That's right, Tyler and I packed up Kate and Elle and headed to Destin to spend the week there with Mimi and Grandbob. We had a great time!
I must say, vacations with kids are MUCH different than they used to be. I don't know why I didn't realize this before we left, but they are a bit more work with 2 little ones in tow! We had some great help from the great Mimi & Grandbob though - hopefully we didn't wear them out!
The girls traveled well, for the most part. Meltdowns commenced approximately 45 minutes from our destination each way, though it was much worse on the way. But hey, what can you expect from two 8 1/2 month olds on a 6 hour car ride?? They were troopers!
As you will see below, they looked super cute in their bathing suits. Thank you, Old Navy, for making the cutest tutu swimsuits ever. They both loved the pool and their pool floats. Sweet Kate fell asleep on her Daddy one day in the pool. Snoring and everything. So cute. And Elle got dunked by her daddy. She wasn't sure how she felt about going under water, but under she went and she made it! Elle seems to be our beach baby - she sat and played in a little tide pool and had fun in the ocean while Tyler held her. Kate, on the other hand, was not so much a fan. I think she was a smidge scared of the waves and did not like the way the sand felt and so she clung to me for dear life. It's okay, Kate - I prefer the pool too! And I'm sure when they get older, we won't be able to keep the out of the ocean.
The girlies were rock stars wherever they went - garnering much attention and ooh-ing and ahh-ing. And they went all over the place! To the outlet malls, to dinner, to lunch...and they did great most everywhere we went! There was a small incident at Harry T's, but we overcame it and even took them out to eat again. If you'd seen me that day, during lunch, you would be immensely proud that I ventured back out with them. :) It required a MaiTai afterwards. Which, by the way, should not be made with bourbon. Gross. I think the bartender was acting like he knew what was in it. FAIL.
The girls were also able to see Aunt Manny and cousin Kendall while we were there. They got lots of hugs from Kendall! Cutest thing ever - Kendall LOVES giving hugs. And Aunt Betty came by for a visit too and brought some delicious wings for lunch (thanks again, Betty!).
And Tyler and I were able to go on a date while we were there, thanks to the babysitting prowess of Mimi & Grandbob. I love The Back Porch. It was so nice to have drinks on the beach and a nice leisurely dinner together. Grilled Mahi Mahi - yummmm.
All in all, we had a great time on our first beach trip with the girlies!
Possibly my favorite picture from the trip. Tyler drinking from his giant fishbowl while feeding Kate Cheerios. Classic.
Elle at Harry T's. This was pre-incident. Incidentally (ha), the girls are both big fans of sitting in highchairs at restaurants. At home? Not so much.
Kate likes to call this next series of pictures, "Why me?"
When asked to comment, Elle said "I love the beach!"
Grandbob & Kate.
