Beachin' It, Baby!

Last week, the Morris family spent a week at the beach in NW Florida.  We stayed at SanDestin Beach and Golf Resort, which I learned is actually in Miramar Beach, FL, not Destin, FL. 

In what promised to be an unfortunate coincidence, Tropical Storm Debby was also headed to the NW Florida shoreline.  In fact, as we pulled out and started driving south, I was getting so worried about the weather I could hardly concentrate.  But within 48 hours, it was clear that Debby's course would change for our benefit.

Clockwise from top left: 1. Sunday afternoon just across the FL state line 2. crossing the Choctawhatchee Mid-Bay bridge 3. Waking up Monday morning to a promising sky 4. Dinner Monday night...the hint of a rainbow is a promise of better weather ahead!

The week started off with a little work business to attend.  Mom and I had to expo at a writing conference. My pregnant BF Lorie rode down with me.  Her husband helped the two of us get set up until Mom could join us from yet another conference that started off her week.  Here's how our 3 tables looked:

On Tuesday Bobby and the kids made it down.  By Tuesday night, we were a party of eight: Mom, Lorie, Shane and their daughter Whitney, Bobby, me, and our 2 kids. 

Although we were working, we had our afternoons free...and that led us to discover something we had never personally realized before: the beach in the afternoons is prime time for play.  Normally we head out all day then rush back to shower and get ready for evening activities.  But when you take away your timed schedules, there is a real opportunity for evening seashore enjoyment.  Don't believe me?  Take Caroline and Whitney's word for it:

Overall it was a great trip.  Our kids all played so well together.  In fact, I really don't believe a vacation of this nature would be possible if not for the seamless blending of families. 

Whitney and Rob, same age minus 3 months.

Friday was a beach-free day.  We spent the morning at the pool and that afternoon the mommies and Nona took the kids on a pirate ship while the Daddies played golf.  I will do a separate post about it later this week, but it was so much fun!  Like I said, that morning was just a pool day, and as an added bonus my dad, Papa Joe, came in town too! Dad's sister lives just a quick 20 minutes from where we were and Dad was off the road for a little break.  So it worked out that he got to see his sister and his daughter/grandkids all in one day.  Swimming with Papa Joe was fun!

The worst part about beach vacations is how quickly they seem to end.  Yet, as always, I know we will return soon.  Here are way too many a few shots from the week of fun:

Aren't naps on the beach the greatest?

Happy Fourth of July!  Today is one of those days where we are going to relax and enjoy the independence given to us by Independence Day!  I hope your day is just as good!