I apologize now for this being such a long post--it was a fun-filled week and this just tells of the highlights.
Each summer since 2006, we've tried to make a trip to Sandestin, FL, for a beach getaway. This year, with the oil spill mess, we debated back and forth as to whether to still go there or to try a different beach. We finally decided to go to Anna Maria Island, FL, and are so glad we did. We were very blessed to find a wonderful place to stay while resting and relaxing with Mom and Dad. We extended our stay by another day because we liked it so much. Although it's a longer drive, it's well worth it and we'll definitely go back in the future!
handsome hubby stands at the entrance to the condo:
the view from our balcony:
This was the view of the gulf as we walked across the street from our hotel. Incredible!
The sea oats against the blue sky and the gulf water was gorgeous!
Anna Maria Island was not very crowded at all. We has plenty of space to ourselves which Jenna loved! There were also a lot of native birds that were very tame and walked around very close to us.
For the first 5 minutes of being at the beach, Jenna was a little bit shy and hesitant. She sat in the sand and enjoyed the water lapping up on her for a minute or so, then stood up and started walking out into the shallow water. That was it--she was comfortable from then on out. She didn't mind the salt water, didn't care if she went underwater while playing with us, etc. She was quite the fish! Also, low tide was in the late afternoon, so the water became a huge wading pool for her to enjoy playing in!
Joshua just enjoyed lying on his bed under umbrellas and slathered with sunscreen. He slept well at the beach, and when he was awake, he was all smiles--he loved the fresh beach air!
Poppa and Daddy both fed bread to the seagulls with Jenna. Birds aren't my cup of tea, but she seemed to love it!
We had heard that it was fairly common to see dolphins, manatee, and sea turtles in the area. We didn't have any luck seeing manatee or sea turtles, but we did see dolphins several times. It was hard to catch pictures of them, but we did manage to snap a photo of a fin once!
Randy and I were able to take a few walks--just the two of us--and also went kayaking. Thanks, Mom & Dad for watching the kids! (No kayak pics, but plenty of the grandparents and grandkids!)
Jenna saw one of these pink innertubes and said how much she wanted one, so Daddy went and bought one for her. Here she is relaxing on the beach before trying it out.
She even shared it with Mommy...and Daddy and Joshua too!
When Jenna was almost 6 months old, we took her to Sandestin and took this picture on the beach.
So, we had to do the same for Joshua (minus the sunglasses which I forgot to put on him). Coincidentally, at 3 months, he weighs about the same as she did at 6 months and is already an inch longer!
After a long week of relaxation and play, Jenna came out tanned-face and loving the beach!
She passed out in the car about 5 minutes after we drove away. She played hard!
We're definitely planning to make this a family tradition!
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