68 In Life

The Beach {part 1}

ddollsunglassesTIGER

Hello from the Gulf Coast! It’s REALLY, REALLY, REALLY good to be here with my family. We have had the most incredible weather and I’m so thankful that my whole family {including my paternal grandmother} is also along for our getaway! We are back at McBeach and it is somehow even better than I remembered it being!

First, before I jump into what we’ve been up to… thank you for your comments on the last post! I was very entertained reading them and I feel as though it is my responsibility to let you know that the CLC is requiring nothing of me above what is standard protocol. It has little to do with Auburn University and a lot to do with the CLC {who is their licensing agent and the company responsible for not only licensing companies to print their trademarks but also responsible for protecting their trademarks}! Basically if it looks like {or could even be mistaken for} something that Auburn University could sell, you cannotΒ  sell it. My understanding is that not only can you not sell it, but you also can’t make it for yourself.Β  That is what makes trademarks so very tricky. But in my case, clearly I was in violation. If I were to use images/slogans that are not trademarked but could be mistaken for apparel that was representing Auburn University {which is where I think the colors come into play} that too would be in violation, which is why I will be refraining from here on out of printing anything that could beΒ  remotely associated with a university!Β  Not to mention, I’m kinda on their radar screen! If anything, I’ve learned a lot and I’m thankful that I can be an example to the rest of you of what NOT to do! Oh, let’s not think about that any more… how ’bout the sugar sand beaches and blue/green water of NW Florida!?!?!

paiger buried

The kids have been up at the crack, dressed in swimsuits {or not} ready to hit the shore!

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We brought a little box of matchbox cars for the Rover and I’ve noticed he’s not the only “boy” here that likes them. {DaddyBoy’s laptop screen damage compliments of my children.}

matchbox

DBlaptop

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Please note: his pjs are licensed.

Our days have been filled with building sandcastles, swimming, boogie boarding {myself included and I may not be able to move for a few days}, seashell hunting, watching interesting flying contraptions, eating lots of good food and watching the sunset over dinner. The kids have absolutely had a blast {as have the adults} and John Martin is enthralled with Sloane, he loves not being the “baby” when she’s around… he also is really good at entertaining her!!

mbeach

motoparachute

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JMandSloane

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DaddyBoy clearly needs a Honey Bee t-shirt, not that I’m for parking lots on beaches, but I’m certain I can find him something a little more… subtle and stylish.

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sunset

One evening DaddyBoy and I decided to go feed the seagulls. Yes, we are those annoying people! But we had so much fun, as did the girls, well, Paige was slightly terrified when they came in CLOSE! The seagulls seemed to love their Cheerio snack mix! I should also mention that DaddyBoy’s favorite movie is The Birds by Hitchcock…

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DB

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After the birds were well fed the girls and I stayed and watched the sunset, it was a moment that I hope to not ever forget.

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I am hoping very soon the Rover will come to terms with the fact that he needs to have his hair cut. I keep catching him looking at it…

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Ok, I’m off to drink some coffee, watch the waves crash, the sun rise… thank the Lord that our stay here is only half over! Be back soon with this month’s sponsor post!!

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  • Jessica @ These Are The Days
    September 7, 2010 at 7:50 am

    Great pictures. What kind of camera do you use? I’ll have to see if you put that on your blog any where. I HEART the beach!! That blonde haired brown eyed boy is scrumptious!!

  • Colleen
    September 7, 2010 at 7:54 am

    Love your pictures! Enjoy your vacation.

  • angela
    September 7, 2010 at 7:57 am

    Somehow I missed the post on your run in with the law!! πŸ™‚ Glad that I am now informed that one of my favorite bloggers is a little on the EDGY side!!:)

    Oh how I wish I had my toes in the sand. Your children get cuter with every post…as does The Bologna Sandwich!

  • Justine
    September 7, 2010 at 8:08 am

    You take the best photos – I love them all – I love the beach.!

  • Emily
    September 7, 2010 at 8:09 am

    BEAUTIFUL! Super jealous as I sit here looking at the walls of my cubical wishing I was staring out over the ocean! I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

  • Alicia
    September 7, 2010 at 8:17 am

    Darby doll cracks me up! I’m glad you are enjoying your vacation! We hope to go to the beach soon!

  • Laura
    September 7, 2010 at 8:27 am

    So glad Darby Doll was able to put the CLC fiasco behind her and has put her shades on and is enjoying a relaxing time at the beach! As always your pictures are amazing. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

  • kris
    September 7, 2010 at 8:27 am

    Hi Darby-Whenever I see yourphotos I think “what a beautiful, healthy family.” Saw tiyr Auburn tiger and had to let you know that my oldest son is a swimmer and is going on a recruiting trip to Auburn in 2 weeks! We are from Chicago and this will be quite a change of scenery for him! Do you think he’ll love it?????

  • Katherine
    September 7, 2010 at 8:34 am

    We stayed at McBeach for our Etheredge family beach week the first week of August. We all loved it. I did not want to leave!

  • bellamia
    September 7, 2010 at 8:59 am

    Beautiful pics Darby!! And even more, beautiful memories!! Hope the rest of your vacation is just as enjoyable as the first part!

  • Katie
    September 7, 2010 at 9:14 am

    Oh, thank heavens…Darby doll looks so much more refreshed than the previous post. It is my firm belief that the beach holds magical healing and restoring powers. πŸ˜‰ Oh thinking of you watching the sun set with your sweet girls…melts my heart…how precious a moment that must have been. Bless their hearts!

  • Katherine @ Grass Stains
    September 7, 2010 at 9:18 am

    LOVE the licensed PJs. πŸ˜‰

  • libby
    September 7, 2010 at 9:28 am

    looks like a fabulous time! the pictures are beautiful!

  • Jennifer
    September 7, 2010 at 9:29 am

    Family vacations are the best! So glad you’re enjoying every minute of yours!

  • Allie
    September 7, 2010 at 9:35 am

    Darby, you are too funny! Feeding the seagulls and saying you are those annoying people… made me laugh out loud! So glad y’all are enjoying your vacation! πŸ˜€

  • Cat from iBlog
    September 7, 2010 at 9:35 am

    makes me long for the beach. glad you’re all having a wonderful time. it’s beautiful!

  • Samantha
    September 7, 2010 at 9:50 am

    gorgeous pictures of the seagulls & the sunset!

  • Nelle
    September 7, 2010 at 10:23 am

    Oh Darby! I grew up going to Destin and just love these photos. Brings back such fond memories of childhood. I’m aching for white sand beaches and haven’t yet been this year. Thank you for such a nice memory. The licensed PJ comment is hilarious. You kill me!!! xoxo

  • Kristen {a little ditty}
    September 7, 2010 at 10:29 am

    Gorgeous pictures! Looks like you guys are having so much fun. I especially love all the sunset ones you captured.

  • chi anne
    September 7, 2010 at 10:30 am

    just catching up on on the CLC business- it is a GOOD thing that God allows us to use His word freely!! I say print more shirts with the Word- and make peace with the war eagles

  • Lauren
    September 7, 2010 at 10:51 am

    Oh, how much fun ya’ll are having! Ending the Summer season at the beach! Beautiful sunset photos! Have a good rest of your trip!

  • Ashley
    September 7, 2010 at 10:59 am

    JUST beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Love the pictures of the sunset with your girls… aren’t moments like that the best?! πŸ™‚

    Enjoy your vacay!

  • andrea
    September 7, 2010 at 11:27 am

    Fun fun fun! I think JM is going to be a great BIG COUSIN! And is that your sister’s arm in the photo with Sloan and JM? Because she needs to put some meat on her body! πŸ™‚ JK…. she’s beautiful… but to be that thin after having a baby is illegal!

    Glad you’re having fun and good to see the family together on vacation!

  • meaghan
    September 7, 2010 at 11:29 am

    i am in love with your little rover! he is the most precious thing i’ve ever seen. that last photo, too adorable!

  • the domestic fringe
    September 7, 2010 at 11:29 am

    Simply beautiful! Everything. Your photos make me a little bit homesick. I lived in Pensacola for several years and miss the beach so much. Glad you’re enjoying your time away!

    -FringeGirl

  • Olivia
    September 7, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    SUCH beautiful pictures!!! enjoy your stay!

  • Kelli
    September 7, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    We go to Destin Florida in May and we love it. Your pictures are just beautiful…especially the sunset. How fun that you’re family was all able to get together and that it’s only 1/2 over. Enjoy.

  • Meredith
    September 7, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Looks heavenly! I am due with my 2nd child on Thursday so I will have to live vicariously!

  • Jenny
    September 7, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    I am SO jealous! πŸ™‚ Looks like you’re having a great time, and the pictures are beautiful! Is Rover sharing his popsicle with Sloane in that one picture? That is too cute!

  • Tessa
    September 7, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    I hope part 2 is equally as fabulous! Incredible pictures, as always. Even Darby Doll looks like the beach has done her a world of good! πŸ™‚

  • Katharina
    September 7, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    The pictures are beautiful…the colors of the sand and the ocean are amazing. Enjoy your stay and the beautiful nature! It looks as it is still very hot there? How long is it still nice to go there on vacation? Still in October?
    PS. So – this is how they do paragliding when there are no mountains around! Interessting πŸ˜‰

  • Carol
    September 7, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Love those pictures! I need to get to Watercolor,FL soon! The pic of Daddyboy with his arm extended in the air is a “Praise Jesus” photo if I ever saw one!

  • kristen
    September 7, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    gorgeous pictures! so glad y’all are having fun, I’m dying to be at the beach!

  • Brittaney
    September 7, 2010 at 1:24 pm

    Oh, how you’re making me miss the beach. I think I might have to arrange a weekend down there soon. Enjoy the rest of your trip and take lots more pictures!

  • Jennifer
    September 7, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    That sweet boy’s hair is fine! Sooo beautiful!!!! It amazes me everytime I look at him at how much he reminds me of Turner! Enjoy yourself =)

  • Amanda @ Serenity Now
    September 7, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    So envious of your beautiful beach trip! The photo of Rover with Sloane and the popsicle is too cute. My girls get to meet their new (and first) first cousin next month, and I’m hoping my 2 1/2 year old will enjoy being the “big” girl. πŸ™‚

  • Rebecca
    September 7, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    Hey! You’re right down the beach from our house! Ours is the two story with the brick house on one side and the white cinder block house on the other. In fact, my mom is there right now with some of her friends! What a small world. Have a great time!! I wish we were there right now too!

  • kayce hughes
    September 7, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Looks like heaven. You are reminding me that we need to go on more vacations. Love the doll.

  • Claire
    September 7, 2010 at 4:39 pm

    Okay – I used to feed the gulls too – until they pooped on my hand – and it is burning hot!!! Twice – no more feeding gulls for me!!! And I live a block and a half from the beach but these photos make me want to go there!!!

  • Amy
    September 7, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    The first picture of your dad and the seagulls = perfection! πŸ™‚

  • Julie P
    September 7, 2010 at 5:15 pm

    Darby,

    I absolutely love your photos in this post! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following your blog and your photography post (with Marla) is the best I’ve found. I would love to know how you store and organize your photos. Do you use iPhoto, etc? Also, do you print photos for traditional albums? photo books, etc? I take so many photos these days that storage is an issue and I’m two years behind on printing. Just thought that would be a great how-to.

    Enjoy the beach!
    Julie

  • Montye
    September 7, 2010 at 7:54 pm

    Beautiful… love the pictures of the girls at sunset. What a precious moment – gorgeous photos :o)

  • Carrie
    September 7, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    LOL (really, I did laugh out loud) @ the licensed PJs, and melting at the sunset photos. Perfection.

  • Kristen
    September 8, 2010 at 2:22 am

    Your pictures are always so stunning and beautiful! Enjoy the rest of your time on the beach : )

  • Grace
    September 8, 2010 at 3:13 am

    Oh how I wish I was on a Florida Gulf beach right now. SO beautiful. And that first photo of DaddyBoy with the gulls is amazing – you are a truly gifted photographer, Darby. Thanks for sharing glimpses of your life with us – it’s always a highlight to see!

  • edie
    September 8, 2010 at 4:33 am

    So happy for your family time Ms. Darby. Love the bird photos with your dad! Enjoy your week my dear~
    lots of love,
    edie

  • style'n
    September 8, 2010 at 6:15 am

    oh looks like such a great time! My favorite is the third picture of the kids playing in the sand. Enjoy these last days of summer!
    naina

  • alison g. (brazil)
    September 8, 2010 at 7:54 am

    BEE-YOU-TEE-FUL images! I need me a crystal-blue water fix, pronto!

    P.S. – Don’t know how I missed the “trademark” post – yowzah!

  • Leanne
    September 8, 2010 at 10:05 am

    Darby, I have been following your site for a while now. It’s so wonderful! You are so talented and your children are beautiful. I love all the clothes you wear and I was wondering if you would consider doing a post about your favorite places to shop. Cheap and pricey, online or store. Thanks!!! Leanne from Alabama, mom of three boys, with no fashion sense. πŸ™‚

  • Mott @ The Courtyard Gate
    September 8, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Beautiful pictures! The sunsets are just out of this world.

  • julia
    September 8, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    I wonder if Grayton Beach is as nice – we were thinking of not doing our annual vaca there next year but we heard that the beach is okay.

    Your pictures are, as ususal, wonderful.

  • Allyson
    September 8, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    So jealous you are at McBeach! I want to be back there! Love the pictures and ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

  • Heather
    September 8, 2010 at 5:36 pm

    Darby:

    Just a suggestion, but have you thought about maybe trying to workout a licensing arrangement with the CLC and Auburn? You clearly have a capitve audience for your T-Shirt brand and your drawings are just so adorable– have you considered pitching to them your designs (for Auburn and perhaps some other universities) and maybe you could enter into a licensing agreement both for sale of the shirts on your website, but also at the universities themselves? Just a thought! (I’m a transactional lawyer, so I always like to think that there are no unhappy endings and that everything is negotiable!)

  • Denice Parker
    September 8, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    Darby, i found your blog a while back researching themes for mine….and just now making your pickles for the 4th time! My son’s teacher tasted them the other day and now we are making her a batch. Thank you so much! Love your blog.
    ~Denice

  • jenn
    September 8, 2010 at 7:54 pm

    Wow! What gorgeous pictures. The sunset is breathtaking and your children are simply adorable. Enjoy the rest of your time!

  • Jess
    September 8, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    That looks like an incredible vacation with your family! Your children are beautiful and I love your pictures – what great memories! Your blog is great!

  • :o) mg
    September 8, 2010 at 9:33 pm

    licensed pjs – tee hee hee

  • j
    September 8, 2010 at 10:32 pm

    Ah…your pictures make me think of “summertime…and the living is easy!” Looks so relaxing and fun!

    https://pearlsandgreentea.blogspot.com

  • Diana
    September 9, 2010 at 10:42 am

    Love the pictures…. looks like you guys had a great time… If you dont mind me asking… where did you excatly stayed?? I live in central FL and want to plan a little get away with my family….

  • Holly
    September 9, 2010 at 10:43 am

    Gorgeous photos! And from someone who used to occasionally draft those “cease and desist” letters on behalf of corporate clients…don’t sweat it at all. They’re just blowing smoke, and you have nothing to worry about!

  • Lindsay
    September 9, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    The tiger on Darby Doll’s shoulder made me giggle out loud … at work …

  • AshleyAnn
    September 9, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    That first photo is awesomeness.

  • Melanie
    September 10, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Beautiful photos!

  • Erin
    September 11, 2010 at 3:39 am

    looks like a little time at the beach is just what the doctor ordered for darby doll!

  • The Mom
    September 13, 2010 at 10:49 pm

    loved your tongue-in-cheek comment about the Rover’s pj’s. I think perhaps where you were staying is very close to my sister’s Gulf front beach house in Santa Rosa along 30-A. We landlocked folks (Nashvegas here) are just glad to know those generous folks who let us camp out on their doorsteps where the surf and sea beckon endlessly. Your photos are gorgeous!

  • Stefanie
    September 27, 2010 at 12:57 am

    Oh my….that beach looks just heavenly. And your photos, as always, are beautiful, as are your sweet babies.

  • Sarah
    September 27, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    This house looks amazing! I would love contact info to rent it out for my family. It looks like the perfect spot πŸ™‚

  • annie
    July 29, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Beautiful photos! Love all the sunsets. I just found your blog from your twin sisters…I have a twin too!