Knee Deep in the Water Somewhere

The moment had finally come. After four years of dreaming and planning and disappointment, I was finally on my way. Gulf Shores was calling my name. I could taste the salty air, the sand crunched between my toes... Granted, we were still in Shelby County, but I was ready.

Y'all, the last time I went to the beach, I still had braces. Let me set the scene. The wind whipped around the train tracks- the ones glued to my teeth. Yeah, that's about all you need to know. And if you still don't get it, here's photographic evidence:

Oh my.... 

So yeah, that's just... Not a pretty sight... But now I'm off, to the beach, as an adult.... With my parents. Don't get me wrong, I love them. But man I'd love to just chill on the beach with some friends. Oh well, just laying by the shore alone was lovely enough. Before the trip I bought this waterproof case for my phone! That way, I could take my phone on walks without being afraid of ruining it when my inevitable clumsiness reared its nasty head.

With four magazines (Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Girls' Life, and Seventeen) and John Green's Paper Towns in hand, I head towards the shores. I'll admit, I've always loved the idea of laying on the beach with a magazine, but I've never been oh so fond of the exhibition. However, without a friend to goof off with me, I don't think anyone would take too well to an 18-year-old trying to catch with a fish with a net... So this year, as an escape from all the insanity of my ever so quickly approaching college days, I decided to actually relax by the shore. I love the water, but I also love a good tan line…

That was once a big fish...

Turns out, I suck at catching fish. Live ones, at least. I buried 3 dead fish, and I caught 2 fish skeletons... Gross. I spent most of my failed fishing time using my net for seashell gathering. I caught a couple neat ones, but there really weren't many big ones along the shoreline! I bought a new body board and rode a few waves, but I usually just ended up underwater with saltwater in my eyes. I saved the nerdy goggles for swimming in the pool late at night. May as well avoid as much embarrassment as possible, right?

I never had any trouble sleeping, my time in the sun absolutely wore me out. It was like being a kid again, especially in the cozy bunk bed I slept in… It was a strange arrangement, but the bed was long enough for my never-ending legs, so all was well. I had my monkey with me, so that’s all that mattered anyways. 

Shopping was fun. We hit up the classics: the shark at Souvenir City, Mikee's Restaurant (it's really so good), and the beautiful pier at Gulf Shores Park. It was hot as anything out there, with no breeze off the shore, but everyone sweats at the beach, so no worries. It took me years to realize it, but Souvenir City is just as cool in the back- there's a giant pirate ship, complete with a huge anchor and pirate!!

*typical white girl shark pic*

I became a pirate behind Souvenir City.

A crappy panorama of the view at the end of the pier!!

On Thursday, we decided to go to the beach at about 10, giving us plenty time in the sun. I could feel the sizzle on my skin, but it was not until a few hours after I came inside that I realized I had turned into a human lobster. No joke, I had the Coppertone baby butt. Luckily, I tan overnight, so I woke up with a lovely tan. Unfortunately, though we practically brought our entire house with us, we forgot aloe vera, which I would have preferred over the sticky lotion mom brought. On that note, why is everything at the beach so freakin’ sticky?!!?!? Rage, rage rage. 

On the way home, we of course made a stop at Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama. While my parents got peach ice cream, I opted for a cookie dough milkshake, and it was lovely. I'm happy to be home, for sure. The beach is beautiful, but there's no place like home.

I have "ridden" this "horse" every year at Peach Park for as long as I can remember. I grow- it doesn't!

Ultimately, the late night swims with mom and humid nights I spent reading on the balcony were worth the long drive and sunburn. Now, I have exactly two weeks until I move to Montevallo. I’m glad we got to spend time together as a family relaxing without a care in the world. Except, of course, the air conditioner going out at home where Nanny and Sasha were staying, and dad forgetting his phone charger at home. Regardless, it was a wonderful week, and it reminded me of my love for the ocean. 

I love my new floppy hat! I think it suits me..

Favorite place to be.

Momma's a good photographer sometimes! ;)

"Someone in the Air Force loves me!"
Sent on time, but received as a late anniversary present!

I’m feeling extremely refreshed and ready to move on to the next big step in my life. From here on out, it’s prep time!! Also, on a completely unrelated note, I came home to a package from my airman, what a sweetheart he is. I told him I wished I had something to cuddle with while he's away, and what did he send me? Take a look! I'll be back with more posts soon as I get ready for school! Off to pack!

xoxo, a.