Tuesday, August 20, 2013

SUMMER VACATION 2013 - DESTIN, FLORIDA

We decided to visit Destin, Florida again for our family vacation. I was a little afraid making the 9 hour drive with a 3 month old.
On the way to Florida we stopped in Slidell, LA to visit big Ricky's family. Barry and Darla. It helped break the trip up, and spending time with them is always a good time. Thankfully we were able to break it up because Vincent was raising hell on the drive. He definitely let us know he was not a fan of his car seat.
Saturday lunch time we made the other 5 hours drive to Destin. We stayed at the same place as last year. Holiday Surf and Racquet Club. It's perfect, because it's right on the beach and best of all affordable. The kids loved it!! They always request the top floor. We had 7 days on the beach!! Although the forecast predicted rain, we were really lucky and missed it. If it rained it was usually during the night or super early morning. The only disappointing thing about this trip is the water was not a "Caribbean"  look a like as last year. I have heard many theories as to why not, but I am sure it has something to do with the huge amounts of rain they got this year. It was still clear though and still super fun and exciting.
The vacation was super relaxed. Our morning was spent on the beach, we would go up to the room to eat and usually we would come back down to the beach. In the evening we would go to the board walk or out for ice cream.
Vincent did amazing on the trip. He slept a lot by the beach, he was able to swim in the beach and loved it.
I was excited because I was able to read a book!!!! Since I was reading my book and/or tending to Vincent big Ricky picked up my slack. What an amazing guy he is. He unpacked, did laundry 2x, went grocery shopping, re-packed and loaded the car, and he drove the entire trip.
I know. I'm super lucky to have found such a rare gem.
Our last day we decided to leave at 5:30am to make the 9 hour trip back. We stopped for 1 bathroom/snack break. Vincent did great for the ride home.
Even though we had a great vacation, after 9 days we were all ready to be back at home and in our own beds.




The kids found some great sea shells

Vincent slept great at the beach





I think a wave got him





He's such a goof ball



getting his feet introduced to the sand/beach for the 1st time


Love this pic!!




She is so funny. She still smiles for the camera while under water. 

Looking for sea shells


He fell asleep rocking in the waves. 









I'm so glad they love the beach as much as I do. 


This fish kept us company our last day - it was nice size too!








Crabs that were caught near shore. Crazy. Glad we didn't step on one. 


I think Ricky likes his limearitas. 

Ricky showing off his mowhawk




Vincent chilling on the boardwalk. 




Enjoying ice cream







They were being funny


She had the best view for the parade

Loved our view!


Our boat ride excursion



Definitely picked the wettest seat on the boat. All the white behind him is water splashed bc we were going fast. 


Beautiful sunset

Mission accomplished. All wet





She got to turn the boat. Pretty exciting stuff




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