A Great End to Destin

Our last day in Destin was spent like this...

Going to the beach...

Riding go karts and bumper boats...

Eating lunch at Dewey Destin's on the pier..

(Eli grabbed the camera and took pictures of everyone)

I loved this one of Grant!

Visiting the shark (a fake one, don't worry) at Bass Pro Shop...

We finished the day with dinner at McGuire's Irish Pub (picture below) and yogurt at 32 degrees (no pictures from there, sorry)... 

What a perfect ending to a perfect vacation!

Thanks to Brian and Sue for inviting us to tag along!  We had the BEST time!

Now back to the real world!

A Rainy Day in Destin

Well it didn't really rain ALL day, only for a few hours one morning.  That was fine with us, it was kind of nice having a little break and not feeling rushed to get out the door to the beach/pool.  Poor Grant came down with a fever and runny nose the night before.

The kids colored, played with puzzles and watched cartoons while it rained.

Once the rain was long gone we got dressed and headed to the beach! 

Eli and Chad were posing as the "bad guys" with their guns. 

After lunch and naps we headed to the promenade.  Last year we found an awesome kids area in the middle of the promenade.  They have a playground, fountains, choo choo train and a few other things for kids to do.  Eli LOVES going here!  And it's always nice to have a little break from the beach and pool!

I don't remember this ride last year.  Eli spotted the "helicopter" and wanted to ride it so badly.  I'm not sure it was a helicopter, more like a rocket/spaceship thingy.  He and Grant got to ride it alone!

I love this look Eli makes.  He's trying so hard not to smile.

Then he just can't contain himself any longer and his huge smile emerges!

Eli loved it!

Next the boys went to ride the train.  Our promenade used to have one of these but we never got the chance to ride it before they discontinued it.  Eli thought this was great too!

After the promenade we went back to the house and cooked dinner while the kids played.  I love beach pictures and asked if we could all take some while there.  It didn't go as badly as I had thought it would!  Eli actually cooperated somewhat.  It may or may not have been because we promised ice cream if he smiled for the pictures ;)

What a wonderful way to end this great day in Destin!

I love this place!

Destin, Part 2

Here are more Destin pictures.  I know you're excited!

Eli and Grant having fun at dinner.  We ate at Dewey Destin's our second night.

The nets have been a big hit.  We are planning to go crab hunting one night but haven't found the time yet. 

The fam at Dewey Destin's.

Finally a family picture, courtesy of Sue.

Where did the boys go? 

There they are!

Chad and Brian went on an inshore fishing adventure.  Brian caught this awesome redfish but had to throw it back because it was too BIG! 

This is what Chad caught. 

We met the boys at the dock so all the kids could see the fish they caught.

More swimming...

 We brought along a kite for the kiddos. 

Eli and Grant running and playing at the beach.  Eli hasn't wanted to leave the pool for the beach.  We have to take him out of the pool kicking and screaming.  Once we get out of the gate he's fine and has a great time at the beach.  I tell him he can swim at home but there's no beach at home! 

Brothers and cousins 

Rest and snuggle time with Chad 

Thank goodness for cartoons! 

Ummm, can someone please buy this house for me?

I thought the water guns would be fun but I'm tired of being shot with them!

"Noooooo, I don't want a picture, Mommy!" 

But isn't he cute?

Dinner last night at Lousianna Lagniappe

And ice cream afterwards at Cold Stone. 

More later...