Discontent with winter

Tired of this seemingly endless winter, Chris Miller and his brood (minus Hannah, who had to be in class at the University of Minnesota), headed once again for Orange Beach, Ala., to enjoy the sun and surf. It was a little cool there, they said, but nothing compared to what we're experiencing up here. They got back today, just beating another snowstorm expected tomorrow. Oh well. Here are some beach photos Mary took to help us live vicariously through their vacation till spring comes.

CMill was lifeguard for Elizabeth and Avamarie as they built things on the beach. Those are some realistic-looking condos they built behind them!

Mo proved once again that she can fly. Or she might have been celebrating the good news that arrived during their vacation, that she's been accepted into the dental hygiene program at Minnesota State University in Mankato. Go, Mo!

Mom Mary and daughter Moriah shared a delicious margarita on the beach.

E and A played on the shore as, farther out, Zachary and Moriah had several near-drowning experiences in the wild surf.

The little ones on the beach. Another beautiful photo by that truly gifted photographer, their mom, Mary Miller.

Zachary explained various mechanical things to little sis Elizabeth at the nearby U.S. Navy Aviation Museum. E appeared quite interested.

They probably weren't supposed to, but that wouldn't stop the Miller kids from climbing all over the displays. Ava, Zack, Moriah and Elizabeth hijacked this one.