The Worm and The Pear: Spring Break '11

We're back! Instead of traveling all of the way down to the middle of Florida this year for spring break, we decided to try to the panhandle this year. Three or four hours doesn't seem like a big difference when you are traveling, but it actually makes a huge difference. So, we loaded up on Friday and left the house at 5:15 a.m.

Michael navigating through Alabama.

Taylor getting a little delirious after 10 hours of sitting in the car.

Noooo, I'm not tired at all...

Our excellent driver. Trooper handled all 12.5 hours each way!

Comfy?

Finally made it to our cute condo.

Let me just say now how much easier it was traveling this year. No playpens, diapers, swim diapers or strollers. The kids were content playing in the back seat, watching their DVDs and playing video games. Yay, it's finally getting easy to travel!

Our condo was right on Miramar Beach in Destin. The beach was absolutely gorgeous! I've traveled all over Florida and visited both coasts, and Miramar Beach was the best by far (second only to Hawaii and really, what can compete with paradise?). I guess there is a reason the area is called the Emerald Coast. I'm a big beach person, so I was thrilled when I saw what was waiting for us.

Ready for the beach.

First look at the beach.

Modeling this year's swim trunks and sunglasses.

Looking for shells

We love it! Good-bye cold, yucky winter!

Can't do this in Wilmington!

The air temperature was in the 70s most of the week, but the Gulf water was so warm. I was proud of Taylor for getting in and jumping in the waves with me.

Since we had our own kitchen in the condo, we cooked and ate almost all of our meals there. Being the true tightwad that I am, I'm always proud of how much save while on our vacations.

Michael and his buddy Red Dog. We were on the first floor so we had a little patio and yard to play in.

We stayed for an entire week this year and paid very little (in my opinion). We did venture out for some fun a few nights. We hit up the local go-kart track for some fun. Taylor and I beat the boys on a really fun and fast race track. So much fun! The kids also tried out some rides.