We spent a wonderful two months at Luxury RV Resort in the town of Gulf Shores, Alabama but we have since moved on to Florida. The RV park was quiet, clean, staffed with great people, and easily accommodated large rigs like ours. The only downside I could Read the rest of this entry »
If you are near Pensacola, you should make time to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum (the largest in the world). It is free, but you’ll need your ID to get inside. You can spend the day viewing the many restored military aircraft, walk down the street of a 1940s town, try out the flight simulators, and more. Read the rest of this entry »
The kids and I ventured down to the beach this morning with sketchbooks and pencils for a bit of nature study. My son drew a clump of seaweed (with a fly on it), my daughter sketched seashells, and I did quick studies of the sea birds. Keeping a nature study notebook (an idea gleaned from the wisdom of Charlotte Mason) is such a delight. I love watching my children quietly observe the natural world around them and record their findings in their notebooks.
While staying in Gulf Shores, Alabama, we’ve visited the little Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo more than a few times. It is conveniently located only blocks away from our RV park and the kids enjoy feeding the animals (you can purchase food for $2 per cup to feed certain Read the rest of this entry »
Our friends, Kip and Brian, took the kids and me to the Barber Marina today, a favorite destination of theirs. The road to the marina offered a quiet drive through stretches of Read the rest of this entry »
In December, we took the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island, even spotting a few dolphins along the way.
We’ve been staying in Gulf Shores, Alabama since mid-November, but we had to uproot ourselves and take our fifth wheel in for roof repairs on Monday, January 2. We had discovered a roof leak after a heavy rain storm and it required more than a quick fix. Packing up and moving our home is a hassle. Everything must be put away and secured for the drive (basically, it must be made earthquake-proof for bouncing down the road). The stools must be stowed, toys put into bins, countertops cleared, bikes stored, coffee mugs wrapped, slides pulled in, tire covers folded away, and so on.
Only a few hours after we left town and dropped off our RV at the repair shop, a violent storm unexpectedly came through Gulf Shores. By the time it hit, we were safe and cozy in Read the rest of this entry »
Today, we ended the year with a peaceful family walk in Gulf State Park. The air smelled of fresh vegetation and ocean breezes. We listened to birds chirping, paused at the still water to observe the sights and sounds, and even saw an alligator emerging from the tall grasses next to the trail (which made my daughter squeal and run away). I smiled as I watched my kids hold hands, I felt grateful for my loving husband, and I appreciated this whole experience. The walk was a simple yet satisfying way to tie up the year. 2016 has been life-changing and wonderful. We started January by buying a fifth wheel, uncertain about our future plans, and are finishing the year living out a dream. Through all of the ups and downs, I feel blessed. I’ve learned that pushing past fear and jumping into the unknown far surpasses holding tight to the illusion of a safe life. Be willing to fail. Take risks. Follow your bliss. Say no to regret and see what unfolds.
Honest Simplicity 