This is a recap of our vacation to Gulf Shores this year. I have to say, that this was truly one of the best vacations I have ever had. I have already added a ticker to count down the days until next year. This year was especially fun for Audrey.

Her first trip, 3 summers ago, she wasn't quiet three months old. She was at the end of the terrible "Colic". She slept in her Aunt Aynne's arms for the entire fireworks show.

Last year, she was walking and into everything, but still a lot of fun for her daddy and me. We learned that she doesn't like the feel of sand. She stayed awake and saw the whole fireworks show. She only got in the pool for a few minutes, but seemed to like it okay.

This year, WOW, what a blast!!! My Audrey was simply wonderful. She was happy the entire time. Only fussed when she was sleepy, but so did her daddy. Like I've said before, they are two peas in a pod. She still doesn't like the sand, but absolutely loves the pool. She really made her Mommy and Daddy proud.

Day 1 - Tuesday

Today is the day. We are finally heading to Gulf Shores for our vacation. We had to go into work for a few hours just to tie up some loose ends, but I left around noon to make sure that we had all we would need for our trip. Ward worked a little later, and picked up Audrey from daycare. She had a swimming party today, and was really excited about that. So, after Ward picked up Audrey, and the two of them picked me up, we were on our way.

We decided to take the back roads today. It seems like forever since I've driven that way. The country sides and all the farms are simply beautiful. Audrey napped very briefly, but she was on her best behavior. We checked into our condo without a hitch; smooth sailing so far.

Ward's sister Aynne, and her family, were already there by the time we arrived. Her son, or should I say my nephew, Ray, and his brand new fiance, Stephanie, were able to make the trip from California this year. Aynne's youngest son, or again should I say my other nephew, Jake, is also here this year.

We got ourselves settled, unpacked, and ready for our vacation to begin. We had dinner with my brother-in-law's cousin, Howard. He has a cabin nearby and is a lot of fun to visit while we are at the beach each year. Ward is responsible for delivering newspapers to the cabin and condos each morning. After dinner we came back to our condo and just nearly collapsed. All three of the Fendleys were just tuckered out.

Day 2 -Wednesday

This morning Ward went to the supermarket for lots of groceries. He did this while Audrey and I slept late. He delivered the newspaper to Howard's as usual, and he had his coffee with Howard and Bobby. We stayed around the condo area for most of the day. We took Audrey to the pool this afternoon. I was totally stunned by the way Audrey showed us just how unafraid she is of jumping to us. I finally taught her that she has to wait for my signal (clapping my hands) before she can jump. Wow, that child wasn't scared at all.

We had dinner at the cabin. Jake and Ray grilled steaks, and let me tell you, that was one of the best steaks I have ever tasted. My hat's off to the chefs. Stephanie and I polished off a bottle of wine....very good wine. We stayed and visited for a while, until Audrey let us know that her bedtime had arrived. Audrey is in love with "Annie's Hammock." This is a hammock that is underneath the cabin. I can't blame her, it really is comfortable. I could sleep there all night long.

Day 3 - Thursday

This morning I got up and cooked us my infamous pancake breakfast. After breakfast we got ready for the day. We went upstairs to visit with Aynne and Bobby before heading out. Ward wasn't able to have his coffee at the cabin today. Howard's daughter JC left for Europe early this morning. He had to drive her to New Orleans to catch her plane, so Ward had to settled for coffee and breakfast with Audrey and me.

We decided to take Audrey to Gulf Shores Zoo today. Not too bad for such a small zoo, they are still rebuilding due to Hurricane Ivan. It was hot, to say the least, but well worth it. Audrey didn't complain at all. She is always on her best behavior whenever we are in the company of wild animals. We took her to a gift shop and let her pick out a "prize" for being good. She first chose a plastic alligator head, but then decided on two plastic balls.

I bought her an airbrushed T-shirt, and a float for the pool. Audrey just loves her new float. It took a little coaxing to get her in the darn thing, but once she was in, it took a lot more coaxing to get her out. After the pool, the three of us headed upstairs for a nap. One of the best naps by far. Ward and I decided to stay in, so he cooked us his really tasty spaghetti. Of course we ate way too much.

Day 4 - Happy 4th of July

Today, we got up early, skipped breakfast and headed to the cabin for Howard's Annual 4th of July Cook-Out. He has been doing this for years, and I love that we get to participate in the festivities.

Bobby and Howard start cooking very early, if not the night before. Let me tell you, they can certainly cook a Boston Butt. Lots of people were there this year; at one time, almost 80 friends and family.

My brother-in-law, Harding, and his son, Thomas, made it just in time for all the food. They were only able to stay for the night. If you know Harding, you know that he was at the beach to party -- and party he did!

After we stuffed ourselves sick, Audrey got a little grumpy. This is an indication that she is in need of a nap. After her nap, we headed back to the pool. Today was even more fun. I love to see her smile, and that is all she does while swimming. I started talking to her about the fireworks that would be happening soon. She just smile, as if she knew what I was talking about.

The fireworks show is the best in Gulf Shores. I can't think of a better place to be than on a blanket on the beach with lots of family and friends. Before we headed to see the fireworks, Stephanie and I decided it was a great time for daiquiris. I have never made daiquiris before, so I dubbed them "Theresa Surprises." Turned out pretty dang good. Well, no one complained. We hung out at our place for awhile and had a fantastic time.

Day 5 - Saturday

This morning we had pancakes with all the trimmings. Harding and Thomas came by to have lunch with us before heading back home. After lunch Ward took Audrey to the pool, I stayed in for a little "Me" time.

Once again, Stephanie demanded that I make more "Theresa Surprises." This batch was even better the night before. We hung out at our place before heading upstairs for dinner at Aynne's. Nothing beats the leftovers from Howard's cook-out. We sat on their balcony for a long time, catching up on everyone, and talking about next year. We will have just about everyone with us next go-around. For me the more the merrier. Audrey loves her Aunt Annie. Well by this time, I was feeling really tired, so we decided to call it a night and headed back to our place for sleep.

Day 6 - Sunday

This morning Ward woke me up with chocolate covered Krispy Kreme donuts, one of my favorites. This just added to eating way too much...who cares, I'm on vacation. Audrey was on her best behavior today, and just couldn't get enough of the pool, or her cousin Ray (Ray-Ray, as she calls him). We really made today count.

Sadly, we will have to say good-bye, and head back home in the morning. Ward and Audrey played in the pool, and he did his best to make her play in the sand. She still doesn't want anything to do with that at all. That is okay, she has plenty of time, and many trips to the beach in her future. Aynne cooked the best lasagna I have eaten in my life. Goodness, it was good. We visited with everyone for a long while before saying goodnight, and hugging those who would be sleeping late Monday morning. Aynne and Audrey played hide-and-go-seek -too cute for words.

Audrey's uncle Bobby, after probably far too many, decided to test the strength of Audrey's head by slamming (repeatedly) the patio door on my poor child's head. It left a mark that quickly disappeared, but Ward thinks she will bear emotional scars forever, or until Uncle Bobby decides to pay her way through college. Our lawyer, T. A. Harding Fendley, Esquire, asked that we not discuss any further details of this issue until the case is settled.

Day 7 - Monday

The time finally came for us to leave - my least favorite time. I had packed-up the kitchen Sunday night, and Ward handled packing up everything else - early, VERY early, Monday morning.

Watching Audrey blow a kiss to the pool "bye, bye, pool," then another kiss to the fish on the condo wall, were both fun, but a little sad, to watch.

One more hug and kiss for everyone at the beach, then off on the long drive home. Ray and Stephanie were headed back to Los Angeles, and the Texas Clan (Aynne, Bobby and Jake) are in route back to Houston. Bobby stays home a few more weeks, then back to his job in Italy.