Jimmy Buffet has the right idea!

Eat. Drink. Relax. Repeat.

That's how it went for us for a few days during our visit to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

I had to take a tour of hotels and meeting venues for my job on Thursday, May 14th. We visited sites along Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for a potential location for my employer's summer conference. My family and mother-in-law tagged along for a mini vacation. We were there from Wednesday evening to Saturday around noon.

I hadn't been to the beach in about seven years. It was long overdue. I forgot how relaxing it was just to look at out at the beach and watch the waves crash against the shore. I used to think that I was more of a mountain-cabin loving kind of girl but the beach is looking more appealing to me now. I don't even have to be on the beach. I just need a condo or room overlooking the beach. And a drink in my hand too, of course.

Jimmy Buffet has the right idea! What's wrong with just being a beach bum for your life? NOTHING! He was on my brain from the moment we arrived and I continued hearing his songs on the radio or in my head, everything from "Margaritaville" to "Boat Drinks" to "Pencil thin Mustache" to "Why don't we get drunk..." A lifetime of soaking up sun, drinking, eating, and relaxing, geez, why didn't I think of this?

Back to the trip.

Since I was there for business (yeah right, okay), our three-nights stay in the condo at the Beach Club was completely complimentary. SWEET! I hadn't stayed in a condo in years. Now I will never want to stay in a hotel room again. When you have kids, condo renting is the way to go. Having a kitchen and fridge along with a washer and dryer is so much more convenient. And it's so cozy, frankly. Our condo had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a nice living area and dining area and best of all, a great view of the beach. It was decorated in a fun, colorful fashion too.

Our Condo in Gulf Shores:










View of the beach from our condo:






So it was Vivian's first time on the shore. We did not have high hopes for her since we all know she is such a diva. And well.... she didn't like the beach or sand. Kirk said it took 30 minutes to calm her down after a short walk in the sand. She also didn't like the pool. But she settled down and played right next to the pool with her shovel and sand castle building set that her Mimi (Kirk's mom) had given her. Vivian looks so cute in her sunhat and swimsuit. She loved looking at herself in the huge mirrors inside the condo. And she did lots of dancing and walking around.

Vivian the beach beauty:










On vacation, you cannot help but eat and drink way too much! We enjoyed some great seafood at Lulu's on the Marina (she happens to be Jimmy Buffet's sister, so we couldn't go wrong there!) Debbie and I had some grande margaritas at the El Palenque Mexican restaurant at the Wharf. Leaving Gulf Shores on Saturday, we had rolls thrown at us at Lambert's Cafe in Foley. I'm still full from all the food we ate. I let Vivian take a few drops of my fruity drinks since she enjoyed playing with the crazy straw.



Eating, Drinking and Indulging Too Much!










The best thing about the trip though was just being with my family. Even though Vivian had a few tantrums here and there (she still hates elevators!), she was really a good sport during the whole vacation. She entertained herself (and us) just by rolling around on the thick rug or watching TV at her eye level. Kirk and I slept great and even squeezed in some intimate time. Our whole family felt a bit rejuvenated just being away for a few days.

I didn't plan anything or play the role of my usual event-coordinator self. I had no concept of time or keeping a schedule. I enjoyed three days without the internet, e-mail or facebook. I just took in the quiet time and peace of the surrondings. I am digging the beach lifestyle. I would love it if we could afford to rent or better yet own a condo on the beach someday, whether it's in Gulf Shores or another, even prettier shoreline spot. Kirk dreams of owning a sailboat someday. Who knows what the future holds for us.

Some of my favorite family photos from our trip:








Vivian didn't get sick during this trip and she was really great in the car on the ride there and back. Overall, we had a wonderful time of doing mostly nothing. The only donwfall that happened is that I was bitten by some beach bug(s) and I'm still itching at home today, covered in red spots. But some benadryl is taking care of that for me, so I won't complain.

Quality time with my family, away from the daily stress of life and work--I highly recommend it. Thanks Jimmy, LuLu, and all the friendly people we met in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! You helped make our trip a great one!