Nolan Family

December 26th marked our big family adventure.  Since we could see the dolphins our our window, everyone voted to take a ferry ride to Daulphin Island.  The ferry stated that it could hold 28 cars but I am not sure how that is possible.  It had an open decks flanked by two open walkways on each side.  Above the one walkway was the small bridge. It was windy on the water and we quickly realized that being the first car on the ferry was not the best idea.  As the boat would hit a wave the water splashed onto the deck and occasionally onto the front of our car.  Rosi was not amused by the small boat or the splashing water. All of us except for Rosi piled out to check out the ferry.  The boys and Dave were quickly cold.  I was cold but figured I could be warm later on, thinking that I do not often get to ride on a boat across Mobil Bay at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico.   John and I were the only two who stayed out the whole time. I choose to stay on the port side of the boat as t

We had a relaxing morning on Christmas Day and enjoyed a breakfast of Swedish Pancakes.  Once we were all full it was time to open our gifts.  Most of our gifts had been opened the Sunday before our trip, so today it was more about fun gifts.   John gave all of us ladies gloves from the official US Olympic team.  It was fun when we all held up our hands together. For dinner we feasted on Prime Rib, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Ham, Green Beans, Carrots, and Snow Peas. stuffing, and pie for dessert.

Monday, December 23rd was a day of resting and shopping.  We were pleasantly surprised by dolphins in the water in front of our condo.     It was a pleasant surprise that we had not been able to enjoy the year before! Tuesday, December 24th greeted us with sunshine and dolphins.  We started our morning watching the dolphins playing in the water in front of us. We decided that it would be a great day to go to Gulf Islands National Seashore.  Having run out of time the year before, it was still on my list from the year before.  To get to it we needed to go through Pensacola and take two long bridges across to the Island.   Funny thing about the "G" on Dave's shirt.  He kept getting asked about the "Bulldogs".  Down South the "G" is for Georgia.  Luckily at our condo we met several Wisconsinnites who knew what the "G" stood for! At some points as we drove we could see the water on both sides of us.  I

A great vacation leaves you wishing for more, pining over what life of a continual vacation would be.  It also brings the realization that this time is special because it is not the norm.  You have escaped the alarm clock, the normal chores, the schedules and routine.  This is what our Christmas trip 2013 represent to me.  The secret is to not let the dread of it ending rob you of the joy of enjoying the trip. As steam surrounded us, waves crashed and the wind blew, our family started to reflect on our vacation, as we spent our last night swimming and enjoying the hot tub.  Ryan said he was glad to go home because he missed time with his friends, but then after a while of thinking and contemplating, he stated, "I can't wait for our next vacation."  I asked, "why?"  He stated, "because then you can be off work again and spend your whole day playing with us!" The Begining We left Green Bay after work and school on December 20th.  Full of anticipa