Day at the Beach

Wow! I knew today was going to be fun but not this much. We got the mini van around 10:00 a.m. We drove directly to the beach. We got out and walked the beach for a ways. The kids played in the sand and walked in the water.

We drove on down the coast and found a great pier that went out in the water. We walked all the way out. People were fishing the whole way and lots of bait fish swarming around the pier. We got to the end and a young couple had caught a ray. It was about the size of a dinner plate. It was really cool. As we were standing there another of her lines started going crazy. She fought to reel it in. It took her about 5 minutes to get it in. We were all waiting with anticipation to see how big a fish she had caught. When up out of the water squirmed an eel. Oh my gosh!!! We were all freaked out. It was about 3 1/2 to 4 feet long. It was about as big around as the top part of an adults arm. The girl was afraid as were we. The gentleman took the eel and knocked it unconscious against the piers. That was the only way they could get the hook out. It was so weird. Everyone around said they had never seen one caught that big.

Then as we walked back up the pier another man and his grandchild had a crab basket and as we walked by they pulled up a crab about the size of a cereal bowl. Jake wanted to fish so bad. It was definitely an awesome trip up the pier.

We ate lunch at a little buffet. Nothing too exciting. They had really good fried chicken and everybody could get what they wanted.

Then we circled back around to the beach. We went to a little souvenir shop and purchased sand toys and a football. We went across the street to the beach and rented for $20 two lounge chairs and let the kids play. They had a sand castle contest and played catch in the sand. Tim (I told him I thought he really looked like a hick on the beach with his jeans and tennis shoes) enjoyed laying in the shade watching the kids play.

We came back swam in the pool for a little while and then got ready for dinner. OH MY GOSH!!!! This place was totally awesome. Mary Mahoneys is a really nice French restaurant. It has been around for a very long time. The sign said circa 1767 I think. The food was out of this world! Tim and I had seafood of course. Jessi had catfish, and the other kids had cheese sticks and chicken. We tried to get them to try the crab. Jake did and he loved it. Josh and Jenni wouldn't have anything to do with it. The kids were so good. They all put their napkins in their laps. Jenni was so cute. She was quite the little lady. They didn't fight and were very polite to each other. We even let them order dessert for a reward for good behavior. There was a sign outside the building that said the water from Katrina came up this high. It was about 12 feet off the ground. Their menu said they were only closed for 65 days after Katrina. It was an amazing dinner and evening.

After dinner we ran to a Wal Mart since we have a car today. We bought a fishing pole for Jake to use in Alabama the next couple of days. I told Tim he just wants to throw his line in the water. So at least we have a pole for him to use.

All and all today was totally awesome. The kids didn't fight about anything today. It absolutely warmed my heart to no end when Jake and Josh were throwing the football back and forth on the beach. It was my favorite part of the day.