The Calvert Family: 2011

Santa Vacation ~ Day 1

Sweet, sweet Santa left us a trip to the beach and even got a condo big enough for our family and the Bounds family. So...we left Matt's parents on Wednesday morning and met our friends at Moe's in Mobile. I mean you cannot go to the beach without having lunch at Moe's...or so Matt Calvert thinks! Anyway, we were all super excited to see each other, had a yummy lunch, got all the girls in one car and all the boys in the other car, and off we went to Orange Beach!

As soon as we got to the condo, the girls got their swimsuits on and quickly made their way to the indoor pool. And yes, even in December it was warm enough to be in swimsuits on the balcony. The weather was in the 60s and 70s...PERFECT!

When I took this picture, I knew it was going to be a super fun few days...I mean look at these precious little girls...they are such sweet friends and full of smiles!

Cooper was pretty excited about swimming too...he LOVES the water!

Matt's favorite part of the beach...the sunsets...ahh...the beach...we just love it!

Dancing with Ms. Christy...Wednesday night we enjoyed The Hangout for dinner...you know, one of those places you cannot enjoy any other time because there are too many people.

Anna Lauren just a dancing!

Rileigh and Emmy...such sweet, sweet sisters!

Rileigh, Anna Lauren, and Emmy...

The Bounds Family...Jeremy, Christy, Elliott, Rileigh, and Emmy...

Silly Bounds Family and Anna Lauren...

Our little family...

And we couldn't end the night without a "silly" picture...

Santa Vacation ~ Day 2

Thursday we got up and spent the morning swimming in the indoor pool and then came in for some lunch. After lunch, the big girls headed to the beach while the little boys took a LONG nap...they were so tired. Matt and Jeremy went down with the girls while Christy and I just lounged on the balcony...fabulous to sit and do nothing...I NEVER do that!

View from the balcony...three sweet little girls just playing the afternoon away...

And the boys decided to be funny...they were so proud of themselves!

And after showers, we headed to the Shrimp Basket for dinner. One of the many highlights of the trip was the "girls" car and "boys" car...they love being together!

Santa Vacation ~ Day 3

Friday was another day full of fun...we went to the outlet mall that morning and then had lunch at the Original Oyster House. Then it was back to the condo for "play until you drop". The kids played on the beach and swam for a long time. We had dinner in the condo and called it a "super fun" day had by all!

We woke up and had a note from Santa...it said, "ALC, having fun? Love, Santa". The kids thought that was great fun and even went down to write Santa back and saw sleigh tracks. They decided Santa must be on vacation after all his hard work.

Little Elliott showing of his smiles...

Their note back to Santa..."We R having a lot of fun! Rileigh, Anna Lauren, and Emmy"...

Cooper finally made his way to the beach...

Eating some sand...yes, everything goes to his mouth...

These 3 can for sure strike a pose...and as crazy as it may seem, on December 30th, it was warm enough to play on the beach in your swimsuit.

Cooper throwing a fit because Daddy buried him in sand so he wouldn't get in the water...he just wanted to play in the water...

And Mr. Jeremy is buried...

Boys...enough said!

Rileigh was so sweet playing with Cooper...

Cooper found Anna Lauren's sunglasses...

Takes after his sister...no fear! The higher the better!

Santa Vacation ~ Day 4

And Saturday came, which meant time to pack up and head home...always the "sad" day! We did manage to get everything packed and then we made one last stop before going our separate ways...Lambert's for lunch. I think all would say it was a fun-filled trip and for sure a Christmas memory with friends that we will always cherish!

The girls helping Mr. Jeremy get the carts...

And this is what it looks like when 3 little girls are begging for a roll...

So proud...she caught one!

Quick Trip to New Orleans...

We spent Sunday (Christmas Day) through Wednesday morning with Matt's parents in Gulfport. His sisters and their families were there as well so by Tuesday, we felt the need for an outing. Let's just say it was a little "loud" with 6 kids 4 and under so we knew an outing would do everyone some good. Therefore, some of us headed to New Orleans for a little fun.

Anna Lauren didn't really want to go to the Aquarium, but she wanted to do whatever James and Spencer did so she went along. She thought if she did that then they would ride the trolley and horse and buggy with her...well, it didn't work out quite like that, and she threw a major fit...but...we told her we would go some other time for her to do those things. She just loves being on the "street" in New Orleans and is a little like her mother...not a huge fan of aquarium/museum type places.

And for me, well, the beignets were worth the trip...and...I happen to love New Orleans myself. Just hope next time we go we have a little more time to play.