Road Trip to Decatur for a Little BBQ and a Whole Lotta "LOVE"

I am behind in commenting to comments. Forgive me. I try and either comment within the comment box or with a personal email. I have read all the comments, and am trying to get caught up. Apologies if I don't respond. I also am behind in my blog reading. I am going to have to take a day off to get caught up. I wonder if Big Daddy will give me approval? Heck, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, right?
I am behind because we went out of town this past weekend. We went to Decatur, Alabama for my oldest child's tennis tournament. I had never been to Decatur, other than to drive past on the interstate. I much prefer to travel the scenic route! There are so many great places discovered by doing that. Decatur is one of them. A great little big city. Decatur has it all. Joe Wheeler State Park is is there. Located on Wheeler Lake, the state park offers many types of boating, resort lodge, restaurant, cabins, camping, fishing, golf, tennis, and swimming. I regret that there wasn't enough time to explore. Also of note in Decatur is Point Mallard Park. The park is hidden among North Alabama‘s wooded pines, the 500-acre family park lets you stay in tune with nature 365 days a year. It boast such adventures as golf, a water park, camping on the lake, ice skating, jogging, biking, walking trails, batting cages and -tennis courts! Point Mallard was where the tournament was held. Located shortly off of Interstate 65, it is a great little family stop, one that I will be returning to.

Bama played some good tennis.

The team as a whole came in first place! Congratulations to them!

When we arrived at the complex, we as a team (parents and players) set up our own little camp of chairs and snacks, a place to rest, during the two day event.

Close by was one of those little birds that nest on the ground. This one had a nest close by, she was protecting two little eggs (under her). She was very protective of them, and rightfully so. She became our little mascot of sorts.

After the tournament was over, we headed over to Big Bob Gibson's BBQ for a team celebration.

Big Bob Gibson's is listed among the 100 Places to Eat (in AL) Before you Die, among other notable commemorations and recognitions, as well as many many awards for their many sauces. For four generations, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has been cooking up their famous mouthwatering slow-cooked meats and nationally award-winning sauces. Big Bobs just opened a new store in Monroe, North Carolina, so be sure and stop by one of their locations in either Decatur, Alabama or NC. I did my own little taste test inside, using rolls that are delivered to the tables and each one of the sauces. I like things spicy, and preferred the vinegar sauce and habenaro sauce. I actually liked them combined, which you can do yourself at the restaurant. The mustard sauce was a close second. Bama ordered a plate of ribs and enjoyed them. Big Daddy went for a chopped plate and also left a satisfied customer. Don't have a Bog Bob's in your area? You can shop online for the sauces and rubs as well as apparel so that you can look as though you ate at Big Bob's. Big Bob's also caters events.

We had planned on going to Tuscaloosa on Sunday to watch the Blue Angel Air Show, but because it was raining didn't have the opportunity to see them. I have seen them many times, and its an amazing show to see and awe over. The family did travel to T-town for a Sunday lunch at the Artist Home (my BIL) and his lovely wife. The remainder of the day was spent resting. Friday and Saturday really wore us out.

This week I am doing some spring cleaning as well as working on getting my giveaway material together. Be sure and tune in for that so you can enter. I am going to give all of my followers two chances to win....because I heart you so.

But right now...I am playing catch up! See you in Bloggeritaville!