Our Annual Summer Vacation

Excited doesn't even come close to how we felt about heading to Seaside, FL for our annual summer family vacation.  Jim's parents were meeting us there this year and we also decided to spend James's 2nd birthday there too! The day finally came and we were on the road…bright and early.  Once we arrived, we immediately relaxed.  One of my favorite things about Seaside is that we ride bikes everywhere we go.  It's so much fun! The water and sand are absolutely beautiful and it's easy to forget that you're not on some exotic island.  The week we picked this year was much better than last.  It was still crowded, but not as bad as going the week of the 4th of July.  We also learned a lot on this trip - never hit the grocery store on a Saturday when you arrive.  That was brutal! We didn't have much of a choice though, especially because I had to place an order for James's birthday cake.  But, we know better in the future.

The week went by slowly and it was just what we needed.  We went to the beach every single day (reserving our beach chairs for the week was absolutely worth it!), Jim's parents relaxed and had their nightly wine on the porch, Jim's mom and I frequented into town for lunch and shopping, Jim and his dad played golf at an amazing course, and James was the king of the castle during every minute of the day.  :)

Although we love Seaside and we loved the beach house we rented (we already resolved to stay in the same house each time we go), we are thinking of staying in Rosemary Beach next time.  If I had it my way, we'd stay in Alys Beach, but not for that price, yikes! It is so pretty in Alys though! Overall, we had a great summer and all of these getaways made for a memorable season.  

Anyway, here's a recap of our trip.  Enjoy the pics!

On the road again! 

James did great! He slept, watched Cars, and we took a few breaks.

Finally in Seaside! First stop, the Shrimp Shack.

Ready for James's 2nd birthday!

Here comes the birthday boy!

Happy 2nd birthday, James! We love you SO much!

Nothing like a donut for breakfast on your birthday.

Off to the beach…let's go already!

Birthday cake time!

The cutest post office ever.

We took a ride to Rosemary Beach and I fell in love with Alys Beach along the way.  Alys Beach is so pretty! The architecture is all white, making it look very posh.  Love it there!

Jim and I were able to escape on an afternoon date while his parents watched James.  We ate at a delicious chocolate tapas restaurant in Rosemary and it was delicious!

Grabbing a late lunch of grilled cheese!

On one of the nights, we had dinner at Bud and Alleys.  When the menu says whole fish of the day, they mean it.  

Fun at the beach

We took this same picture the year before…my how James has grown! 

Daddy couldn't take the local food scene any longer, so we drove to Destin for some familiar food.  Ha!

Amazing restaurant in Alys Beach…absolutely worth it…couples only!

We tried paddle boarding for the first time and loved it! 

It was pretty easy!

Nothing like an outdoor shower to rinse the same away.  Love that tushie!

Our last afternoon in Seaside, hanging out on the green, and representing the Lone Star State.

Until next time, Seaside!