Beachin' It

I'm aware that I've turned into one of "those bloggers." You know, the ones that blog like once a month or every two months. I apologize. But we were on a FANTASTIC beach get away in an ocean front condo for a week, and I just got to be spoiled rotten with the beach lifestyle of doing NOTHING. We have been back home officially a week as of tomorrow, but I'm just now getting back to the blog. If you're on facebook, these will be redundant, but I needed to have these on here too. No oil there. The water was breathtakingly beautiful. Seeing that kind of view out of your back door every morning really makes you appreciate God's artistic side. What a mind He has! He does it up big and flashy.

Chrissie's mom owns 3 condos in Florida, and she graciously allowed me and my kids to come down with the Larkin clan. Yep, that's 5 kids and 3 adults in one beach front condo. What a tribe! But we had an absolute blast. The kids just loved it. Sage hasn't been to the beach in 3 years, but she has talked about it ever since. I was very worried about being the only parent to my kids while there: out of routine, out of my own BEDROOM, but it really all worked out wonderfully. Travis was not able to join us this time, but Sean was a lifesaver for Chrissie and me. He'd take on all 5 kids and let us go out a few times. It was heaven! Jaggar loved the waves splashing up on his feet, and Sage had a blast playing with her bffs, Harrison and Isacah. Thanks, guys, for an awesome trip!

Sand!

Yay, Florida...minus the NASTY bugs all over my car.

This is an actual house that is beach front property. Isn't that insane? I'd love to see the inside.

silly kids

Playing in Seaside

Always a fave.

You can't really tell from this picture, but these canvases had the paint on them raised several inches. They were gorgeous. and fascinating at the same time.

Pier Park, which serves as a kid dream/parental nightmare. They had fun though. Sean took care of them here while Chrissie and I shopped around the shops everywhere. It was kind of an odd place with little touristy stores like boutiques and fudge shops. Then just around the corner was a Target, Borders Bookstore, Victoria's Secret, etc. It was just an interesting mix to me.

He is always smiling.

The kids loved this fountain.

Fishing with Grandmary, Chrissie's mom. Check out that crystal blue water.

little divas

sand fleas AKA bait

Friends.

I did it: I got IN the ocean. I normally have a rule: Don't swim in water with any living thing aside from humans. But the water was so perfect that I had to give in.

Sean caught a fish!

This is one of SEVERAL actually...before...

and after! It was a fantastic meal too.

Our girls' night

Part of Rosemary Beach, which was my favorite. The stores are so neat and fun, and everyone is riding by on bikes.

Mr Early Bird on our bed.

Chrissie and I went on a 12 hour outlet shopping spree. Jaggar finally crashed. I wished I could've joined him. WHAT a long day! I got mostly clothes for the kids and ONE splurge for myself: a swarovski necklace and it is SO me.

The evening