4th of July

The week of the 4th of July 2012 is one that I'll always remember. I am so grateful that I got to spend a full week at the beach with my mom's entire side of the family. It was pretty much a miracle that all 20 of our schedules somehow managed to work. We came from AL, NY, CA, TX, TN, DC, NC, and my cousin Margaret had just returned from a semester abroad in Nicaragua. Grant worked the whole week so we all missed him so much but he did get to come down Friday night for the weekend. It was pretty chaotic with 20 family members all eating, drinking, sitting, playing, talking, and fellowshipping together but we wouldn't have wanted it any other way! William was passed from one person to the next all day everyday, and he loved every second of it. He was pretty fussy from Friday through Sunday, but I think it was because he was just completely worn out. I'll attempt to recap the week in pictures of course! Lots of these pictures were taken with my phone, so sorry for the poor quality ;)

William ready to go to Capt. A's the first night we were there. This may be the last time you see him in a "gown" besides his christening one. Don't want to scar him for life ;)

He was worn out after a long day of traveling. William and I drove to Dothan and then hopped in the car with my mom to head to the beach. I was a little nervous about being alone for the drive to Dothan but he slept all the way to Ozark before needing a bottle. He did great!

Reunited with Juju after a month apart.

William spent a lot of time on the porch in his beach rocker. I'd say he liked it okay. 

 Chillin' with cousin Paul at Quin's condo for dinner on night 2. William doesn't quite know how to "look at the camera."

 William gearing up for his 1st trip on Never Rest

 William and his great, great uncle Quin

 William and Mommy on Never Rest

 Angel

 William covered in spit up 30 seconds after I dressed him. That's what happens 98% of the time. 

 Just talkin' to great grandmother, Jan Jan, on the porch

 Margie and baby "Willum," as she calls him

Julie and Margie on the boat ready to head to Shell Island

 William and the birthday boy!

 July 4th fun.

Such a sweet moment. Sam is smitten with his great grandson.

 William and cousin Nelson

 With Aunt Birdie

 A big part of the week was meeting Paul's sweet girlfriend, Steph! She was one brave gal to put up with all of us for a week. 

 Sam and Big Lee 

We had an AMAZING spread on the 4th. It was insane. I'll see if I can remember everything we had: ribs, squash casserole, peas, tomatoes, homemade peach ice cream, and a birthday cookie cake for my dad. I'm certain I'm leaving some of the sides off, but it was delicious! We didn't make it out on the boat for the firework show this year but we could see them from the dock.

 Crooked Island - where the bay and gulf merge. Quin took us to this magical place several times during the week, and it was more beautiful than I've ever seen it before. The water was crystal clear and there were very few boats there which made for a lot of fun and relaxation. 

 Annual girl cousin picture

 Fleming family love

 Beautiful Julie

 Billings + Steph :)

 Aunt Lane and Lee

William and his new best friend. These two could spend hours "talking" and smiling at each other.

We've changed my Dad's name from Papa Steve to Daddy Steve. I grew up calling my grandfather on my Dad's side, Daddy Joe. 

Hanging out before dinner one night

 Dinner at Capt. A's again on our last night

 Snoozin' on Never Rest. 

William was very happy to be reunited with his Daddy at the beach after a long week apart!

 Sunday morning boat ridin' with Juju and Daddy Steve

Grant had Monday off so we had a nice last night with our little family of three. We ate leftovers from the week and soaked in a couple of more hours of porch time and salt air before packing up to head north on Monday morning. I can't wait to take William back to the beach next summer. He'll be ready to build sand castles and maybe even swim in the ocean.