We have already been on our annual beach trip to Destin, FL with Bill's mom, dad, and sister. This is our 3rd year to make the trip. Every year we've been, we've gone at a different point in the summer. This year was by far my favorite! We went early May, and it was cooler, less crowded, and the water was perfect. This year we also decided to fly to Destin. I was a little hesitant at first about this, because part of going to the beach is the road trip. But, lets just say, I hope I get to fly from now on. Easy peasy. We rented a car once we got there, and it was an hour drive from the Panama City airport to the condo.
The first night we were by ourselves in the condo, Bill's family didn't get there until the next afternoon. We decided to drive to Grayton Beach and go to the Red Bar. I love that place! Of course, I got the famous crab cakes. You just can't go there and not get them. Best you'll ever eat! Then the next day we enjoyed a perfect day on the beach together. Bill's family got there late afternoon on Sunday and we decided to grill burgers that night.
My idea of a beach vacation is, sleep in, eat some breakfast (usually the Donut Hole), mosey out to the sand, situate myself in a comfy beach chair with a book or magazine, and just enjoy the sound of the water until its time for lunch. Eat lunch, repeat the above until late afternoon. Well, my husbands family has a completely different idea of beach activities. They are the family that can't sit still. If its not playing in the water, its throwing the Frisbee or football, boogie boarding, etc. And, as usual, its always competitive. I'll just watch from the sidelines...
This was the 1st sibling activity, paddleboarding. Requires upperbody strength and balance, all the more reason I declined. :) They were both pretty good at it, and Isabelle made friends with the beach chair guy, so he let them do it for free. Oh to be young and cute.
Bill paddleboarding (you stand on it, but he was coming in when I took this)The second night we ate at another favorite restaurant, Louisiana Lagniappe. Cajun, southern, seafood, delicious! I had shrimp and grits and it was AMAZING!
We did take one day to hit the outlet mall. I found some cute things on sale & I was mostly happy that I found some things for work. That night we went on a dolphin cruise. This was something I've never done before. It was interesting, to say the least. We did see several dolphins, getting pictures of them was rare to impossible. After the cruise, we ate dinner at a Destin staple, The Back Porch. Wonderful, as always.
The girls waiting to get on the boat for the dolphin cruise. 
Bill and I on the boat during the cruise. One of our last nights there, we drove into Seaside for dinner. I absolutely love Seaside. I grew up going there every summer with my mom, aunt, and cousin. Back then (as if it was so long ago) it was "undiscovered", pre-The Truman Show. I still love going back, but it's not the same. Anyways, we ate at Bud & Alley's Taco Bar then walked around the shops and got some gelato at Heavenly.
Every year, we've take a family picture to use as the Christmas card pic. In the past, we've known someone there at the same time as us to help take the picture in the evening. We decided to change it up this year and took the picture in the morning. Not the best idea. The sun was super bright, so we all have our sunglasses on. Oh well, still turned out ok.
Bill and I on the beach. Christmas card pic? I'm not sure...
Beach Pic 2011
Overall, we had a great trip. I'm already ready to go back. Maybe a short trip in early fall?
Yea, so glad y'all had a great time! Love the pics.
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