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We just back from my first big family vacation together. My parents, brother and sisters family all gathered in one 3 story house for an entire week. Considering that several people in the house were practically strangers and there were no big blow up fights or broken property, I’m calling it a huge success. Seriously though I think a fun time was had by all and I’m so glad we all came together for it.

Our beach house was in Blue Mountain Beach, about 15 miles east of Destin, FL. We were all very anxious to see what the beaches were like, and luckily our beaches were oil free (from our sight anyway). The green slimy algae was smothering the water and anything in it though. Our house had its own pool though which was a big hit with the kids. I really can’t imagine what we would have done without a pool or if an adult had to go walk to the community pool constantly with the kids. I think the only down side of things may have been the stairs. Did I mention it was a 3 story house, plus more stairs if you wanted to go to the rooftop deck. I’m sure several people are feeling the effects of climbing stairs by today. I did like Ronnie’s saying one time when a kid asked for something: “no way can you get me to climb those stairs even if there is a pot of gold down there”.

Jeff brought a brisket we ate on for a couple meals and then several more trips to the grocery store were made. And damnit if my brother didn’t scar me for life, I’ll always think twice before pronouncing Publix again. When I think of that name I see their usual sign in lime green letters but with curly black hair on it. I even went into Walmart twice on my better judgement. So much food was both eaten and thrown away and I really do feel guilty for not recycling all week. We certainly gave that garbage man an extra workout. Jeff and I tried going out to eat with Allison twice during the trip and both times were nightmares. She will not sit still in a highchair for more than 10 minutes now. We got away for a date night once and ate at Tommy Bahama’s restaurant where I had the best crab cake ever – thanks to the sweet spicy sauce it was on.

Wednesday we booked a cruise to Shell Island leaving out of Panama City Beach. LK’s bunch had us all nervous but finally got there with no time left to spare. Since it said we’d only be on the beach for one hour, most of us didn’t wear swimsuits which we regretted since the water was crystal clear and so much nicer than Destin. I think the boat tour before us took all the shells though. On the way back we found dolphins. It was definitely fun and a little cheesy with the Giligans Island song running in the background… 3 hour tour…

The guys made it out fishing one night, but just on a pier since deep sea fishing charters were near impossible to find. Friday the kids and adult guys hit the race track and gocarts. And there were a few shopping trips, one where Courtnay got a bright green tshirt saying FUBP, showing an oil slicked bird. LK, Courtnay and I did make it to the ‘outlet’ stores, but calling them outlet was a joke. Prices were just as high as their regular store counterparts.

Most of the time was spent being lazy, talking, kids playing cards or swimming, wandering the beach, or a few people sitting on the deck smoking. That was fine because when it did come time for all of us to leave, it turned crazy, trying to figure out what time to leave, which cars, etc. A few times it seemed like we’d be talking and poof there went one family gone. Friday morning LK wanted to get family photos on the beach and they did manage to get out there with David’s bunch and get a few good ones (except the boys left their sunglasses on!). I wanted to be there, but in the heat of things people running around, I had no idea if/when they were leaving, it was just impossible to figure it out with people moving and talking as fast as they did.

I think the kids were only shy for a day or so and by mid week the teasing had started. Alan and Matthew teased Kasey and Ronnie about saying ‘say’ instead of ‘hey/did you hear me’ when a person hasn’t answered a question yet. And I think Kasey and Alan were picking out the ugliest people on the boat ride to pair the other up with. Even Cody’s shy shell may have been cracked – just a little bit.

I’m looking forward to doing this again next year hopefully.
Full set of pics in the link above.

Addition - I forgot to write about our fearless Allison and the waves. The first time she sat in the sand she held up her dirty hands at me and frowned- obviously not liking being dirty (she does this at daycare too - little miss priss). The next time she was just fine once we started moving the sand and packing it in to shapes she could smoosh. Then Jeff took her in to the waves. They even got splashed by one and she just giggled. When he tried to take her back to the calm dry sand she ran right back towards the ocean. She even accidentally got dunked by a wave a couple times and it didn't make her cry or anything. Unfortunately I did not get video of this since I didn't want to get the camera wet.