It was a little chilly and cloudy in the morning when we woke up. So we headed out to do what we do best, DONUTS!
We love using Trip Advisor when we're travelling for the insider tips on great places to check out. The Donut Hole was one of those places! Yum Yum Yum
Throughout the week, people couldn't get over how much they all look alike. I can see it in this picture
When we got back to our place we went for a morning walk on the beach to decide what we wanted to do that day. Since it was still a little chilly we decided to head to the Boardwalk to do some souvenir shopping.
Sally had been planning to bring some of her well earned money from taking care of our neighbor's dog, to buy some treasures. She was so sweet in giving Libby some of her money since Libby will often help keep her company when she's playing with Calvin. Sally also mentioned to me that she'd help Emma shop and buy her something since she didn't have any money. She can be so sweet.
However, we had planned to surprise the girls with giving them spending money of their own, they were excited to discover that!
We got a good kick out of the Bald Eagle mask
Emma's turn to fly
Libby rocking it too. Sally was too busy finding treasures
They found what they were looking for. Daddy likes to find a magnet, deck of cards and a postcard to document his trips. Emma found a jar filled with shells and sand that had her name on it
Loving the palm trees
[VIDEO]
Lunch for Mom! Yum
Then we headed back to do some swimming in the pool. We were thankful for a heated pool as it was still a bit chilly with the wind coming off the ocean. Emma was SO proud to be able to float and swim on her own with her water wings
Sally and Libby were excited to discover our place had noodles for their use
Super Dad, never taking a break to just sit, the entire week!
Some tossing fun
[VIDEO]
[VIDEO]
[VIDEO]
[VIDEO]
[VIDEO]
Once the sun fully came out, it was warm enough to head to the beach
Emma wanted to share a treat and bury each other in the sand
The girls thought it was hilarious when they saw Emma burying Mommy...they know how much I hate sand. But this sand is different, it's like flour!
Makin' memories!
We headed in to shower and get ready for dinner...another Tripadvisor Recommendation!
We make a good team!
We checked out Vinny McGuire's Pizza, it was delicious! Teaching the girls the art of Cheers before taking your first sip
His and Hers
This place was a fun atmosphere. See all the dollars hanging on the ceiling? We added one to their collection. They have 2 other locations and each has over a million dollars in hanging dollars!!
Emma was "on fire" during this meal. I think the long travel day the day before and no nap, was starting to settle in. Third one has spunk!
Oh, Emma
Impressed with all the dollars
Our dollar that we added
[VIDEO]
Fun little walkway to where our car was parked
Daddy noticed "C-Mile" in the lettering above us :)
and then we went home and went to bed and slept soooooo well.
Stay tuned for Day #3, when we surprised the girls with a Dolphin Cruise!
When Reid, Mason and I were in California last Spring, we decided it was time to bring the kiddos along for some travel. We started talking about a possible Spring Break Trip.
Reid says life is too short to go to the same place twice, there's so much world to experience. I have to say that I agree.
Someone posted on FB in September asking for recommendations for Family Friendly Spring Break destinations. I followed along and kept checking back and people's comments. More than a handful mentioned Destin, Florida. After a little research we decided that was our spot!
We booked waaaay back in November and surprised the girls with the news as part of their Christmas Present.
We decided Mason wasn't going to make the cut. It wouldn't be fair to him, and he'd be at a terrible age to travel and be around sand. Plus, this way "Fun MOM" would be able to attend. Emma is old enough to power through naps and adjust to a different schedule, Mason would not.
Thankfully Nana and Grandpa were available and willing to step in and watch Mason while we were gone.
We had been counting down to Sunday, March 25th for quite some time. It was fun to have an early morning flight and wake the girls to head to the airport.
Thankfully we allowed ourselves the full 2 hours before our flight because the airport was PACKED with Spring Breakers...security was a very long line. The girls did great. We made it to our gate with 15 minutes until boarding. Unfortunately for Mom, that wasn't enough time to stand in the super long Caribou line and take the girls to the bathroom before boarding. Oh well, sacrifices :)
[VIDEO]
Our first flight was from Minneapolis to Dallas Fort Worth
I sat with Sally and Emma and Libby sat with Reid. Everyone did great. Sally's ears were most effected by the landing, just like Daddy when he was younger and would fly. Sally developed a new nickname on the trip, Dapple. We often say how similar she and Reid are, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She's Daddy's apple, so Dapple
Sally's awesome selfie skills
We were excited to discover each seat had its own tablet with free movies!
I couldn't get over how adorable Emma was...neither could most people for the majority of our trip :)
Daddy and Libby watching Secret Life of Pets
A quick layover and we were back on a new plane headed to Destin. We were so fortunate that all of our flights were on-time!! Thank you American Airlines!
My turn to sit with the Bigs
Emma got to snuggle Daddy
We made it! We were greeted with a free upgrade on our car rental. A white 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Emma was ready for a little ride, long morning of travel for a 3 year old, but she did great
[VIDEO]
This part of the ocean is known as the Emerald Coast because of the beautiful color, it was breathtaking!
[VIDEO]
Not quite sure if it's sand or snow...a true Minnesotan
[VIDEO]
Our room wasn't quite ready, but luckily we packed all of our swim stuff in one suitcase. They directed us to the gym bathrooms where we could quickly change and enjoy the ocean!
First time putting their toes in
Our room was ready and we loved our view!
Daddy quickly ran to pick up or "order ahead" groceries while I unpacked and organized
[VIDEO]
[VIDEO]
Some swimming in the pool with a stroll on the beach that the girls quickly were delighted to go in and jump the waves, especially Sally
[VIDEO]
After quick showers and some dinner take out, we ate dinner on the beach watching the sunset and concluded with our bedtime prayers, ocean-side. It was wonderful!
Great Little Travelers!
Meanwhile on the home front, Mason was doing great. Throughout the week we got pictures such as these!
Thank you Nana and Grandpa for taking such great care of our Googely Bear. We know he had WAY more fun with you than if he were to have come with us. 2 more years and then he'll make the cut :)
Stayed Tuned for the rest of our days on our SaLibMa Adventure (SAlly, LIBby, emMA)
