Destin Daze

Well it's been a busy couple of weeks around here! As you know, I had to go private with my blog after my parent's house was broken into. I had really been thinking about it anyway, but after that happened and dad's laptop got stolen the world got even scarier and the reality of what we live in became all too real.

Thank you so much for those who have prayed for my parents. They are doing better and taking steps to feel more secure.

A few weeks ago we went to Destin. We went the week before Memorial Day, just before school got out, the crowds got crazy, and oil threatened to cover our beautiful white beaches.

We were there with both sets of grands for several days, and then by ourselves the rest of the week. It turns out, my dad's side of the family was there too so we got together for some family fun and pictures.

The plan was for everyone to wear white and khaki, go to the beach and get pictures at sunset... boy, how plans change quickly when kids are involved. Turns out we settled for a few snapshots on the golf course at the condo. Here are a few of our attempts...

You mean you just want us to sit here and not get dirty... have you met us?


Afterwards, we loaded into cars and carts and headed over to the wharf for some dinner and dancing.

Nana's attempt at "slow dancing"


"The bouncers" blocking the way to the pier.
Drew had to rehydrate during a band break.

I tried relaxing on a float for a bit in the pool, but ohhhh that didn't last long...

the prep...
the mount...
the landing and dismount...
It's a wonder my bathing suit bottom stayed in tact... he did it no less than a dozen times.



No sand castle is complete without a railroad track and Thomas & Friends.
The last day we were there was my birthday. Jimmy kept asking me what I wanted from him and Trace. I told him the credit card and a morning at the outlets ALONE!!

WooHoo... Happy Birthday to me! He's a keeper :)

My other birthday request was for some pictures of my little family sans bathing suits, sand, swimmies, and googles.

Here are a few...




We could tell the last day at the beach, that the crowd was quickly multiplying. We walked forever just to find a little patch of sand to put our chairs and bags down and hit the waves. After a few hours, we packed up and hiked back up the beach to our car.

What hours before was a "family-friendly" beach was now loaded with coeds, mounds of beer coolers, itty-bitty, teeny-weeny bikinis, college flags and tents stuck in the sand and we knew Memorial Day weekend had officially begun. I had flashbacks of Panama City Beach 15 years ago and the not so pretty things that happen as those coolers begin to empty. We knew it was time to leave!

Turns out, the Alabama football team had just arrived, which was evident from all the 2009 SEC Champs stickers on every truck in sight and the camera crews following them down the pier.

Needless to say... we stifled our desire to yell "Go Big Orange" as we pulled out of the parking lot in our little golf cart. That thing tops out at 19 MPH.

We may be proud Tennessee fans, but we're not crazy.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!!