Florida

This is going to be a long one...

We took our first family vacation to Destin, Florida.  There was much more coordination and organization required before the departure of this trip.  We had to think through all the various things we would need for Annabelle while being away for a whole week.  We knew it was going to be an adventure traveling, but were in for whatever came our way.  Our typical Destin trip consisted of laying on the beach all day long, but knew that was going to be different this year with Annabelle.

The trip was so amazing from start to finish.  It was so refreshing and exciting to see my dad!  The condo we stayed in was beautiful and had a wonderful beach front view.  We loved having a whole week with Annabelle...it reminded me of the good ole days on maternity leave.

The airplane ride was much better than expected.  She did SOOOO great.  Fortunately the times aligned with her feeding schedule, so I was able to nurse her during take off.  She slept the entire way on our first leg and majority of the second leg!  One of my friends had recommended that we take Lysol wipes and wipe down the seats and everything around us before sitting down, so that made it feel a slight less germ-filled.

Our first day on the beach was an experience.  We had purchased a tent before we left that had SPF 50 in it, so it shielded her from the rays.  Seeing that she couldn't wear sunscreen we had to come up with a solution.  It ended up working out great and was big enough for Annabelle and Avery to nap inside.  My parents ended up getting her a bouncy seat that we too would lug down to the beach that would allow her to sit up and play and keep her somewhat out of the sand. One day we found ourselves with the highchair, tent and bouncy seat all down at the beach.  It was quite the production! 

Fortunately she stayed on schedule and would go down around 8:00 and wake up anywhere between 5:30-6:00 every morning :)  We definitely maximized our hours awake on vacation, but loved being with the family and having a week together!  The best part was waking up early and sitting on the balcony watching the waves and hanging out with Annabelle!  It was such a peaceful time of day and nice not being rushed trying to get ready for the day.  I think we'll need to go back next year!

Sleepy girl on the beach. 

I think this is my favorite picture from the trip because Annabelle was so happy and excited.

Every year we go into Seaside and go to breakfast at this amazing restaurant.  The town is super cute, filled with a ton character, different colored houses (Truman Show was filmed there), and cute little stores. 

Andy sporting AB in the Baby Bjorn.

Lounging in her Wildcat suit!

Family photo to conclude the trip!