73 In Life

Mobile, Alabama

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I hope this post finds you all well and enjoying the Christmas season! We are busy bees around here and I have several things I want to share before Christmas! Something tells me I’m over ambitious.

Justin has been doing some work in Mobile lately so last weekend I loaded up the three kids and we headed down to join him for a long weekend. The trip down wasn’t great, the trip home was worse. I reminded myself as to why I rarely drive the kids on trips alone. It will be  a long while before you see me behind the wheel, driving down the interstate with 3 little ones strapped in the back. We had a DVD player that we thought worked but once we got going I realized it didn’t work. And I foolishly didn’t prepare snacks to launch in the backseat at the sound of screams. I’ve learned those two things are key: DVD player + snacks, don’t leave home without them if you’re driving 3 small children on a 4 hour trip.

Once we arrived Justin had a full schedule for our weekend. I’ve never been to Mobile and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love!!

liveoaks

Justin knows how much I love old houses {and he does too} so a great bit of our time was spent exploring old neighborhoods, driving under enormous, majestic Live Oaks, and taking it all in. It’s also always fun to explore a city with the Chief Archaeologist because he’ll give you every historic detail of the city you ever care to know. I’m also thankful for him because on Monday morning he kindly sent me a bulleted list of all that we packed into our weekend. Looking back, I’m actually impressed we were able to pack so much in, the fact that Rover skipped his naps certainly helped.

Because it’s Christmas week and because I’ve not wrapped one thing, nor have I come close to finish my shopping I will use Justin’s list and throw in a few pictures!

  • Drove around and looked at historic Mobile houses
  • Walked downtown Mobile and fed squirrels {who are clearly well-fed} at Bienville Square
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    squirrel2

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    cookiesquirrel

    park

    roverpuddle

    roverbookstore

  • Went to Serda’s coffee shop and had tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
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    lips

    fiercerover

  • Looked at some more houses then decided not to go to Bellingrath (great decision… we waited ’til the next night!) late Friday night and went, instead, to Zea’s for a nice and delicious dinner
  • Saturday morning, we left hotel for downtown parade and stopped by a thrift store and antique store before going to Lower Dauphin Street for the Christmas parade.  Walked around Cathedral Square, looked at vendors goods, bought a big bag of Satsumas, then ate lunch at the bar counter at Buck’s Pizza; the kids loved sitting at the counter and the pizza was delicious!
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  • Walked down to Bienville Square where we watched parade, and the kids, especially, enjoyed it, therefore, we enjoyed it
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    tree

  • Departed downtown, looked at some more houses, then headed toward Theodore, AL and stopped off at Charlie Phillips’ antique barns;  we bought a green bowl but could have bought a lot more if time, money and space had allowed!
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    antiques3

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  • Departed for Bellingrath Gardens and arrived at dusk.  Had a delightful walk through the Gardens and left just as the rest of Alabama arrived—underscoring the previous night’s stellar decision not to go the Gardens! If you haven’t been yet and would like to go, we recommend getting there at 4:45, we were shocked by the traffic coming in as we were leaving… we had no lines, no waiting!
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  • Went back to hotel, ate leftovers, and watch Christmas movies—not exciting but thrifty
  • websurfers

  • Hotel breakfast then off to Dauphin Island where we walked through Audubon Bird Sanctuary then on to the Fort Morgan Ferry.  We all went up to the viewing area, including you and JM.  This was possibly my favorite part of the weekend.
  • dauphinisland

    ferry1

    morgan

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  • Toured Fort Morgan even though I didn’t think you would’ve wanted to, but you surprised me!
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  • Off to Foley for lunch at Lambert’s
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And the kids apparently didn’t leave full, which I don’t think is humanly possible if you eat at Lambert’s… 20 minutes into the drive home they were “starving”! Thank you, Justin for planning a wonderful weekend for us! What fun memories were made!

Now… I must get back to Christmas!!!!

The dish mats are in but I won’t be listing them until after Christmas to keep myself sane! I’ll let you know when they’re in the shop!!

All of the kid’s jackets came from Land’s End!

I love seeing your salt dough ornaments… will post pictures soon!!

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  • kat
    December 22, 2010 at 8:20 am

    Oh my gosh, what an amazing weekend!!! Looks like it was fun-filled and excitement packed! Love all the pictures! Thanks for sharing the salt dough ornament recipe as well, we are definitely going to try to make some. Looks like fun!

  • natalie @ our old southern house
    December 22, 2010 at 8:35 am

    hey girl, i found a gingerbread recipe that you might like….you can’t make cookies out of it but it’s delicious! https://www.houseonhillroad.com/my_weblog/2010/12/this-years-food-gifts.html
    also, so cool you went to mobile. my birth mother, joyce, lives there and it’s cool to see pictures of her town (i’ve never been).
    merry christmas–i hope y’all have a FABULOUS christmas. the christmas tree farm closed yesterday so we’re all thrilled! {oh, and larry wise said he knew “the sticklers”…i guess justin’s parents?} small world! 🙂

  • natalie
    December 22, 2010 at 8:37 am

    Wow! What a great tour of my own city 🙂 looks like yall packed a bunch in – I haven’t been to fort morgan in prob 15 years but we are going to bellingrath tonight, I know exactly where that little green/yellow mirror is at charles phillips :), I obviously need to pay closer attention to downtown happenings bc I had no idea there was a christmas parade, and those squirrels are quite the monstrous, feisty type aren’t they? Next time yall come down check out the exploreum, fort conde (justin), and downtwon fairhope 🙂
    Merry merry

  • Amy
    December 22, 2010 at 8:47 am

    This post makes me want to take a road trip to Mobile right now. You do such a great job of documenting! The pictures are beautiful! I love all the old house and the Southern Belles in the parade was priceless! I am sure Morgan thought it was cool to visit Fort Morgan! My favorite pic is the one of your three kiddos “almost” stretched across the opening of one of the archways. Adorable! I hope you all have a blessed, relaxing, wonderful and merry Christmas!

  • beki
    December 22, 2010 at 8:59 am

    Mobile is somewhere that isn’t too far away, and I’ve driven through, but haven’t taken the time to visit. It sounds like somewhere I’d love to spend some time. Next time we’re looking for a quick get away for a weekend, I’ll have to keep that in mind.

  • Sally
    December 22, 2010 at 8:59 am

    Great pictures! Where do you get the girls’ barrettes??? I can never find a simple, good-holding one.

  • Melissa (melissab74)
    December 22, 2010 at 9:25 am

    What a wonderful weekend getaway! Looks like so much fun, and the photos are gorgeous!!!! I love the perspective…shots I would never think about! Isn’t Lambert’s yummy?

  • Katie
    December 22, 2010 at 9:25 am

    Such beautiful pictures…and I’m sure even more precious, precious memories! The girls in the tunnel…I love. And anything with Rover makes my heart smile. I’m a little worried for that fat squirrel on such a tiny branch…

  • Tiffany
    December 22, 2010 at 9:39 am

    Oh my, I can’t believe you were in Foley!!! I live in Summerdale, the town just north of there!!!! I would’ve totally bombarded your family and gotten your autograph!!! Hahaha. Also, I agree with comment above, you would’ve loved downtown Fairhope! Glad you had fun!

  • emily
    December 22, 2010 at 9:44 am

    the picture of the three kids holding hands in the doorway is sooooo cute! it made me realize how old jm actually is. i’ve always pictured him as a little baby/toddler! haha!

    cute wrap-up of your weekend.

  • Jen
    December 22, 2010 at 9:52 am

    the pics of your kids around all those old buildings and archways are SO PERFECT! those need to be framed! thanks for sharing your adventures. i’m living vicariously through you & your lightweight jackets in alabama…it is FREEEEEZING in kentucky!

    brrr & merry christmas!

  • Brandi H.
    December 22, 2010 at 9:53 am

    This post brings tears to my eyes, which most of your posts do. Mainly because this is exactly what I would love to be experiencing at this point in my life. I’ll continually pray and continue to enjoy reading and seeing your lovely posts. You have a beautiful family and are truly blessed. Have a Merry Christmas 🙂

  • Cat Moore
    December 22, 2010 at 10:11 am

    I L.O.V.E. Mobile! The first picture you posted is exactly how I see it every time I think about it and it’s what came to mind when I first started reading your post. I had no idea it was so charming since all I’d ever seen and remembered was the tunnel that we were all so excited to go under on our way to the beach every year. So, when my hubby and i started exploring when I was doing a wedding there one year, I feel in love! Thanks for sharing. Love all the photos! Merry Christmas!

  • Kathy
    December 22, 2010 at 10:13 am

    I love this post. Your children are precious. It reminds me of when my boys were small. They are now 17, 15 and 13! It goes fast. The photo of the fat squirrel on the branch, with cracker in his mouth is so stinking funny. I believe it could win you an award. And I need one of those large blue glass jars. I wanted you to know I made marshmallows with my youngest son. It was fun and so delicious! Fantastic in hot chocolate and yes, we both toasted one. Your ham, cheese and spinach strata will make an appearance on Christmas morning. You are such a delight. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. Merry Christmas!

  • Natalie
    December 22, 2010 at 10:17 am

    WOW! You guys did have a jam packed weekend! It looks like you had an amazing time! So glad you enjoyed Mobile (my hometown!!!). The yellow azalea trail maid in one of your parade pictures goes to my church and is a precious young lady. I can’t believe she made it on your blog, lol!!!! Good luck finishing up your Christmas shopping! 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  • Melissa
    December 22, 2010 at 10:23 am

    One of my good friends is an attorney in Mobile for the US Army Corps of Engineers. He keeps trying to get me to come visit. He lives in one of those cool older homes 🙂 I made salt dough ornaments to use as gift tags. I am posting about them on my blog today. Thanks for the idea.

  • Robin B
    December 22, 2010 at 10:24 am

    What great pictures and memories you have made for your family. I lived in Mobile and Fairhope in the eighties and would love to live there again if the opportunity presented itself. I still have family there and visit often, especially for Mardi Gras. Your pics of the Azalea Trail Maids, Bienville Square and Fort Morgan brought back many fond memories. War Eagle and Happy Holidays!

  • Jennifer Womble
    December 22, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Mobile is my hometown, what a wonderful post! It made me miss home!

  • Shea Ford
    December 22, 2010 at 10:33 am

    Love the pics~My aunt & uncle have a place on Dauphin Island so we have toured the fort not knowing if my kids would enjoy it, but we stayed for hours, they loved going in every crook & cranny! Merry Christmas! 🙂

  • Tiffany from HOLIDAY
    December 22, 2010 at 10:36 am

    Ha Ha – you read my mind. throughout the entire post I kept wanting to know where Rover’s precious plaid vest was from. Must get one for my little one (even though she’s a girl…with a red bow it would be perfect). I linked to you the other day, having made your super yummy cinnamon butter for gifts; thank you! Merry Christmas! xo

  • Marielle
    December 22, 2010 at 10:42 am

    Your children are beautiful. I’m enjoying watching them change and grow. I’ll be so sad when Rover is no longer the toddling tornado–he’s so precious. And, our granddaughters are always at their mommy’s elbow, too, when she’s cooking and baking. So sweet.

  • Liz
    December 22, 2010 at 10:46 am

    What a fun trip! Your family is absolutely adorable!

  • Monica
    December 22, 2010 at 10:53 am

    Great pics! It looks like such a fun time. I especially loved the pic of the chubby squirrel up in the tree. So cute!

  • Ellis
    December 22, 2010 at 11:10 am

    I live in Mobile and LOVE it! I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit… you should come back for Mardi Gras! I help out with the Azalea Trail Maids (the girls in the big poofy dresses in the parade) as an advisor. Buck’s and Serda’s are two of our favorite places to go as we don’t live too far from downtown, and my family has a house on Fowl River just down from Bellingrath. Also, I have been to Fort Morgan many times with my Eagle Scout husband as my “tour guide”… he used to camp there a lot with his Scout troop. I feel like I was reading a post that I wrote myself! 🙂

    So glad you enjoyed your trip and if you have any questions about Mobile, I’d be happy to answer them! I love my hometown…

  • Jennifer
    December 22, 2010 at 11:16 am

    What a GREAT trip!!! So glad y’all had the time together. 🙂

  • Kat
    December 22, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Thanks for posting these pics. I’m from Mobile. Makes me a little homesick 🙂

  • Debbie
    December 22, 2010 at 11:31 am

    That was great that you could go visit him.

    Sounds like you had a full weekend!

    I love your pictures- esp the one with the kid reaching across the archway

  • The Mom
    December 22, 2010 at 11:42 am

    Ahh Mobile. I can smell the lemon scent of the magnolias even now. All I gotta say is you have have have to go back when the azaleas are in bloom–then Mobile turns from pretty to glorious and is the gem is of the Southern cities. Where we live azaleas are these puny little things that sometimes decide to bloom, but in Mobile they grow to be the size of small houses. My niece was also a Princess in the Azalea Trail…that’s what those girls are in the hoop skirts. If you are from Mobile, trust me, it’s a big deal. But my favorite Mobile memories are the fact that I used to go there on antiquing jaunts (that’s what my dear LouLou called them) with my grandmother (LouLou) and her aunts. We would stop at every little hole in the road on the way over there and then would go into these shops in Mobile where I was dutifully warned over and over not to dare touch ANYTHING — that’s where I first heard the word limoge. Thankfully, we always ended up down by the docks at some antique warehouses where I was, at last, allowed to run up and down the aisles of furniture that was being off-loaded from far-off places. It will forever be a slightly exotic and beautiful city to me. And there you have it. A post in a comment. More than you wanted to know! Oh well. Merry Christmas!

  • Lisa
    December 22, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    I am so glad you loved Mobile! That is where I live and I have to tell you, I had no idea it was such a pretty place until we moved here! We’ve been here four years and it is a great place to raise a family. And as a bonus, the downtown area is gorgeous!!! And yes, you would absolutely flip over downtown Fairhope!! It is precious! You could stay at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear – that would be another terrific weekend!

    Merry Christmas 🙂

  • Julie Howell
    December 22, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    Loved this post, everything about it was so familiar, I used to live in Pensacola so I’ve either been to or heard of all these places. I like the pictures of Lambert’s too, Home of the throwed roll. I love your blog, your Tallahassee friend April introduced me to it. We have little ones the same age and they are in school together. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

  • Julie
    December 22, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    That picture of them stretching to each side of the tunnel is GOLD!

  • Tiffany
    December 22, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    Wow! My neck of the woods, yet it is amazing to see the city through someone else’s eyes (and fantastic camera)! I forget how interesting it is sometimes. And, oddly enough, that street is just a few down from mine. I got married on Dauphin Island and had my rehearsal dinner at the Estuarium. If you didn’t get a chance to go there, I would definitely recommend it. It is very educational and fun, and the kids can actually touch things like horseshoe crabs and starfish. Anywhoo…I loved your post. 🙂 Welcome to Mobile, and we would love you have you back in a few months for Mardi Gras–it’s great for kids of all ages!

  • pam
    December 22, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    what a fun weekend, darby! love the photos. have a wonderful holiday! pam

  • Taylor@WiseFamilyLiving
    December 22, 2010 at 1:54 pm

    Wow. I lived in Mobile for almost two years and never did any of that stuff. My husband was in the Navy though and in and out a lot. I did see and spend plenty of time at the ship yard. I know you are jealous you missed seeing that.

  • Scarlett Gardner
    December 22, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    It’s is great to see the city from someone else’s eyes. I have lived in Mobile since July of 08. I enjoy it, but I would take the outskirts of Dothan any day!

  • Julie
    December 22, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    1. Okay wow never in a million years did i think that you and your family would come into my neck of the woods… sort of… when you have fully recovered you and the fam. or you and your sister have GOT to come to Fairhope! It is just right acroos the bay from Mobile… talk about a sweet quaint town with tons and tons of thrift shops, antique stores… pretty much anyones dream…. it’s GORGEOUS!!!

    2. The fact that you went to Charlie Phillips’ antique barns made my day… he made me a bed out of 3 old shutters and my little sisters out of old wooden doors. UNREAL!! As im sure that you saw!! This seriously made my day even though im sure you wanted to pull your brains out in the he car!!!

  • Sara @ The Bucket List
    December 22, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    I love coming onto your blog and looking at your gorgeous pictures of you and your children! I just love everything about your page 🙂

  • Heather
    December 22, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    I just started reading your blog recently, and I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy it. I met my husband at Auburn, who coincidentally is also an archaeologist! I think we were a few years behind y’all though. He was an ’04 grad and I was in ’05. We now live in Mobile. While our children are all 4-legged at the moment, reading about your sweet family makes me think about what God may hold for our future.

  • Cyndi
    December 22, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    I moved to Mobile when my children were 6 mos, 6 & 10 yrs. Lived there 12 yrs so essentially raised my children there. Those were the best years of my life. Returned home to NW Fla (just south of you) & built my dream home, but built it on family property. So I feel stuck, but would move back to Mobile in a New York minute if I could. Great place to live & great people. Funny, but sad I never went to Bellingrath until after I moved away & that was for a wedding. I have to go there one Christmas because I hear it’s spectacular.

  • kristen
    December 22, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    Love the pictures! Steve went to high school in Mobile. His mom is the lower school principal at UMS-Wright, and she has lived their since his parents divorced several years ago (I may have told you all that before). Anyway, we go there quite a bit. (The drive is the WORST!) She would love this post. We have eaten at Zea but I’ve never been to Lambert’s (seen the signs for “throwed rolls” though). We have not done Bellingrath but need to put that on our list for next year!

  • Tara
    December 22, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    what a great weekend for your family…
    I know where to go if I need more old english pine chests! I got our three in Montgomery when we lived there years ago…love those things!

    They are hold enough to hold kiddos…I know this b/c my gorilla children have all climbed in ours! 🙂

    I also made the salt dough ornaments with my kids…so much fun and so easy…except for the amazing ARM WORKOUT it gave me…which you did warn us about!

    I’ll post pics soon!

  • Emily
    December 22, 2010 at 5:14 pm

    I have read your blog for some time but this is my first comment. You have such a sweet family, thank you so much for sharing with all of us. The photo of your 3 little ones stretched across the archway is so precious…I laughed out loud when I saw it. Best wishes to you and your family, and keep doing what you’re doing on your blog, you are one of my very favorites! Merry Christmas from Baltimore!

  • Bec Reid
    December 22, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    I’ve just nominated you for a stylish award. Stylish girl. Pop over to graciously accept it here:

    https://becandrichie.wordpress.com/2010/12/23/stylish-yeah-right/

    xo

    Adventures of a Pastor’s Wife

  • Amanda-ThriceBlessed
    December 22, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    I took my sister and her friend to Lamberts once to eat (drove all the way down there from I10 specifically to eat there) and they were turned off by the “Hog Jawls” on the menu.. I never did get a roll thrown at me!

  • KATIE
    December 22, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    ooh lambert’s, home of the throwed rolls! we always went with my grandparents when they were wintering in gulf shores 🙂

  • HannahJ
    December 22, 2010 at 7:04 pm

    What a wonderful weekend! You are a brave soul! I feel like taking my little angles anywhere but our house for an overnight is always disasterous! maybe when they’re older….thanks for sharing!

  • cousin
    December 22, 2010 at 7:26 pm

    Great pics! looks like a wonderful family weekend! Love and miss you!

  • Melise
    December 22, 2010 at 7:26 pm

    Oh MAN! I wish I’d known yall were in our back yard! We could’ve met at the Tanger playground for a meet in person play date! 🙂 We live 5 min from there! I enjoyed the post though, I’ve been to most of those places and my hubby lived in the Fort growing up! 🙂 And girl….I would’ve stopped and bought myself a DVD player!LOL!!!

  • Melise
    December 22, 2010 at 7:29 pm

    PS- I second the comment about coming back for Mardi Gras (only come to Fairhope the parades are more ‘family friendly’) you’ll love it!!

  • kat hertzler
    December 22, 2010 at 8:04 pm

    Love and miss Lambert’s. I went to school in Pensacola and it was always a treat going there. So much food! Fun reading your post:)

  • Jenny
    December 22, 2010 at 8:25 pm

    HI Darby,
    I have never posted a comment but I had to this time! Seeing the pics of Mobile made me miss my old stomping grounds! I have so many woundeful memories and some great places for you to visit the next time you go. I have to say you have to go to The Dewdrop Inn the next time you are in Mobile. The make the best hotdogs in the South! Glad you enjoyed your visit!
    Jenny Reid

  • Sarah
    December 22, 2010 at 8:48 pm

    Seeing all those beautiful pictures of my hometown makes my heart just ache! I’m glad you enjoyed your visit, and I hope you saw enough to make you want to go back soon (so I can live vicariously through you)!

  • Meredith
    December 22, 2010 at 9:08 pm

    I just love this post! I grew up in Mobile, but haven’t lived there in years. This brings back so many memories! I was actually one of those Azalea Trail Maids (the girls that wear the big colorful dresses in the parade) when I was a senior in high school. What great memories!!! Thanks!

  • Hannah
    December 22, 2010 at 11:07 pm

    I live in Mobile and absolutely adore it!!! We probably walked right past each other Saturday at the parade! I was at Cathedral Square the entire time with my two boys (https://hannahandbobby.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-parade.html)!!! So glad you had fun! Next time you’re here you should find Washington Square. They have a ton of live oaks and some of the branches are hanging so low the kids can actually hang from them. Also, the entire square is surronded by beautiful old homes!

  • Keri
    December 22, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    Great pictures!! I am an Arizona girl, but am lucky enough to have some of my husband’s family living in the South. We have been to Mobile Bay, Dauphin Island, and Gulf Shores. I loved every minute of being there! Everyone is so nice, it makes me want to leave the desert and move to the South!

  • Jamie Willow
    December 22, 2010 at 11:25 pm

    so many great pictures. I especially loved the squirrel ones. so cute 🙂

    looks like a really fun trip!

  • Perfecting Pru
    December 23, 2010 at 3:52 am

    Wow! you packed so much into a couple of days. And it looks like you had such good fun. The lights in the gardens were beautiful.

    Merry Christmas Darby. Thank you for your continual inspiration throughout the year.

    Pru xx

  • Suzanne
    December 23, 2010 at 6:57 am

    I also came to comment on how much I love the picture of your three kids holding hands in the archway. I can’t believe they are big enough to touch both sides together!

    I also want to add that your little Raiger is looking MORE and MORE like YOU every day! She is such a cute little Mini Me.

  • Lauren Ahier
    December 23, 2010 at 10:09 am

    Such beautiful pictures,Darby! You’re deserve a few extra treasures in heaven for packing the kids up and travelling by yourself!

  • Lindsey
    December 23, 2010 at 10:11 am

    Glad to see you traveled south! I live in Fairhope, right across the bay from Mobile, but I work in Mobile. It is a great place to visit and live. Fort Morgan is the best! I grew up staying down there during my childhood summers. I have several photos in my house of the brick work from the fort. A local man has a website of photos from this area and has a few from Fort Morgan http://www.lumis.com.I hope you and your family have a VERY Merry Christmas!!

  • Kim Pennisi
    December 23, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    Darby ~ seeing my hometown and old stomping grounds through your eyes was a refreshing treat! Glad you loved Mobile as much as I do! You MUST take the kids back for Mardi Gras – fun, family times!!!

  • John Serda
    December 23, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Wow, ya’ll make Mobile look so nice in your pictures! I guess when you see it everyday you don’t realize how nice it is here. We do have some great stuff in Mobile and I’m glad your family got to enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by my coffee shop while on your visit. I hope you have a great Christmas!

  • Afton Riles
    December 23, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Hey there!! A friend of mine sent me the link to your site a while back for some renovation ideas and I have been reading ever since!! (I hope that doesn’t seem stalkerish) I want to thank you for two things! Thing 1. The post you put up about Christmas ideas to make completely saved my life THANK YOU!!! Thing 2. These pictures of Mobile made me cry! (in a good way I promise!) My papa used to live there and as a kid I would run and play with him in this park. We would sit on those benches and feed the squirrels and all the pigeons. I have so many great memories there and I haven’t been back since he lost his fight with cancer nine years ago. It was so nice to remember through these pictures! Thank you so much!!!

  • abigail
    December 23, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    i love small towns with big things happening 😛
    isn’t mobile where this was filmed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nda_OSWeyn8 ahhh cracks me up 🙂

  • Anna
    December 23, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    Darby,
    THANK YOU for the tip on the lights! We went around the same time and also passed 1/2 of Alabama on our drive home. Great advice – my family thanks you, too!! Loved your post on Mobile. . .
    P.S. We have one of those Happy Everything platters and LOVE it. So fun!
    Merry Christmas!

  • Allison
    December 23, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    I saw this tonight and thought of your post about gingerbread cookie dilemma. Maybe these would be spicy enough. Merry Christmas!

    https://smittenkitchen.com/2010/12/spicy-gingerbread-cookies/

  • Sistergirl
    December 24, 2010 at 8:54 am

    Oh I love your pictures, It gives me the feel of CHristmas in your area. It looks like you guys had a good time.lol

  • Abby Maddox
    December 24, 2010 at 10:46 am

    I LOVE these pictures. I especially like the overweight squirrel on the tiny branch, the picture of you and JM, and the kids stretching their hands across the doorway. Is it weird that I’d like to live in that Fort? The archways and bricks make me happy. Tommy just left. My butts still broken. HELP! cause Jeremiah sure won’t 🙂

  • Tara Barber
    December 24, 2010 at 11:12 am

    Let me know if you ever come back. Would love to give you a tour of my parents’ 1903 historic home on Government Street. Merry Christmas to you guys!

  • Tina
    December 26, 2010 at 12:37 am

    Hi, I just happened upon your blog. . .What a wonderful trip! We normally vacation in Fort Morgan every summer, but have yet to actually tour the Fort!! Maybe we will plan to do that this next time around! We are also planning a trip through the Mobile area, I am going to see how close we will be to this antique barn!!! Looks Awesome!

  • julia
    January 4, 2011 at 8:08 am

    After driving through Mobile 400 million times, on Thursday as we were zooming through the tunnel my husband said “We really should stop here sometime and look around.” Now we definitely are.

  • Anna
    May 1, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    Hi Darby, I know this is an older post, but I remembered you going to Theodore for some antiques. I was wondering how the pricing was at Charles Phillips or what you saw the price range was?

  • Guillermo
    July 3, 2013 at 4:12 am

    WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching
    for Overlander