Marina Pizza Night at Ditto Landing
Inspired by Day 2 of our Alabama road trip—truth, wonder, and a peaceful evening by the water.
After tracing Civil War history in Decatur, marveling at insects and fossils at the Cook Museum, and wandering through miniature holy places at Ave Maria Grotto, our minds were full—and our bellies were rumbling.
We pulled into Ditto Landing for the night, surrounded by water, gentle breezes, and just enough room to exhale. But what made the evening truly special wasn’t just the river or the rest—it was the surprise waiting on the dock.
A Pizza Delivery from a Familiar Face
As we pulled up, a dear family friend and her husband greeted us—pizza in hand and a smile that stretched across the water. Sharing slices on the back of the boat as the sun dipped below the horizon felt like something out of a storybook.
The kids devoured every bite, then stayed up giggling and drawing stars on their notebook pages. It was simple, but it stuck with us.
So much so, that when we got home weeks later, we recreated it—this time with naan bread, family-style toppings, and a little imagination. That’s how Marina Pizza Night was born.
Notebook Prompt
Draw your favorite part of today: the little churches, the lizard tank, or your first pizza picnic on a boat. What made it memorable? What made you smile?
Faith Connection
That night at Ditto Landing reminded us that fellowship matters—even a simple shared meal can become a sacred space.
We talked about Acts 2:46:
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
Traveling teaches you a lot, but sometimes it’s the people you meet—or reconnect with—who teach you the most.
Mini Marina Pizzas

Make your own boat-shaped flatbread pizza with creative toppings and big imagination! Inspired by our Marina Pizza Night—a fun, family-friendly supper where every flatbread becomes a sailboat! These Mini Marina Pizzas are easy for kids to make and perfect for campsite cooking, boat picnics, or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- Naan or pita flatbreads
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Choose 2–3 toppings:
- Pepperoni
- Sliced olives
- Bell peppers
- Pineapple
- Optional fun toppings:
- Triangle-cut cheese slices (for sails)
- Red pepper strips (for flags or boat masts)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven (or grill) to 375°F.
2. Spread pizza sauce over each flatbread.
3. Sprinkle mozzarella generously on top.
4. Decorate your pizza like a sailboat!
** Use triangle cheese slices for sails
** Red pepper strips as masts or flags
** Place toppings like passengers or cargo
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly and serve while pretending you’re anchored in a quiet cove—just like Ethan & Oliver!
Notes
Inspired by Day 2 of our Alabama adventure — Decatur to Ditto Landing
After a full day exploring science, stories, and scenic drives, we rolled into our riverside campground at Ditto Landing just in time for sunset. The boys set up camp, peeked over the docks, and imagined their next adventure taking place aboard a boat.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1018Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 1841mgCarbohydrates: 161gFiber: 11gSugar: 25gProtein: 39g
These recipes are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional dietary advice. Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Please adjust recipes for allergies or dietary needs as needed for your family.
Disclaimer:
This post is not sponsored or affiliated with any organization, attraction, or company mentioned. All opinions are my own, and all recommendations are based on our personal family experiences while researching and writing the Ethan & Oliver Adventures series.