Back from the Beach

We took our annual Gulf Coast vacation with my parents last week.  We rented a 4 bedroom/4 bathroom house at Cape San Blas, Florida.  While there, we went horseback riding on the beach, rented a kayak and explored the ocean and Saint Joesph’s Bay, caught fish and scallops, went to eat at several local restaurants, and spent lots and lots of time relaxing on the beach.  This is our tenth year vacationing with my parents.  They always make sure the kids have a great time.  I am so grateful to them for treating us to a vacation every year, because without their generosity, my children would miss out on this tradition that was such a special part of my childhood.  Here are some photos.  

 

Matt, Will, and Luke all spent a good bit of time fishing in the surf.

  

This was the year of solitary beach walks for Bonnie.  She wasn't angry or mopey; she just wanted a little time to herself throughout the day.  She spent hours walking and collecting seashells. 

When we looked at the photos of the house online, the boys and girls each chose the rooms they wanted.  It turns out that the room the boys picked was the master suite with a private balcony.  Matt and I claimed it.  We had quite a bit of drama over the swap.  My kids don't understand how good they have it.  When I was Luke's age, we stayed at the Blue Dolphin Motel every year.  My parents got the bed, and my brother and I slept on a pallet in the floor.  And guess what?  We didn't complain.  We were happy to be there!  After a change of bedding, the boys settled into their very nice room downstairs.  Matt and I didn't mind the "dorky and girly" bedding.  I realize all that has nothing to do with this photo of him on the pier with his net.

Note the beautiful sky.  This was when we set out.  About ten minutes later, we got caught in a downpour.  It was raining so hard, the drops stung when they hit my skin.  After enduring ten minutes of that, the sky cleared up and we were on our way again.

 

After the rain

This is the reason I love this area of Florida.  The beach is ours.  To me there is nothing worse than renting chairs in a line on a crowded beach (except not being at the beach at all).  There is no one here to take your shovels or beach towels.  It is awesome. 

Every year we make family photos.  I make my parents a photo book as a gift to thank them for the trip. They are so much fun to look back at.   Khaki and white has become a bit old, but I still love seeing how the kids have changed from year to year.

Matt and I celebrated 17 years of marriage on Friday.  We went out for a nice dinner at The Owl Cafe in Apalachicola. 

A personal favorite.  Such emotion in Bonnie's face.  She says, "It's so hard being the oldest", but you know she loves it.

Souvenirs!  Bonnie got a new shirt from the Blue Parrot on Saint George Island.  My parents took them there to eat while Matt and I went out on our anniversary. 

Matt and Will kayaking in the bay.  Luke caught scallops around the pier while they were out. 

About to head home.  They just fed leftover bread to the seagulls.