A Barrel of Carrolls: Florida!

Our first family vacation was to Florida this past week, and it was so, so fun! We're already talking about going back because it was such a fun get-away for all of us...exciting for the boys, and relaxing for Ian and I. They got to ride on their first airplane, which was a new adventure! They thought it was great, and since it was a short flight they both settled in and enjoyed it. Witten slept both times, and Tytus ate snacks and played with some things he'd carefully chosen to put in his own little suitcase. He loved rolling it through the airport on his own and knowing exactly what he'd brought with him.

Unfortunately, the worst part of our trip was right when we got off the plane in Panama. We got down to baggage to get our suitcases and carseats while Ian got our rental car all figured out. Then I realized I couldn't find my phone....so I checked and double checked and triple checked.....nope, not here. Thankfully they started checking the plane and gave me a pass to go upstairs and ask at the gate. I was told they didn't find it, and I so I just kept asking and describing where I left it until a nice man said he'd go look specifically where I was talking about (even though they were almost done boarding the next flight). After waiting there for about 20 minutes, I see him coming out with no phone. I was so sad and started to walk away thinking how silly I'd been to put it in my pocket instead of my purse. I was sure it had slipped out while Witten was sleeping on me. I just wanted to cry. I was almost down the escalator when another guy ran up saying they'd found it!!! I just about hugged the guy that gave it to me and was so thankful for whoever had gone the extra mile to keep looking! Once I got downstairs I noticed the boys and Ian seemed to still be holding it together, but they were the only ones still there. Apparently all the rental cars had been given out even though we'd booked ours in advance. Boo :( So, we continued to wait and the boys were so patient while we tried to figure it all out. When it was all said and done, we had a great car to ride in all the way to Destin!

Once we got there, Ian went to check in while I waited in the car with the boys and our lunch we'd picked up. We thought we'd go upstairs with our luggage, eat lunch, relax a little bit, and then head to the beach. Nope! Tytus just couldn't hold back. He was so excited to have come all this way and there was no time to waste. We met Ian in the lobby and all walked straight to the beach in our clothes. No better way to do it. :)

the gorgeous sand

first look at a beach....they were thrilled!

Most of our days consisted of having a slow morning eating breakfast and relaxing in our room (and on the balcony) and then heading down to the beach until lunch. Sometimes we napped after lunch, but other times we just napped on the beach. It was so relaxing. The boys were totally content with the sand, waves, and pool. Nothing better! Bedtime was super easy with exhausted little boys and gave us time to hang out and dates in our room while listening to the waves.

ahhhh, that water

snacking

lots of pretend going on with boats, cars, castles, fish......

This is how mommy and Witten tackled the waves

This is how Daddy and Tytus tackled the waves (and searched for fish)

or like this

building (and smashing) sandcastles

my boys

One morning we headed to a local donut place and loved it! Afterward, we drove around and explored a little bit. Ian found a cool park area that overlooked the bay where some boats were docked. Since it was Sunday hardly anyone was out there and that made it even more peaceful.