A Grand Vacation

One of our favorite places to stay while on vacation is the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort in Point Clear. This time was no different. 

We always know that we're close to the hotel when we take a wrong turn at the Fairhope Pier. Every time y'all! Ha!

This time, we decided to stop and walk down the pier.

I debated on sharing this picture of hot mess momma, but how often do I get in a picture, so...

We arrived at the resort with a few hours to spare before dinner, so we decided to reacquaint ourselves with it.

We played and kayaked in the Mobile Bay.

Do you see the Mobile skyline in the distance? Hint: Look at the horizon on the right.

And, we enjoyed some pool time.

That view, though!

We met our neighbors.

Then, we took a drive back to the pier for dinner at Shux on the Pier.

My silly men

My handsome men

After dinner, we took pictures on the pier as the sun was setting.

This was the pier after dark.

I took these pictures at the start of the second day of our vacation. Excuse the fogginess. My lens was still adjusting to the humidity outside.

Evan and I  decided to part ways with Chris and Chloe, so we could explore the beautiful garden while they went to the pool.

We met back up with Chris and Chloe at the resort's fishing pier. We were the worst fishers. Everyone that came and grabbed a pole caught a fish within a few minutes. It took us over half an hour.

This heron kept us entertained. It was there to eat the fish that were caught.

The hotel's cannon is fired into the Mobile Bay at 4:00 pm daily to honor the military. How often do you get see a functioning cannon fired?

We've made the mistake in the past of planning day trips to different places off the resort during our stay. This time we decided to make a trip  further south to Gulf Shores Beach on the last day of our vacation. After an "eventful" hour or so at the beach, we grabbed lunch at The Hangout. It's a great tourist spot.

Chloe got the chance to compete for a free breakfast, but was disqualified when she stuck her hand in the pie to pick out a cherry that dropped out of her mouth. She would've won, too. Either way, it was exciting to watch.

We made one final stop at Alvin's Island to buy souvenirs for the kids, a crab for Evan and a hat for Chloe. This, not surprisingly, was the highlight of their trip.

It's always great to get away with the fam to enjoy good food and sunshine. Until we meet again, Grand Hotel!