Activities on the island

One afternoon, several of us rented bikes and biked the island.

While the younger kids had rest time, we took Hannah with us to visit Fort Gaines, a prominent fort during the Civil War era. Fort Gaines is a massive brick fort that stood guard over the entrance to Mobile Bay, Alabama. It is located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island. The term "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" comes from the union admiral trying to break through to the bay.

Not your everyday outhouse! It was a 10-seater that connected by way of a culvert to the Bay. The tide would come in and out and flush the toilets. This was necessary being that over 400 men would use that latrine daily. (wouldn't want to swim in that Bay!)

This blacksmith made me a leaf Christmas ornament and then made Hannah a horse head key-chain. Hannah was so intrigued by him and we watched him for 45 minutes!

After kids were put to bed, we tried to get on the computers. There was access, but it was slow. And I couldn't send out any of my e-mails. Adam and Mindy both had school work to do.

We also played games. One game we found at the house was called "Would you rather". Very silly. Questions like: would you rather have arms that reach to the ground or be 7' tall but your legs only 2' in height.

There were challenges too. Like keeping a spoon in your mouth for 2 rounds...

...or drinking from a bowl like a kitty.

We had a birthday party for Josh while there. 33 years old!

Staci got those candles that keep re-lighting.

Staci made a Reeces Pie for Josh. I came up with this recipe several years ago by combining a recipe from a missionary friend and seeing a similar type pie at a restaurant. We all LOVE this pie! Here is the recipe:

Reece's Pie - makes 2 pies

Mix 3.9 oz. chocolate pudding recipe using the pie filling instructions.
Spread on the bottoms of 2 graham cracker pie shells (or you can use the chocolate graham shells too)
Put in fridge while you make the next layer -
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 c. creamy peanut butter (I prefer chunky actually)
1 c. sugar
1 T butter, soft
1 t. vanilla

Mix all together. Fold in 1 container Cool Whip or 1 c. heavy cream that has been whipped.

Divide and layer on top of the chocolate layers of the 2 pies.
Top with more Cool Whip. Top with broken up Reece's peanut butter cups and drizzle with melted chocolate chips.

And Adam and Jill celebrated their 9th anniversary.