May 2009

I always try to make a point to plan family activities, particularly when we are on vacation. That’s one of the main reasons for vacation—to help our little family stay connected. But it seems that as the kids get older, it’s getting harder to please everyone. I have to be careful that my attempts at bringing everyone together do not actually cause division due to fighting over what to do!

So I try to listen to everyone’s ideas, and one thing I have found is that music is almost always a big hit. And there are lots of music options at the Alabama Gulf Coast. Music festivals and concerts by various artists from a range of genres are frequent in the area. I’ve always found these events to be a great way to break up a vacation and entertain the entire family.

The next time you visit Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, I highly recommend checking out one of these music events. You can begin your musical exploration at www.thebeachiscalling.org.

I have become an amateur photographer since we bought our new camera. The old camera lasted almost eight years, so it was definitely time for something new. We splurged a little and bought a good digital camera—and I am so glad we did! The quality of the photos is amazing. We haven’t been to the Alabama Gulf Coast since buying the camera, and I can’t wait to see what kind of pictures I end up with the next time we visit.

I am particularly interested in photographing the wildlife at the Gulf. Pelicans, seagulls, herons and cranes are fascinating to watch and make great pictures. I’ve taken some nice pictures of these creatures in the past, but I’ve developed a small photographer-ego and I’m hoping to capture a really superb wildlife moment—a heron in flight might be nice.

Of course you don’t need a fancy camera to take great pictures of Alabama Gulf Coast wildlife. Any camera will serve the purpose of preserving these memories. The best part is just being there to experience the remarkable wildlife.

And if you have a great wildlife photo (or obtain one in the next few weeks), you might consider entering in the “Show Us Your Best Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Vacation Ever” contest. Just go to www.thebeachiscalling.org.