The Sweeneys

9/8/11- "Yeah, we're going to the beach!!!" We headed out absolutely packed to the brim.

Eva Brooke truly did great on the long six-hour journey. I know I've said it before, but the DVD player is a lifesaver!

We were so excited to finally be in Gulf Shores with our fellow-beachgoers and best-est friends, the Crosswhites. Our first stop was (where else but) Wal-Mart. Next and more importantly was SEAFOOD! Andrew and Brad had it planned to get to Wintzell's Oyster House for $5 dozen raw oysters (ewww) during happy hour.

The kids were so glad to be out of their carseats and able to stretch their legs. On a side note, about a week before our trip, the Beach Club called and said the Avalon building (where we had reserved a condo) had caught on fire. They moved us to the Bristol building which was also very nice.

9/9/11- After a good night's rest, the babies (and their parents) are ready for the beach!

We do not travel lightly... but we do have wonderful husbands!!

From the get-go, Eva Brooke was all about that sand.

She loved the ocean... in very short visits.

And then...the stingray. The first time Andrew and Brad walked out into the ocean, a stingray got the side of Andrew's foot. He really took it like a man, but we could tell he was in some serious pain. Good thing we had a doctor with us :-) By the next day, Andrew was back to almost 100%. However, about a month later the silly thing became (very) infected and nearly landed Andrew a hospital admission. Thanks to Dr. Brad's guidance and a couple rounds of antibiotics, we are now on the up-and-up. I will spare you from the pictures of the draining wound and the gaping hole he had in his foot.

If you will remember back in May, Eva Brooke napped so sweetly in her wagon on the beach. This time- no way.

The pool water was pretty cool, but EB and Daddy had a blast!

The sweet Crosswhite crew

Back up in the room, EB was enjoying some quiet time while Mommy and Daddy got ready

The 3 of us went out to Doc's Seafood for dinner. You can't beat their fried shrimp! Of course, EB wanted crackers.

9/10/11- Waiting on her breakfast like a lady

Eva Brooke wanted to follow Emily around and do "big girl" things.

Angie and I bravely took the kids and went shopping. It tires me just to think back on it. Andrew and Brad were very excited to have their guys' football Saturday.

A quick little nap before the shopping extravaganza!

The kids really hung in there. Carters had a fun little play table to allow Mommies to spend more money :-)

After an interesting and tiresome lunch, they all decided a nap was in order.

Nothing is sweeter than this!

Snack and play stop! Never even put money in and they are as happy as can be. Thanks for the tip, Angie! :-)

Community bathtime

9/11/11- Lunch at the Shrimp Basket. AYCE fried shrimp...yes please!

Love these two!

A wagon ride down to the pool... what could be better?

She would absolutely not cooperate for a picture with me.

Pool fun

Loved putting these rocks into the kiddie pool

First time to try floaties! Thanks, Em, for sharing :-) I cannot believe she's this big!

She walked miles in the sand, chasing the seagulls

Point, point, point

Point some more

Tired, but won't give it up

Love this pic of Emily and Hunter

Getting adventurous

She loved piling sand in her mouth...

...and even licking it off the toys.

Ahh, the life...

Caught again!

Such a rough day... :-)

At Tacky Jacks, just before the attack of the mosquitoes.

Night-night time (or bye-bye, as EB says)

9/12/11- In our matching cover-ups

She would walk right in the edge of the water and then run back out.

EB and Daddy really bonded during this trip. She even napped on him at the beach! I'm so jealous!

The Daddies with their sweet napping babies

Soaking up the sun (with lots of sunscreen) on our last beach day

Time to pack up :-(

EB's favorite part- getting in and out of the kiddie pool

We wanted to get some family beach pictures, and Angie was our awesome photographer! Please vote on which you like best (for an enlargement). This will be #1.