A Needed Break ....

I feel like we have barely had a moment to catch out breath the past year .... whether it was getting used to being back at work (after being off for 8 months to stay home with Elizabeth), juggling two kids at two different schools, dealing with all the stress and worry of Carolyn's illnesses, Steve having to be away for a long overseas trip ..... who knows, but all of it has made for one very tired and worn-out mom.  So, the 2014 girls' trip was much anticipated and very well deserved.  

Kristin (friend from childhood), Kristin (roommate from college), and Jen (friend from Ann Arbor), and I have gotten together for a long-weekend girls' trip several timesb before.  We pick a weekend that works for all of us, and then search for airports in which the flights are reasonably priced for all of us to get to.  The location is not nearly as important, as the time together.  This year, we ended up flying into Pensacola Florida and rented a house on Perdido Key.  Our house was only two miles of the Alabama border, so I was back to the Orange Beach, Gulf Shores area where we have taken family vacations the past two years.

The south had gotten one of the nastiest ice storms they have had in years two days before we were due to arrive.  We fortunately had no trouble with our flights, but the airports were filled with people who had been stranded for days.  All of the locals were concerned with the cold temperatures and ice, but we thought the crisp weather and blue skies were a nice reprieve from the ice-cold temperatures we have been having this winter.

The house was lovely and right on the beach.  There was so much room that we could all pick a different porch or room to curl up and read books.  Naps and sleeping in were probably one of the highlights of the trip for me.

Due to the locals worry about the weather, we were unable to do the glass blowing; and the kayaking was not an option either.   But, we did spend an afternoon at the arcade and riding go-carts.

Of course, we went to the Florabama bar.  On Saturday night, we listened to a couple of bands and were amused by the local sheriffs who were in town for the statewide Sheriff's Convention.  We even got a "get out of jail free" card, in case we got pulled over while we were visiting.  We went back to the Florabama on Sunday morning before we went to the airport for "Worship on the Water."  That's right - church at the bar.  I have to say, the minister (or whatever he is called) delivered a very meaningful message and the music was a lot of fun.  

 

The cooler temperatures did not keep us from walking on the beach, or from sipping fruity cocktails or cold beers while sitting by the water.

Most importantly, it was a trip of rest, relaxation, laughter, and friendship.  Thank you, ladies.  I cannot wait for our next trip.  I can hardly imagine where we will end up next.