Me and Dwayne - Orange Beach, Alabama - Fall 2022

This was the first year that I was miserable at the beach.  I just did not feel good in general.  Too many ailments to mention, maybe just old, maybe just overweight, maybe alot of different things.  When we left this time, I was not even sad, I was glad to be getting back home.  

gimme some sugar

I had to sit down a lot.  don't mind our hair, Hurricane Ian was whipping out there in the Gulf.

I can't even figure out who Dwayne is looking like in this picture, ha!!!

 

Annabeth's butterfly tattoo

She wanted a blue butterfly.  Annabeth likes the significance of the transformation of a butterfly.  She decided on one with blue roses.  Rhonda told her about the poem of the Blue Rose that she wrote for Nathan, so that made it even more special.  I think the colors are beautiful.  

 

Sassy Annabeth

The beach really IS her HAPPY PLACE.

don't mind me and my tired looking tail.  I was in a lot of pain this week and unfortunately could not hide it from the camera.  

look at her new butterfly tattoo on her ankle.  

 

Orange Beach - Fall 2022

We had beautiful weather the week we were there, but if you look up in the weather history books, you will find Hurricane Ian that pounded Fort Myers, Florida this week.  Continued prayers for our friends in Florida who are without power and trying to rebuild.   

 

Pookie loves him some vacation

He was getting him some Vitamin D

Have no fear, he figured out the TV quick and got on Monday Night Football.  He had to, the Cowboys were playing.  

 

Getting into Mobile Alabama

Once we come into Mobile, AL we know the beach is not far off.

I always want to snap a picture of the USS Alabama.  I remember as a little girl, maybe kindergarten going to the beach to visit friends who were stationed in Fort Walton Beach, momma made me and Rhonda homemade purple polka dot bikinis.  We stopped and toured the USS Alabama.  Even in my mid 50's, I want to stop, take a picture and send it to daddy.  Even 50 years later, I remember spending that time with him.  

I HATE the tunnel, but it is a necessary evil to get to the beach...either that or that huge tall bridge that I dislike equally as much.  I always think of Susanna (she hates it too).

 

We checked something off of our Buccee's list (I mean Bucket List)

 At the exit off I-10 heading to Orange Beach is a Buccee's store.  It is like the Walmart of convenience stores.  This one claims to have 120 gas pumps.  I believe it.  It was very "People-y".  Lawd have mercy. Needless to say, we did not stay long!!!

look at those teeth.....maybe that is where he gets his name

that is a BUNCH of gas pumps for sure!!!

our hands

Dwayne got me this hand mold set for my birthday.  I love it.  I painted my fingernails pink (of course) then painted it all in pearl.  It is amazing that it looks exactly like us.  I should have tapped it a bit more to let all of the tiny bubbles settle, but I love it just the same.  

 

Sarah & Annabeth's graduation is coming up soon

 Western Governor's University is going to recognize all of the family members who are graduating together.  They submitted these photos.  We are so beyond proud of all 3 of our kids.  Not many parents can say all of their kids finished college.  

Boundaries

 This is something that I struggle with since I am so co-dependent.  It is a control thing or something.  I feel like I am helping, but it is only hurting me.  This was very eye opening.