Jase and Greta: Destin Vacation 2014

As I look back on our trip, in my morning seat, my heart is beyond happy. I am usually hanging out in the morning for awhile by myself because my body does not switch time zones and my body does not sleep in. And even though I went to bed after midnight watching a movie, I'm still up at 6:30.

It stormed all night - bad thunder and lightening and it is supposed to storm all day here on our last day. We took the kids to The Baytowne Village last night (because my husband loves me and puts up with me wanting to do 'one more thing') and went to Roberto's Pizzeria - something different than seafood! I actually remembered before we came that I had A LOT of credit at Restaurant.com and I am so thankful I remembered that b/c we were able to print many gift cards for Destin locations and have used them all week. As we were leaving the Pizzeria, we were about to show the kids around because Jason and I had been to the Village alone at night, but we had not taken the kids yet. But the storm hit and we had to make a mad dash to the car - which was not close at all. In my warped mind, that was fun! Making memories!

So, as I reflect on our trip, I am giddy with all the memories we have made. It has been a long time since our last vacation and I know the kids have not taken this vacation for granted. It has also been a much easier vacation since the kids are a little older, I've said it before, but I'll say it again - I like where we are right now with children's ages and life!

With our extra days and me working from Destin some, we have had 10 full days. One other day and today have been very stormy, which I think are great rest days to stay in and play games, but every other day has been fairly nice weather (maybe a short rainy hour here and there). Grandma and Papa came down and stayed with us and that has been awesome. I know we only live eight houses apart and people think we see each other all the time, but truthfully, we only see each other in Sunday chaos and if I pop in to grab something really quick throughout the week, but, honestly, we never really get to hang out with them. So, this week as been nice grandparent/grandkid bonding. We've also had other cousins at another house in the resort and it has been fun to swap houses for sleeping and playtime. It has been fun to see them at the beach and pool. And we've also enjoyed a few meals with them.

Everything I hoped for about the trip has been what we got. The drive here was easy and less than 7 hours. Trips to the beach have worked out. No major sunburn. Trips out to eat have been low stress. Remembering Restaurant.com has allowed us to eat out and try new places (anyone reading this that cares, we highly recommend Shorty's Surfisde at Grayton's Beach - nothing fancy at all, but food was incredible). Other meals have been low key - lots of sandwiches and cereal!! I have not thought about work at all or gotten texted about anything - Jason has had something come up at work and I will talk about that later, but nothing too stressful to worry our week. We've had good walks, great bike rides, and enjoyed the Caines' golf cart. No one has gotten sick, everyone has slept well. We have had some rain but we have also had some really nice weather too! I hate shopping, but I survived an afternoon shopping with Mollee (not b/c shopping with her is bad, just b/c I hate shopping). Lots of games, lots of reading, lots of laughs.

We thank the Lord for the opportunity to take this trip and for making it as stress free and as refreshing for Jason and I as possible. Here is another photo dump of some shots from the week:

Breakfast on the porch