Acapulco - Paradise Found

Upon our arrival to the room. No matter how cheesy these towel/flower 'sculptures' are - it did give me a smile. (can you imagine how long it would take to lay out all of those petals?!?! This was on a king bed!


The view from 'our' room. This is the same room we had on our honeymoon - so romantic!

Our favorite restaurant - yum!

This trip, we decided to take a little 'hike' to the top of the mountain. The Chapel of Peace resides there - it was WELL worth the hike. Just beautiful!

Until next time!

Until Next Year!

See you next year, Mexico Beach!

Be Careful What You Ask For!

HEAD'S UP - LONG STORY!

While romping around the room, playing with Ethan...she decided to stand on the arm of the love seat. She proceeded to fall off and hit her head on the a/c unit and fall into a pile in the corner of the room. It was pretty hard, she seemed really hurt - but, there was no 'bump' on the head. All I've ever heard about tough knocks is that you need to know there is a bump coming out - not going in. She appeared alert, but, crying.

Anyway, Mom goes to her room to get a cold pack for her head and calls the front desk. She wants to know that, because we are in the middle of nowhere, there is medical service available - if needed. Of course - no problem.

2 minutes later, I receive a call.
"This is Ambulance Service."

WHAT? I just need to know it is an option - we don't need one now. She asks me a number of questions. I tell her that we are keeping an eye on her - she is completely responsive, etc. No problem - call us if you need us.
End of story, right?

NO! We went to Mom's room to call Daddy on the computer - and my nephew comes over to tell us that the police are banging on our room door. They want to SEE the now TERRIFIED little girl in question. The policeman and another man from the hotel are asking her questions, having her track movement with her eyes and squeeze her fists.

She is fine - they were concerned - all is well. I'm guessing that they want to ensure no abuse was happening and that we weren't intoxicated? Well, neither of these things happened - just a bouncy little kid that may have inherited some clumsiness from her Mom.

I guess we are happy to know that the hotel, being in the middle of nowhere, is VERY prepared to care for us in the event of a medical emergency! Maybe she will be a little more careful next time!

How Do You Know the Ocean Is So Friendly?

So...the two of us are casually enjoying breakfast on the balcony of our room. She looks over and asks me this question. Of course, I go deep and start explaining that the ocean isn't always friendly - as there are sharks and other bigger fish (circle of life, yada, yada).

She gives me a few blinks and says.....

"Because it Waves!"

She cracks me up. It had to be several weeks ago that she and her daddy were reading a kid's joke/riddle book. She remembered and whipped it out in context. LOVE IT!

Mexico Beach

We arrived yesterday. What's not to love about Mexico Beach?

Lots of sun - Grammie kisses...

Each year, Leah or Mom always celebrate their birthday here. This year - it was Leah's turn. We went to our favorite place in Port St. Joe - Sunset Grille. You can see that Ethan was too happy to help Mom blow out the candle!

Biscuit Love

I'm not sure I could have taken a more special picture. Seeing my little girl making biscuits with my Mama Brown, like I did when I was a little girl, was pretty amazing.


Me and my sweet Mama Brown.

On the Road Again...

We hit the road, again, this morning.

May I just say, Missouri isn't interested in welcoming anyone from Illinois! We had to take this State Sign photo when we were leaving Missouri, and going into Arkansas. It required a little hike through the weeds - it was so worth it to get the pic (even if my head is blocking the sign)!


Arkansas border. I have to say - we didn't venture from the interstate in Arkansas. But, there was little to see. We will have to try going to a city next time.


Well, we did get off once - to grab a bite. As Mr. Vice had never had White Castles - we stopped in for a bite. We were in agreement that Krystal's has nothing to worry about in the South!


At last - we are in Mississippi. Of course, we have been here many times. Campbell first came here in November of 2005. We are off to see the family!

We pulled up in our little family corner of Mississippi. We made the turn, and saw my Aunt Becky. Instant smiles - we are 'home'. Campbell hasn't seen her in forever - Becky looked at her and said, "let's walk to Mama Brown's house". Campbell didn't think twice. She was out and on her way. Sweet moment.

More of the Sites of St. Louis

A view from the top of the arch.


Our girl did an EXCELLENT job of framing up Mommy and Daddy in this photo!


There are waves on the Mississippi River!


The City Museum is HIGHLY recommended. It is the coolest, most visually stimulating kid/adult place!

Daddy even got in on the act (he had to to keep up with where Campbell went!)

As you might guess - she was DONE after this eventful day!

I've Been Everywhere - Man...

Well.....we haven't been everywhere - YET!

We did drive from Tennessee....through Kentucky....

and into Illinois today. We spent, from start to finish, 10 hours in the car. Of course, that included a couple of stops. It was a great trip. Only one hiccup in Nashville (the interstate was closed because a bridge was damaged). Campbell played with her Fancy Nancy doll and did Color Wonders the whole time (when we weren't being silly and singing songs).

We can only hope that the trip back is as painless!

Bad Photo - Great Time

We enjoyed an 'adult' evening with Steph and Bill. It was really nice - they were so sweet to let us stay with them and enjoy a great time in Chattanooga. It is the first 'leg' of a fun trip!

Thanks guys - love you!

p.s. thank you the the waitress for the great photo quality!

Bonjour Butterfly

We got to enjoy some of the sites in Chattanooga today. What a wonderful start to the trip! We went to the Aquarium, the IMAX Theater, walked across the Tennessee river (on an old railroad track) and rode a carousel with carved wooden animals. Beautiful, wonderful day!

TENNESSEE

It was raining, it was late, it was cold.
We got the first 'state' photo.

Light Packing

Found this little tidbit in the truck while I was packing for our Spring Break adventures!