We got invited to tag along with our friends Adam and Kaleigh Crow and their kids (Reagan, 3, and Brayden, 1) to spend a long 7 days at a condo right off the beach at a resort near Destin. We hesitated to go, contemplating costs and time off- but with the condo/resort price being split 3 ways (I forgot to mention that Adam's hilarious and outgoing parents were going to be tagging along), it seemed to good of a deal to pass up. So we agreed, and we are so glad we did.
We left early on a Saturday morning. We had to take three vehicles, since our family of 3, the Crow family of 4, and the senior Crow family of 2 wouldn't all fit in a single vehicle (yet alone, any of our sedans). It was about an 8 hour drive and we left early enough to get to Destin around 2:00 (for the 80 mile hour club) and 3:00 (for the 65-70 mile hour club). We headed to the beach that afternoon, and I don't think we ever left. Okay, we didn't actually spend the entire 7 days on the beach the whole time, but it sure felt like it. Here's a few pictures from the first day at the beach:
Rob and Reagan could hardly wait to get in the water...who needs swimsuits?
Grayden loved it!
Overall, we had great weather, minus the tropical storm that hit Sunday evening. Luckily we only lost one beach day, and there wasn't any major damage. I did get to see my friend Christa while we were there; she drove up from Pensacola to spend the rainy Monday (following the tropical storm on Sunday) with us. It was a perfect day for outlet shopping.
Each morning (minus the 1 rainy) day started with Tommy and Susanna (Adams' hilarious and outgoing parents) making a fantastic breakfast, everyone scrambling to pack up every sand toy, towel, beach chair, coolers filled with drinks, tents, etc. and head to the beach. (we got smart by day 2, and smarter on day 3, and extremely smart by day 5- our load began to shrink each day.) We'd spend a good 2 hours at the beach, come back to a fantastic lunch (again usually prepared by the fabulous Tommy and Susanna), and then head to the pool. Adam and Rob are sissies and don't love to be out in the sun all day, so it worked out great for Kaleigh and I, because we'd leave the kids at the condo with the boys, and head to the pool to layout. We were definetly spoiled, and I got to read 3-4 books on the trip. (Yes I finished the Twilights...don't judge). Sometimes it's good to have sissy husbands who don't like the sun.
Each evening, we'd pick a different restaurant to try (I had some terrific seafood- Mahi Mahi may be my new favorite food), and close out our evenings with late night game night and stuff your face with leftovers, cookies, ice cream, and goldfish - or what we called the evening munchies. It was ridiculous, but oh so worth the 4# I gained. And yes I am a dietitian, back off. I like to eat too. And "IT WAS VACATION!"
The week was also filled with some go carts and putt putt. But overall, it was one of the most relaxing weeks I've had. It was a much needed vacation for all of us and I appreciated the stress-free company we had. We may need to make it an annual event...Crow, Senior Crow, and Hartman vacation 2010, here we come!
Pictures below:
The outrageous, hilarious, and fantastic Tommy Crow
Rob and Grayden at Gator Beach. yep, free gators for our viewing pleasure.
On the pier
Pineapple Willies. Yum.
Grayden loved the beach.
The Crows
The Hartmans
Grayden and Brayden in their matching floaties.
Reagan and Jen go carting!
Okay...sorry it was a long commentary. I'm not known for being very brief about anything, yet alone story telling.
