Life is just BEACHY

We made our annual to Destin, Florida last week for fall break.  It was a much needed vacation for everyone!  Unfortunately not everyone got to go on the trip =(.  My uncle Mike usually vacations with us but has been having terrible back problems and wasn't able to make the drive.  We missed him so much.  I decided to make a Mike head so he could experience the beach through photos (I made him an album).  This year we stayed at The Dunes of Crystal Beach.  Our condo was beautiful--5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, huge living area and breath taking balcony--all on the first floor.  We are first floor kind of people =).  After loading all of my pictures I realized that I don't have ANY of our condo, but you can visit the website or get on youtube for a tour if you'd like.  Our condo number was #105.

The weather wasn't on its best behavior last week, but it was still nice.  The first two days were cloudy and kind of rainy.  That didn't stop the kids from enjoying the beach.  I personally don't like sitting out in the trickling rain--it feels like punishment. 

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I purchased a mermaid tail for Karson as a surprise for her birthday which is on the 22nd of this month.  WHOA, I almost have a 10 year old.  She had told me a while back that she wanted a mermaid tail for Christmas, but I wanted to surprise her for her birthday so we could take it to the beach, and she could actually enjoy it.  I was kind of worried that it would be difficult to swim with, but she didn't have any trouble.  However, she took a hard spill on her knees when she got out of the pool one time and sometime stepped on her tail tripping her accidentally.  She feel down on her knees HARD and had some banged up knee caps =(.

 Miles loved every single second of life at the beach.  His best friends in the world, Trapper and Samuel were there.  He is the most social 5-year old I know.  He was always wanted to get down to the beach as soon as the sun came up so he could play with his buddies.

A couple of cute beach babes!

Uncle Mike Adventures.

Since it was a bit rainy, we took all the kids over to the Destin Commons to see the movie Hotel Transylvania in 3-D.  Our kids have been waiting for months (stinkin' commercials) to see it and absolutely loved it!

We are lucky to have such a nice group of family/friends to vacation with--all of our dearest friends went to Destin.  The kids all spent lots of time together and never lacked for entertainment.

BFF's!

 We went crab hunting almost every night with the kids.  It's one of those things that NEVER gets old.  It's amazing how many crabs cover the beaches at night.  I"m sure they LOVE seeing our crazy kids coming with their flashlights and nets.  Uncle Mike really enjoyed crab hunting =).

We had a fun night out with friends on Tuesday at Hurricane Lanes.  The bowling was mediocre, but the fellowship was superb!  

Mike visits the playground with the kids.

Miles and Lydia

 Pool time.  Our pool capcity was 12 which we maxed out daily.  Miles really came a long way this week and was even putting his face under water--that's HUGE for him.

Karson and her buddies Tucker and Chase working hard in the sand.

There couldn't be a beach more beautiful than the one in Destin.  Our kids spent lots of time on the white, sandy beaches.

Eating at The Donut Hole is always on the weekly agenda.  We logged two visits there this trip.

Water buddies!

The Back Porch is one of our favorite places to eat.  

Beach photo session(s) in the back of The Back Porch.

Me and my girlzzz!

Matt and his boyzzz!

After The Back Porch, we made our way over to The Track which is right across the street.  The kids all played mini-golf which took FOR-ever, but they didn't seem to mind.  We also spent some time in the bumper boats and managed to get soaked--we called it a night after the boats =).

We usually have a Date Night with all the couples on Thursday night.  We ate at Tommy Bahama which was fantastic!  We never got a group picture because dinner (although wonderful) too a while with our large party. I think everyone was ready to get up and get going once we were finished.  SO, I only got one date-night picture =(.

It's always nice getting family photos--the kids were somewhat cooperative this year.  My favorite picture was of just the three kids.  It may even be Christmas card worthy.

We spent our last night in Destin at Baytowne Wharf.  It's a really neat community in San Destin with lots of things to do and sites to see.

Karson made her way to the trampoline and did the ropes course.

Isaac and Miles spent a small fortune in the arcade with Matt.

Our trip officially wrapped up, and we headed back home tired and bummed out.  We loved every second of beach life and are still trying to get back into the swing of things.  Thank you Destin for being our lovely home away from home--perfect place, perfect week!