Orange Beach, Alabama
January 2014
We had already driven 113 miles and completed two hikes in Alabama when it was time to drive the remaining 410 miles home. I saw the 122ft. tall Ferris Wheel in the distance and knew it was trouble. I knew the girls would want to stop for a ride if they saw it and I really wanted to start the long drive home. I didn't try to distract them, but I wasn't going to point it out either. I decided to just let the decision happen on it's own. We were almost past the ferris wheel and in the clear when both girls seemed to see it at the same time. Laurel started yelling, "FERRIS WHEEL" and Kellisa started screaming, "ME". I had already passed the turn in and had to do a u-turn. Despite the loss of time, I was glad we stopped because they both really had a great time. (More pictures)
Jacksonville, FL
February 2, 2014
Sunday afternoon was spent under the big top at UniverSoul Circus. Laurel didn't know where we were going and saw the tent from five miles away and started screaming "CIRCUS" in the back seat. When asked how she knew it was a circus tent, she answered, "from the stripes on the tent". Both girls were very excited. Laurel's favorite part was some dancing and Kellisa really enjoyed the elephants.
Alabama
Hike #2
January 2014
We had selected the Jeff Friend Trail because it was rated as "wheelchair accessible". We enjoyed the trail, but found it to be borderline accessible. With a little help, I think most people in a wheelchair could enjoy the pleasant loop trail with a couple short boardwalk sections. (More pictures and videos)
Alabama
January 2014
It was 29F, windy and the water was choppy, but we decided to take the Mobile Bay Ferry to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, our hiking destination in Alabama. Both kids were very excited and couldn't wait to get out of the car to experience the cold wind in their face and the spray of salt water coming over the side of the ferry. (More pictures)
Alabama
Hike #1
January 2014
As we were driving to the Mobile Bay Ferry, we passed a sign for the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. We had a little time before the next ferry crossing and decided to turn in and see if there were any trails to hike. We had enough time to hike a short loop trail/boardwalk through the pine forest to a nice little lake. (More pictures)
