gotten there. We unpacked, ran out to the beach, jumped in the ocean (which was freezing with all the rain and overcast), and dived in the pool before treking out to supper.
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After trying at least 3-4 other places we finally landed at Bubba's. Everywhere told us it would be an hour plus wait (even here, but we only waited 10 minutes). This was our least favorite place to eat on the trip, but we started off the trip right with fried shrimp and fish.
Maddy and Brieleigh bug coloring the kid's menu. |
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| Swwet Cal and Mom |
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| Me and David- so happy to be on the beach! God's creation is so breathtaking. |
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