Here I go again, trying to compact a months worth of happenings into one post. I really will get better at this. I do want to be a good blogger, I really do, I just haven't figured out how to work that into my schedule yet. I am determined though, IT WILL HAPPEN. In the meantime, here's the ultra-lite version of the past month.
(Another) Day at the Beach
Jason and Andrew decided that instead of going to our normal (read: close to home, not crowded, clean) beach, we needed to drive all the way out to Panama City Beach and go to the County Pier (Read: Too Far, Crowded, DIRTY). Of course, in my neverending quest to keep everybody happy, we did. I will spare you all the details about how I had to obsessively hover over Brennan to keep him from picking up garbage, or about how we might as well have stayed in the parking lot to find a spot where we weren't right on top of somebody else, but even with that, we had a good time. A big thunderstorm also rolled in, so we had to leave early. :)
Jason and Andrew - Posing for the Camera
Brennan - Getting his zoom-zoom on, trying to catch those dang seagulls!
And on to the pictures of our excursion to the "Old Country" as my Dad likes to call it.
The Alabama Portion of the Trip
Brennan's First Skinned Knee - He got that from falling on Nana and Papaw' patio. He wasn't too phased by it beyond the initial crying. He did try to rub it off though, until it went away. He also got his second skinned knee on the same patio, a week later. He's such a boy.
Indiana
Jason and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary while we were in Indiana. Yay us! (I love you, honey!!) Since we were staying at Grandma Brenda's, we were able to take a day and go off on our own. Gulp, it was the first night we had spent away from Brennan. Really though, it was great. Brennan, Grandma, and Harry got to spent some time together, and Jason and I got to spend some much needed time alone. For our anniversary we gifted ourselves with a Bed and Breakfast Package at the West Baden Resort Hotel. Those of you from the "Old Country" know what this is; everyone else definitely take a moment to Google it. It is a truly awesome place.
While we were there we took a guided tour of the hotel and grounds, checked out all the shops, bought some book, ate some great food, drank some great drinks, and gambled at the casino. Of course, we also did some additional exploring of our own, and took a trip to the local winery. We had a wonderful time, so wonderful in fact, that neither of us wanted to go to bed. You just can't imagine how peaceful and fascinating it is to stand on one of the atrium balconies in the middle of the night, when no one else is out there, without experiencing it first hand. I highly recommend staying there.
Our Room
Another View of Our Room - Complete with handsome hubby checking it all out!
Our Balcony View
Another Look From the Balcony
Outside on the Veranda
One of the Entrances
Out in the Gardens - One of the Mineral Spring Buildings
Restored Fountain in the Gardens
Lover's Promenade - At one time there was a large bathhouse at the end of the Lover's Promenade, now, not so much. We walked out there, and all that remains is a smelly mud puddle. You can see some of the wall remains, and the stairs, but that's about it. Hopefully, one day they will be able to restore it.
West Baden Hotel
One of the approximately 235 Self Portraits that Jason and I feel compelled to take any time we go anywhere. I don't know why we don't have someone else take a picture of us. I do it all the time for complete strangers, you'd think I would ask one of them to return the favor. Nah, we have too much fun doing it this way!
Another View of the Hotel
Back Inside
The Top of the Dome at Night - There was a constant light show going on. The colors were constantly changing behind the dome finial.
View From Our Balcony at Night
All Good Things Come to and End - A Shot of the Big Arch on the Way Out
Last Day
On the evening before we had to go home we went to a Family BBQ/Fish Fry. A good time was had by all, and Brennan got to see and play with all kinds of new things.
The Kitty - Brennan has never really been around cats, so it was love at first sight.
Driving - No road rage (yet).
Shanny and Jason's Mom (aka Grandma Brenda)
Kitty, Part II - This kitty was obviously used to kids! :)
Swingin' - Brennan has never met a swing he didn't like, and Shanny was nice enough to help him out.
And that's that. We've been back in Florida for a couple weeks, and have started the countdown to Utah. We have lots to do, and hopefully getting it all done won't be too overwhelming. We'll see. Hopefully, I can get a few blog post in between now and then to keep you all updated on the progress --- or maybe the next photo on the blog will be of the Great Salt Lake. We'll see!
Hugs to All,
Heather
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