Summer Vacation Stop #2: Destin, Florida

After spending a great week in VA, we made our way down south to Florida. We drove the first day to my parent's house in TN (about 7 hours) and then drove the next day down to FL (about 7 hours). The kids actually do really well on these road trips - probably because it is a novelty they don't ever experience when you live on an island. Of course, unlimited screen time (movies, iPods, etc.) and a little junk food thrown in here and there also help.

We had such a great time in Destin visiting Joan and Blue! We got to see their beautiful house and all their area has to offer.  Mike and Shelley also planned their vacation to be there when we were there so we got to spend an extra week with them as well.  And if spending time with family weren't enough, my dear friend Lisa and her family drove over from Houston, TX to spend the 4th of July weekend there as well.

We stopped at the Firework Supermarket in TN before heading down to stock up for the 4th of July holiday. This store was like the Costco of fireworks...complete with a whole aisle of "illegals in most states"

On our first day there, Joan worked so Blue took us to the beach for a few hours and we just hung out at their house in the afternoon. Dylan got to go on a motorcycle ride around the neighborhood, which was the highlight of his day.

Day 2: Beach! We spent the 4th of July at a local state park beach with the whole family and the Ducote family.

We spent the night of the 4th shooting fireworks (the illegials we bought in TN) on the beach.  I thought Hawaii had pretty laxed laws for the beach, but was surprised at Florida! There were tons on people down on the beach with bonfires and fireworks. It was a beautiful site to see all the fireworks up and down the beach while we sat with our feet in the sand :)

We began Day #3 with Bloody Mary's on the boardwalk

Grandma treated Gavin and Dylan to a giant bubble experience

And Gavin to the bungee trampoline

That evening we had dinner at Joan and Blue's house with the Ducotes. Mark  planned it as a surprise birthday party for me so all the kiddos were VERY excited for the homemade ice cream cake compliments of Blue!

I was lucky enough to see Lisa twice in 6 months! The next time I see her she will be a mommy of 3!

Dylan and Joseph are 3 months apart and spent a month together when Lisa took care of Dylan (he was 4 months old and Joseph was 1 month). It was so great to see them together nearly 4 years later!

On Day #4 we took a rented boat out to a sandbar to spend the day. This sandbar has inflatables, radio stations, and is kinda like it's own little island (with knee deep water). We ALL had such a great time here!

We bought the kids a wrist band for unlimited play on the inflatables and they LOVED it...spent hours and hours going down that slide into the water :)

We ended our day out on the water with a double date night with Mike and Shelley - thanks so much to Grandma and Grandpa Blue for watching all the kids!

Blue was on Badger duty for date night :)

We had a such a great time down in Florida with friends and family and look forward to our next visit to Destin!