Every year, we love to go to The Marriott Grand Hotel in Point Clear for Christmas brunch. This past weekend, we took the boys and tried to get a few photos for the Christmas card, which at this point, with three days to go until Christmas, doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. There have been a few years I’ve sent a New Year’s card, so that’s always an option. Trying to get these two to stop playing around and be serious has always been a problem.
And I mean always . . .
Here they are at The Grand Hotel only a few short years ago. As you can see, nothing has really changed.
We had to chase the little one down to get him in front of the tree that year. There’s always a group of people waiting to have their photos taken in this spot, with the giant live tree next to the beautiful crackling fire. Even if it’s 70° on the Gulf Coast, the staff at the hotel always builds a fire for the cozy ambiance we all love.
A few years later, they were back in the same tree. The grounds of the hotel are beautifully maintained, and many special events are held beneath the old oak trees or overlooking Mobile Bay.
And here we are this year. Merry Christmas, 2014 from my family to yours.
Click HERE and HERE to see previous stories about Christmas at The Grand Hotel. One story even includes their famous bread pudding recipe, which is my favorite part of their menu!
Loved all the pics!!! Most people have no idea how hard it is to get ALL the guys (husband included) on board with the Christmas photos….any photos really….:) You get once 5 second chance and you better not have your eyes closed…lol. You have a beautiful and very handsome family!!
Thanks, Lisa. Both boys and my husband love to be behind the camera, but they always get the giggles when they’re the focus of the lens!
Posed photos are over rated-love candid ones. You look terrific in the navy dress. My goodness your boys have grown. I just read my favorite posts of yours “White Shoes” and the wedding dress once again.
Glad you like the navy dress, because I just bought another like it that’s purple! Ha. So much for variety.
Glad you like the white shoes and wedding dress stories. They are also two of my favorites. Sometimes you just have to say it!
Fantastic Photos! Have a Merry Christmas!
Thinking of which set of pictures tugs at your heart more, I am thinking it is the present day set.
Beautiful family. Merry Christmas from the PNW.
And a Merry Christmas to you, too!
I found your blog by way of Gulf Coast Newspapers on Facebook. I live in Montgomery now, but miss the coast and the Eastern Shore very much. I’ll be checking in from time to time!
I’m so glad you found me here! Montgomery is a pretty town and not so far away to keep you from visiting now and then. Merry Christmas to you!
Oh, I would enjoy Christmas dinner at The Grand. Maybe Miss Sue will be there greeting everyone. I could use a cup of Bucky’s Punch right now.
We had a delicious cup of Bucky’s punch and it was as good as ever!
What a wonderful tradition. You all look so happy and handsome. I love that the boys were dressed up even as little tots! Merry Christmas and love for a wonderful 2015!
Let me tell you, it was much easier to dress them up then, than now!
What great family photos and memories. A New Year’s card is dandy — who wouldn’t want to add this one to the collection? Hope that bruise on your knee is healed soon — that fall off your bike must have been brutal.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I was wondering if anyone could see that bruise in the photo! This means you have sharp eyes, and I’m a true princess!
Merry Christmas to you!
I’ll bet your boys carry on the tradition with their own families someday. I love the whole set of candids at the top. You all look great together!
Thanks Lorraine. Of course, now they say Fairhope is too small of a town for them and they want to leave for the big city someday, but I think they’ll be back and we’ll have many more years at The Grand. (fingers crossed).
Time has certainly been kind to you and your sweetie. What a handsome couple you were and continue to be just as handsome in the picture made this year.
Thanks. It’s good genes.
What wonderful memories you are making for your boys.