19 Years and Counting

This year marked the 19th year that we've made our way to Orange Beach for our annual family beach trip. It has slowly evolved into lovingly being called "The Griswold Family Beach Trip"--the older we've gotten, the more Gris we've become. We embrace it ;)

 It's not too bad having to wait for dinner when this is the view--Shipp's Harbor

 Feeding the fish at Shipp's Harbor

Guys, this sushi roll was so...unique. We HAD to get one for the table when we saw it. 

Redneck Roll: filet mignon, shrimp, chipotle cream cheese, green onion, tomato salsa, and horseradish sauce. 

I always love and look forward to this trip. 

A week to relax, take in the beautiful sunsets, spend as much time on the beach as possible, eat wonderful food, drink fun drinks, play card/board games, and have absolutely no schedule to follow at all. What could be better?

 The ever competitive game of Spades

 Can you really have too many pictures of the beach? I personally don't think you can.

Each year it's gotten more and more fun as we've grown as a family. 

It's so neat to think back to bringing our friends with us when we were 11, 7, and 5 years old to now  being 30, 26, and 24 and having our husbands and wife with us as our family has grown. 

Looking back, I can't help but to be so thankful for 19 years of time spent with my family. I realize what a gift this has been and I am so thankful for these fun memories we've been able to make together.  We are so thankful for The Edwards and them allowing us to stay in their beautiful condo and share as part of the foundation for this fun tradition we've upheld and cherished. 

 This was GOOD--like, really good. 

This year we loved: 

Shipp's Harbor Grill (we ate here 3 times--whoops!) It's best to go there for lunch for there's not as long of a wait. But, if you go to get sushi like we did--you have to wait until at least 3:00. Their sushi is GREAT! Smoked Tuna dip is to die for as are their steaks. Who am I kidding? It's all amazingly delicious.

Our crab legs from Blalock's--we started this tradition for my birthday (we are usually at the beach the week of my birthday for as long as I can remember--it was a bit earlier this year)--we found this gem, Blalock's, where you can get it fresh and steamed while you wait. It's phenomenal and has become quite the tradition. Possibly my favorite one, being the "foodie" that I am. 

Original Oyster House--this place is good but what I love about it are the desserts. Guys, all I can say is Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie--amazing. Their key lime pie is awesome as well. And yes, we did get a 3rd dessert and their bread pudding is top notch. You'll want to go here for lunch as well--the wait at night is, whewwwwwww. They do have cute shops you can walk around in while you wait though that makes time go by a bit faster. They also have a great Pina Colada. 

I promise y'all that we did more than eat all week. Not much more, but we did do more than that!

Here's to another year of a successful "Griswold Family Beach Trip"!