Beach Vacation, Part 1

Originally, when we decided to take our last minute beach trip in May we didn't plan on keeping our already scheduled August reservations at our favorite beach. But for a few reasons- we had so much fun at the beach in May, we had a credit for our place in Florida that we had to cancel that we were leery to hold onto too long, we missed our favorite Okaloosa Island and local restaurants, Matt's parents wanted to go to the beach with us, we decided to go ahead with our August trip and bookend our summer with beach vacations. It turned out to be an awesome idea! Maybe we should make it a tradition, ha!

We drove into Florida on Saturday and checked into our condo late that afternoon. We actually stayed at the same unit that we stayed in during our last beach trip to Florida in 2018. We loved the size, the balcony, the location, and the beach view. It was still just as perfect this trip! 

We unpacked, ate a quick dinner, changed and headed the beach for a little while before it got too dark. Then we came back and put these excited kiddos to bed for the night. 

Sunday was a big day for this girl!

Her SIXTH birthday! She had been so excited to be at the beach on her birthday. Daddy ran into Destin for some special birthday donuts from our all time favorite donut shop. 

After breakfast, Elisabeth was begging to open presents. We brought her gifts from her siblings and a small gift from us. She had to wait to get back to Oklahoma for her big present from mom and dad. 

She got some new sand toys from Nathan and couldn't wait to try them out!

After breakfast and presents, we headed straight to the beach. We were all excited to not have that 1/4 mile walk to the beach this time. It was right out our back door. And while we enjoyed the Gulf Shores Beach, we didn't realize how much prettier the sand/water is in Florida. Goodness, we were so happy to be back in everyone's happy place :).

Elisabeth got busy baking up some sand treats right away. 

And Katherine was ready to jump in the waves. 

Grandma and Grandpa joined us at the beach that morning and everyone built a sand castle together. 

The water was very calm and clear and beautiful. The boys spent most of their time in the water, while the girls preferred to play in the sand. Matt and I alternated between floating in the water, playing with the kids on the sand, and relaxing under the umbrella. It was a perfect, beach morning. 

We came back to the condo for lunch. The birthday girl requested spaghetti and meatballs for lunch, so of course, that's what we had. 

I surprised her with a unicorn, ice cream cake for dessert. 

We rested and played games for the afternoon and then changed clothes and headed to an early dinner at the Birthday Girl's choice- Floyd's Shrimp House. Elisabeth was three the last time we were there but still clearly remembers that the kids get wiki sticks and their dinner on a frisbee, and that sealed the deal for her choice. And it's probably Matt and my favorite restaurant in the area, so we weren't too hard to convince. 

I love my creative boy! He always amazes me with the things he creates. 

Katherine had fun with the wiki sticks too. 

After dinner we headed into Fort Walton Beach for a round of Goofy Golf. Matt and I have been playing Goofy Golf since 2010 when he was working in the area. It's a fun tradition.

After gold, we headed back to the beach to play frisbee for a bit before bedtime. 

Monday morning we were back at the beach right after breakfast. 

Elisabeth was back at work at her sand bakery. 

While the kids played, I enjoyed some relaxing time. I can't think of a place in the world that's more relaxing than this view. 

We spent a lot of time on Monday in the water. The water was the perfect temperature and the waves were so calm- which was slightly disappointing to a couple of boys who wanted to boogie board, but I think they managed to still have fun in the water. 

Back on shore and ready for a snack. 

Elisabeth called this her "cooking castle"

The kids spent some time on Monday afternoon in Grandma and Grandpa's condo before dinner. 

We headed to Bubba Gumps for dinner. This restaurant is famous among the Baugher kids because even though they don't get wiki sticks, they do get jello with their dinner :)

After dinner, we headed over to the Track in Destin for some fun. 

We happened to be vacationing in the same place at the same time as the Newcombs, so we met up with them for the evening. 

Katherine had a blast riding go karts with her daddy. She's adorable. 

Everyone loved the bumper boats. 

Well, maybe everyone but Daddy who got soaked by all the kids spraying him :)

These girls are sweet friends. 

I remember coming to the Track during our vacations and never venturing over the big go kart area. The kids would happily play on the kiddie rides, and now we've just about outgrown those rides. These kids are growing up too fast! But I'm so very thankful for all the sweet vacation memories we have of them as babies and toddlers and now as big kids waiting in line for the huge go kart track. 

The boys had to wait a long time in line, but these girls played so happily and patiently while they waited. 

 

It was a great ending to another perfect vacation day!