Orange Beach

We leave in 6 days for a trip to the beach. I couldn't be more ready than I am now. I have so many things already together. The sand toys are in their mesh bag, draw string pulled tight, ready to go into the van. Beach/pool towels are stacked up in the closet and on our bedroom floor - ready to go. We have our menu prepared, although this may change a big. I hope to get most everything gathered together this weekend, food shopping done - may even join Sam's wholesale club - and have it all ready on Tuesday evening. Mark has a meeting on Wed. morning, but as soon as he is done there, I want the navy blue Odyssey to pull out of town on I-85. I can already smell and feel the air of Orange Beach. The extra heat of the sun that I feel as I am 3 hours closer to the equator than I am here at home; the peaceful sounds of the gulf slapping the sand - yes this slap is peaceful; the sand between our toes; the evening wind that blows as the sun sets; enjoying evenings with family; playing board games and card games with the kids; outlet shopping...all of these things fuel my excitement.

I hope to have a camera lens by the trip so that I can take photos of the kids end of summer trip. The middle chunk of the summer has been captured on our Pentax 35mm film camera. I now have 6 rolls of film that need to be developed...one day that will be done. My Nikon D40x is screaming for my attention from the chest in our bedroom. It sits on the top of the shelf with the lonely camera/lens cap covering the space that the lens would be....maybe this weekend I can go get a new lens. So, if not, there will be film photos from the beach. Either way, the memories will be in my mind - of the kids laughing and playing in the sand. E was 1 the last time we went to the beach. We didn't go last year - I don't think. I can't wait to see what she thinks about it. B is more than excited b/c he does remember going. So, again, I am rambling and need to get back to work to finish up some things before I leave here. My mind took me to Orange Beach as a co-worker just left my office on her way there today. I will not be jealous b/c I will be in her shoes next Wednesday.