Fall Beach Trip 2014

We just got back from the beach! Yes the beach in November! Its the first time we have taken a fall trip like this since Colby was just a few months old. It was a wonderful getaway and something I feel like we needed! Although getting ready for it I was almost ready to back out! Going on a trip in the middle of a school week with so much going on was hard but we made it!
So we left Thursday morning. We weren't in a HUGE hurry to get out of here so we finally left around 9:30. With being out the night before until late at church it was hard to jump up and be ready that morning. We did our usual stops on the way. We stopped in Mississippi at the rest stop and then in Florida to get up with Austin's parents who were joining us this time as well. We stopped at Ruby Tuesday's for lunch as usual and it was fun visiting and catching up with everyone. We got to our condo around 3 or so that afternoon. Once we unloaded everything Austin and I walked the kids down to the beach. The weather was overcast and in the 70s that day. The beach was empty! It was so weird being there that time of year with no one out there! We walked and just let the kids play in the surf and the sand. We found several dead jellyfish a long the way which was crazy but made it exciting! We went up and got cleaned up and ready for dinner that evening. We ate in the condo that first night. Everyone is always so tired and ready to wind down so we eat in. Again it was just nice being with everyone. After dinner we got the kids to bed so we could have a little time to relax.
Friday morning we awoke to pretty chilly temperatures. We ate breakfast and decided we would take the kids to the Gulfarium. Austin has always wanted to check it out and we figured since swimming and beach time were out it was a great time to do so! Austin's parents joined us too. It was actually really fun and nice. They had dolphins, sharks, penguins, sea otters, sea lions, sting-rays, alligators, and many other sea creatures. The kids really enjoyed it! Most of the exhibits are outside and with it being such a beautiful, fall crisp day it was fun just letting them roam and run around! They also really loved the animals! We got to see the Dolphin Show which was really a hit with the kids especially Colby! Again the adventure was just so fun! I think the place seemed even more fun b/c the weather was so nice and it wasn't crowded at all!
We went back to the condo around lunch time. We ate lunch and then Lindsay needed her nap. The boys went outside to swim and play on the beach while us girls took a nap. I was a little sad I didn't get to spend as much time on the beach and swim like usual but I must admit I liked my rest time too! With such a busy season of life it was good coming home re-freshed and not overtired!
That evening we went out to eat at The Back Porch. Again a really fun dinner just visiting and hanging out! And good food! Afterwards we did our usual stop at the Destin Commons. The kids always love walking around. They loved the vehicles and boats at the Bass Pro shop! After that we walked down to the play area and let the kids just have at it! I loved being there when it was cold outside! Somthing about it just felt so fun and holiday like! We even got chocolate icecream for the kids to enjoy. We stayed out there about an hour before heading back to the condo. The kids were so sad to leave but we knew another fun filled day awaited us!
Saturday we got up to a cold, cloudy day at the beach. Once again we knew swimming would be out so we opted to go bowling instead. After a relaxed breakfast we took our time getting ready and headed to Fish Bowl. It was a fun time! The kids had never been bowling before and I honestly can't remember the last time I bowled either! We had a great time! We bowled for an hour. Colby got quite good after awhile although his approach of basically tossing the ball down the lanes was quite humerous! Afterwards we had lunch back at the condo! That afternoon Lindsay and I rested again and the boys took on the beach! I hated we didn't get much beach time but I always enjoy a good nap on vacation too!
That evening we got ready and went to dinner at Baytown in San Destin. Again it was a beautiful night so we enjoyed walking around and enjoying the scenery. We ate burgers at the diner. It was such a fun trip. I really loved going in the fall! I really think it might be a repeat for next year!
I really felt relaxed and refreshed after this trip. The last month has been so busy and crazy for us that I think we really needed this time away to re-group. It gave us some great family time and I loved having Colby at home for 4 days straight! I miss him so much!
The next day (Sunday) We traveled back. We did our usual Panera Bread stop. The kids were great travelers and it was so fun going on vacation with our 2 and 6 year old!!
Now back to real life! We have a busy week ahead with regular church and school stuff then a pancake breakfast on saturday so look for an update on that!