Florida! Part 1

We went to Panama City Beach, Florida to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday.  We went a day ahead of everyone, flew out of Laguardia's new terminal and killed some time in the lounge.  It was nice to get some brunch before a day of traveling.

We had a layover in DC...it's been a long time since we've done connections and it sure makes for a long day.  But we saw the Washington Monument.  DC field trip, check :)

(I want to take kids on a DC trip for school, but no one is interested in going and thought this should count)

The first night there, the kid's had Diary Queen and hung out at the Airbnb, while Ben and I got some fresh seafood and picked up groceries.  Then we got our toes in the sand for a sunset "hello" to the ocean.

The next day, Ben and I went for a run and then played some games.

Our house was right across the street from the beach but also had a pool in the backyard.

We spent the morning in the pool and the afternoon at the beach.  The perfect kind of day in my opinion.  I also really loved the quality family time.

Florida, part 2

We spent the day at the beach!

It was amazing watching all the kids just love to play together all day long in the waves and sand.

Maggie was determined to dig a giant hole.  She worked her tushy off all day.

In the end, Charles could fit in it!

Katherine and Alison out on the sandbar.

White sand beaches sure are nice.

This game room was an added perk to the house. 

Charles LOVES Alison.  The first thing he asked when he walked in the door was, "Where's Alison?!?!"  For years, they have played a game on Alison's ipad...that's what they're doing here.

Dinner happenings:

Ben showed my dad his new drone.

What I loved most about this trip, was how easy it was to just pop over the beach.  Each morning, I went down and drank my coffee and each evening, we would go for a stroll.  Add in there several trips with the kids, I didn't have to go long without sand between my toes.

Florida, part 3

It rained some this day, but it didn't stop us from having fun.

Some played charades, while others played pool.

Then some of us went to Pier Park and did a little shopping.

The girls tried alligator and kangaroo jerky.

The boys bought a football and threw it around while grandma found a t-shirt.

Grandpa played a game with some of the kids in the pool. 

The sun came out and we went for a stroll.

That evening, we went out to dinner.  It was so nice to let the kids play while we waited for food.

Historic picture right here!

Aunt Jen is pretty much chopped liver to Charles, but us blondes have to stick together :)

Katherine asked Eli to teach her how to solve the rubix cube, so they walked around with it for much of the afternoon.

Our last Florida day

Ben flew to Seattle from Florida for work, so I had to take him to the airport at 5am.  I got back to the house in time to watch the sunrise.  I wasn't complaining about having the beach all to myself.

We packed up and said our goodbyes.  I could have definitely used more time :)

Our flight didn't leave until the afternoon, so we made a few stops before heading to the airport.  

First up, we went back to Pier Park and said goodbye to the ocean.

Then we got food and found a park.  But the oddest thing happened, we played for about 5 minutes and they said they were closing the park for cleaning.  I've never heard of a park closing for cleaning, but I guess they do in Florida.

Thankfully we had all smooth traveling.  The kids continue to be amazing travelers and were very helpful along the way.  Also, very thankful for this trip!  It was wonderful!