Where did the time go?

Just a few pictures of how we spent 6 glorious days in Destin. We ate a lot of really great food, found sea shells, built sand castles, Braden found a jelly fish, got to see a bucket of hermit crabs someone acculated from snorkeling nearby, enjoyed a ton of entertainment from the hotel and only got minimally sunburned. Not to mention Braden definitley has his dad's adventure for food. He tried alligator tail, calamari, mahi mahi, clams, crawfish and oysters.


Initially Mason was not thrilled about the sand. I'm sure it didn't feel too good in his swim diaper.

Braden on the otherhand couldn't get enough of the beach. We could barely get him to eat lunch, and several times had sandwiches on the beach "pinic style" so he didn't have to go far. Above he is karate chopping the waves.

He was fascinated by drawing in the sand until he realized how quick the ocean would wash it away.

This was our first official day on the beach and he wanted to be buried.

I love Mason's expression in this picture. Can you see the waves in the background. They didn't stay this high, but there were waves everyday.

Braden was so proud that this board says "Bad" like his current favorite song. Blake had a Michael Jackson greatest hits cd and Braden loves to hear "Bad" everytime they get in his truck. Braden knew this wouldn't make it back to Kansas, since it couldn't fit in our suitcase, so we discussed finding a nice boy we could give it to when we had to leave. Our last morning at breakfast, Blake recognized a businessman from Joplin. He and his 9 year old son had just arrived. Braden had no problems giving his board to this nice boy.

Mother and daughter dolphins showing off at the Gulfarium

I hate that his eyes were closed, but the background almost looks fake. This was lunch at Lloyd's after the Gulfarium.

Blake totally outdid himself on the planning of this vacation. From the timing, to the logistics, and above all our hotel. The fact that it was kid friendly was enough, but it was very nice, we had a balcony view, and the kiddo's were never bored! Braden did t-shirt painting, sand dollar painting, two magic shows (and he was the helper), a freaky pet show, face painting, movie night, etc. There was also a mini arcade, pool table, and always crayons and coloring books out.

Braden was an great assistant!

Same goofy guy, two different nights. One night the King of Magic and the other, Famous Davey

On the balcony outside of our room. We were on the 8th floor and had a great view! Braden wasn't scared at all, which of course made us very nervous. We were good to keep the door locked, but it was a great place to dry out swim suits and shake out some of the sand!

Playing in the rain

Mason loved the water most, like this, with dad holding him

So proud of himself in Mom's sunglasses

Mason is NOT sunburned. He's under a red umbrella!

I think this was Braden's favorite part. We went to Fudpucker's the first night, got our picture holding an alligator (Blake held it, and Braden kinda held the tail) then he got to feed the alligators this special food using this pole. He enjoyed it so much we went back and did it again.

Holding up "Filmore"