Spring Break '11 - Part Four

Sorry it took me awhile to get to part four. I'm coaching Taylor's soccer team this spring and have had something soccer-related each of the last four nights. Taylor has played well - scored two goals in her first two games. She loves it! Okay, back to Florida. I wish. Let's just pretend. :)

As I mentioned, we had a boatload of fun on the beach. Our last afternoon there, we spent hours digging holes, making sand castles and boogie boarding. Actually, I was the only one boogie boarding; just an awesome feeling! Mike wouldn't try it, but let me tell you, it's a great time. The Gulf tide was higher than usual, perfect for riding the waves.

Taylor with some of our creations.

Our sand dungeon - Michael brought his little Imaginext guys down and they were the perfect props.

I kind of want to kiss the screen when I see this. Love the beach.

Wave hoppin'


Timed that one right!

Taking a break in the shade.

Mini me. :)

My little doll.

The kids found a big hole that someone had dug and spent a good hour jumping into it. It was pretty cute to watch. I even caught some high school girls taking pictures on them with their cell phones.

Yay - hole!

He screamed "Cannonball!" every time he jumped.

The only creepy thing about the beach? Jellyfish! I saw tons of them during my morning walks. Most were the harmless little clear ones, but I did see some whoppers. The were usually all washed back into the water by late morning so I brought one back to the condo for the kids to see.

In case you are wondering, yes, my fingers did get a little numb after picking up this beauty.

Some of my finds one morning.

Feel kind of bad for the jellyfish? Don't. One of its buddies got me in the shoulder later that day.

We ate at Captain Dave's our last night. Another fantastic view!





We loaded up the next morning at 6:30 and headed home. Fine driving by the hubs got us home by 7 p.m.!


Bye Florida!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

Spring Break '11 - Part Three

The kids were on their best behavior during vacation and acted like the best of friends. They seemed to truly each other and stuck together like glue. The condo had three bedrooms, but one tiny room had bunk beds and a wall-mounted DVD player. Well, the kids thought that was the greatest thing ever! To my amazement, they crammed in that little room every night and slept great.

Watching a video before bed.

Taylor had the procedure for changing DVDs down pat.

I've never seen them voluntarily spend so much time in bed, haha.


Hanging out up top.


Bedtime snack

I walked in after a long day at the pool to see this one day. How cute!

Playing cards together - War!

Buddies at the pool.

Our cute condo.


My favorite dinner out was a Pompano Joe's, right on the beach. The crabcakes were deeee-lish!

All cleaned up, cute and ready to rock.


"I'll just play Taylor's video game while you take for-ever getting ready, Mommy."

Cute family shot at the restaurant. This is the only night I bothered to fix my hair and the wind was so strong that it just knocked the bajeezus out of it.





Our view from the restaurant.


We were only five minutes from outlet malls. Even the play areas there were way fun for the kids.





Until next time,

Mommy Kel

Spring Break '11 - Part Two

There wasn't much sleeping in on Spring Break. We were usually up with the sun so the kids could play in the condo and Mike and I could take turns working out. A few days, I swamped a long walk on the beach for time in the exercise room. Man, I could so live where it's warm all year!

What's in store today, Mom?

Loading up on morning java.

We love Destin!

Michael loved playing in the sand, but would not get near the water. He'd scream whenever the waves would creep up and catch him.

Taylor was all about the sand, sun and surf. Most definitely her mother's daughter!

Michael loved the pool, just like his dear old dad.

Tuesday was forecasted to be a cooler day, sunny but only reaching about 65 degrees. We decided that would be the perfect day to go on a dolphin cruise in the Gulf and harbor. We got a deal there, too, a buy-one-get-one-free ticket for booking through our resort. The ride was two hours long and a great time. We saw dozens of dolphins and the kids were just amazed.

Ready to see some dolphins!

Taylor couldn't wait to wear her new rhinestone dolphin shirt.


Ready to board!


Thanks, Taylor. :)



This boat was once FDR's, according to our cute little captain.

The kids were given popcorn to feed the seagulls. The seagulls would take the food right out of your hand. I love animals, but it creeped me out and I was surprised when I couldn't do it!

Uh, maybe this is why.


Hey look - dolphins! I took a ton of pictures, but they all look like this. I never did get a picture of their cute little faces!

A turn at the wheel. The captain and crew were so sweet.

I think sweet Taylor won him over.

After lunch, the winds shifted and we were back to warm weather. The kids and I headed to the beach and stopped for a little frozen refreshment.

This picture makes me happy and makes me miss the beach already.

The day we thought would be a little bit of a wash ended up being wonderful! Mike joined us on the beach and we relaxed until almost sundown. :)



Until next time,

Mommy Kel