We made it back to the Island!

 After almost thirteen hours on the road, some of it through very heavy traffic and stressful situations, this is what we found waiting for us at the Alabama Welcome Center.

What a sight for sore eyes and tired, cramped bodies.

 We all checked into the Days Inn in Cullman, Alabama.

We stay at this same motel each time we come down to St. George.

Always clean, inexpensive, and a decent breakfast.

The pool was enjoyed by Paul and the girls and one other random boy who obviously needed some attention from a grownup and Paul fit the bill.

The weather which is usually so oppressively hot and humid in Alabama was actually very pleasant and dry (not humid) especially for July.

 After swimming we enjoyed our usual Papa John's pizza, breadsticks (both cinnamon and regular) and a few de stressing beers.

We all turned in and go ready for our last leg of the journey to the Island.

 And, here we are at the Welcome Center in Florida!

 These four had ridden in one car and beat us to the this destination.

We had to make a few more bathroom and snack stops for Tiz and me.

 My mom didn't make this picture, she was relaxing in the shade, but she was with us.

We always take a photo by this sign.

 As soon as we got to our house, which is beautiful, by the way, we checked out the pool and hot tub.

It is going to be a great place to hang out.

 After unpacking quickly, I have that down to a science, we hit the beach.

I could not wait to see the girls' reaction to the sand and sea and it did not disappoint.

Tiz already loves the water and waves.

Soli is still hesitant about the water, but enjoyed the sand toys.

 Our pool view from the top deck of our house.

 The top deck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a snack and a drink.

Alissa flew in to meet us.

She had a mix up by the airlines at the last minute which caused her some unnecessary stress, but it all ended well when she pulled up in her rental car.

These two sisters started our journeys with us to St. George way back in 1997 and I am so thankful to have them with us this time, too.

I think it is going to be a fantastic week.