Spring Break 2021

Friday: This year we decided to do Gulf shores once again since Covid still limits our possible destination options. Hailey, Noelle's friend joined us. Even though James wasn't with us...we FaceTimed him daily. This year we chose to leave at 7pm. We drove...actually Matt drove the entire first stretch...all the way to Puduka, KY. We crashed in a bomb of a hotel. We didn't have many options since most of the Midwest has decided to get out of dodge with the same plan to head south.

Saturday: Despite our bomb of a hotel I did have an amazing run the next morning to a beautiful golf course. We hit the road by 9am. Matt drove the first stretch, then Jill, then Noelle. Noelle started our usual giddiness that occurs on these road trips by deciding to do "potholes" while driving. Unfortunately a nearby driver called the cops on us afraid our driver was drunk driving. We decided to swap drivers after Noelle had trouble driving through a Dairy Queen drive through and hit a curb. Shortly after departing from our dairy queen, several cop cars started flashing their lights behind us. Matt freaked out! The cop looked in our vehicle to see we were an inocent family just enjoying our ice cream. He let Matt off the hook. We finally rolled into our VBRO around 9pm. The trip took a lot longer than every other trip we have done thus far.

Sunday:

This morning Matt decided to run with me along the beach. We ran to the pier and back. We went to get groceries. I made the right choice this time. I sent Matt and Greta with one cart and I went with another cart for my produce. This way Matt wasn't breathing down my neck wanting me to go faster! Once back to our place we had breakfast and went out to the beach for short bit before heading to the soulvineer shops. Greta bought new sunglasses and a braclette. I bought a new sweat shirt and shorts. Noelle and Hailey bought necklaces and Matt bought a cigar. Next we hit the most amazing custard shop, Rita's Italian Ice. I got a soft serve that was the tastiest I have every had. Greta and I decided to scope out the creek for an alligator. We spotted one!! Matt wasn't too excited to stop and take a photo. Thanks Matt for still be a trooper! This evening we decided to get BBQ for dinner and then went for a moonlight hike on the beach.

Monday:

This morning I ran along the beach alone. I got amazing sunrise photos. We decided to rent a pontoon and cruise around the bayou. We had ourself lunch at Pirates Cove...a restaurant on the water. Matt officially declared after today's hamburger he isn't having another....until next week...LOL. We next beached it on an island for a good hour and soaked up rays while watching dolphins. Afterwards we gaucked at homes on Ono island. Many of them had a lot of damage from the recent hurricane. We managed to find our way back without any boat damage. Good job Matt Hanson! Google maps helped us out a little. No fat neck sightings this year. Once done we opted to dine in. Showers, easy stroll on the beach, and "Friends" reruns ended our day.

Tuesday:

After my usual run along the coastline I went to the grocery store to buy aloe...s well as a few other essentials. Why did I choose not to wear sunscreen? Matt had a 10am work call. Afterwards we packed up and headed to Pensacola, FL. We ate at Nick's boathouse, an outdoor restaurant neighboring the baseball stadium with ocean breeze and views. I had amazing Mahi-Mahi and coffee. I am pairing that more often! We drove around downtown and then headed for Pensacola Beach. We bought Greta new flip flops and Noelle a new hat. We wondered if we'd be back here again someday as Matt could station here. We walked the Pensacola beach and got ice cream. I had the most amazing coffee dark chocolate ice cream. If I could only eat one food on the planet that would be it. Once back to our VBRO we all watched American idol and crashed.

Wednesday: this morning Matt joined me on my run to the pier and back. Once back I had my nutrition appointment via video. Then we headed to the beach for wave jumping and chillin in the sun. Today was our warmest day...hit close to 80 degrees. I even got in the water with Fuzzy for wave jumping! After lunch in our condo we decided to look for a place to parasail. Unfortunately everyone else had the same idea. Instead we had a relaxing day on the beach...even rented lawn chairs. I enjoyed my 30 min beach walk. After everyone increased their vit D we opted to shower up, dress up and hit Big Fish Restaurant and Bar for their Sushi. Everyone loved their rolls...all but Fuzzy. Good thing for grilled cheese on the menu. Next we hit Rita's Italian Ice, again, for the best custard on the planet. Once back to our resort we watched reruns of Friends and hit the sack.

Thursday:

After my morning run we decided to let the girls sleep in awhile. Once they awoke at 11:15am we figured why not hit the Waffle House. Even Jill ordered grits, grilled chicken with mustard and coffee! Matt got biscuits and gravy, Noelle and Hailey enjoyed waffles with chocolate chips and Greta got eggs and toast. We then went for a drive west of Gulf Shores to Gauck at the nearby homes. We are thinking another trip we ought to rent one...that is with a big group. We then went to the Warf for a little shopping. It was a cooler day at 62 degrees so many others had a similar plan to avoid the beach. I fell in love with the Spice store. I found a chocolate sea salt, lime sea salt, and a vanilla powder I am anxious to try! We then made our way back to the VBRO. Matt and I went for a stroll on the beach. We were commenting on how it is a good thing we both enjoy being active. I can see many possibilities in our retirement of what we enjoy together. We then went to Tuscany Pizza and Grill for dinner. Noelle and Hailey had the sillies. Dad, Greta, and I enjoyed our games of kings in the corner waiting for our meals. Afterwards we hit Target for snacks for the car ride home. Once back to our hotel Matt found himself back to the daily challenge....trying to beat Sven at chess on his phone. I think he finally did it!! Good job Matt! Soon thereafter we crashed.

Friday:

This morning Matt played chicken...he wasn't willing to face the 45 degree temps on our morning run...especially given he only packed shorts! I enjoyed my final run along the shoreline to the bridge and back. I saw the same 8th grade girl who I saw every morning. I envision her home track coach told her to keep her millage up while on Spring Break. Brings back memories of my younger days training. Once back to our VBRO the smell of cinnamon rolls awakened the gang. We packed up our belongs and hit the road to Wisconsin. Without stops we will be home at 1:45am. I can handle that. Plan to sleep in tomorrow and have a day to recuperate before Easter.

We discovered a few things about ourselves this trip. We aren't great Beach vacationers. We like to move. Don't get me wrong...we enjoy the waves, the sunshine, the views, walks on the beach...but we also need a little more action. Next Spring break maybe we will do a Ski Trip? Who knows...there is plenty of time to decide. Heck...we've even decided to go on a trip the same day we left!

Until next time...

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