Family Vacation - Destin, Florida 2013

Our first big family vacation was a success!  So, this will probably be the longest blog I have ever done.  We just finished a magical 5 day vacation and I don't want to leave anything out.  Jason and I started planning this summer vacation to Destin, Florida last year.  In January we booked the flights and room.  So, for 6+ months my little family was patiently anticipating a beach vacation like we have never done before.  I have to admit, we were a little nervous about taking the kids (ages 3,5, and 8) on a 5 day vacation - and fly for the first time.  You just never know how they will react (or act)!  I must say, we were pleasantly surprised at how well they did!  We will probably never drive anywhere of distance again.  They were excellent in the airport and on the plane!

When we finally made it to our destination, we were starving!  After taking a few pictures from our 14th story room, we headed to the Barefoots Bar and Grill located on the beach for a burger. 

And, you guessed it... we couldn't hold out any longer.  It was time to check out the gorgeous beach and white sands.

After a long day of travel and sun, we settled in the room for a little cookies and milk...and a bottle of wine for mom and dad!

Day 2

Tuesday morning we headed down to the beach and rented 2 chairs and an umbrella for the day.  Jason bought the kids some sand toys and we were prepared for a day of fun.  However, only about an hour or two into it, a storm seemed to be coming our way.  I got some pretty cool photos before we headed to the room to let it pass by.  We proceeded to the grocery store for some snacks and lunch foods for the room. After our nap, we went back to the beach for some sun and sand.  On this day I got some of my best beach pictures!

Tuesday evening we headed over to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for dinner and fireworks.  It was a really cool place with lots to do!  The kids rode the carousel and shot targets at Mater.  At 9:15 we watched an amazing fireworks show over the water.

Day 3

On Wednesday we decided to take a break from the water.  We found a really cool place called "The Track" to hang out most of the morning and into the early afternoon.  It was a fun time of bumper boats, bumper cars, train rides for the little ones, airplanes, carousel, ferris wheel, and arcade  Everyone had a really great time!

Wednesday afternoon we went to visit with some of our longtime friends, the Vaughns.  They just happened to be in Destin the same time we were.  The rented a home near the beach that had a pool in the backyard.  The kids swam, we visited, and Dennis fixed an amazing dinner of fresh fish.  Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera over, but we had a great time relaxing and catching up!

Day 4

On Thursday morning we headed to the resort pool for the first time.  You would think, it wouldn't be a big deal since we have a pool in our backyard and the kids swim all the time, but they LOVED swimming at the hotel.  Something new, I guess!

Thursday for lunch we went to a really fun place called Fudpuckers.  The food was great and the atmosphere was unique!  They had real live gators to check out and everything!

Thursday evening we had a scoop of ice cream before heading to the beach one last time.  This time I was able to find some to capture a family picture of us on the white sands.  We had a amazing vacation, one that none of us will forget for a long time.  As if on cue, as we showered and began to pack up for the journey home on Friday, we look out the balcony window to witness a firework show on the beach!  I am so thankful for my little family and the opportunity we had to vacation together.  Hopefully this will begin a long tradition of family vacations!!