Destin, Day 5 (Wednesday, Aug 24)

By this point in our trip, we had really gotten spoiled.  We were comfy in our big ol' house with our big ol' beach outside.. the kids were all still playing really well with each other - which was a complete shock and blessing at the same time and us adults had been partaking in some "after the kids are in bed" adult board game laughter and fun!  Itwas perfection.  I took a TON of pics on Day 5 for some reason...  I guess I knew there were only 2 days left.  Sunsets at the beach with Ryan might be one of my absolute favorite things - or 2 things?

My boy learned to pose - from somewhere?

 Talk about feeling that baby fever.  Watching this every single day definitely didn't help my fever.

 The weather was perfect and Destin was perfect.  I loved every bit.

 Emily's BFF Bonnie might be one of the coolest chicks on the planet.  I totally love her.  Between her, Crystal and Emily, I was really enjoying my girl time!  These are some amazing chicks.

We may have buried ourselves in the sand.

Ethan may have too!

And after shower #1 of the day, and a good restful nap, it was time to get back out on the beach!  This time we explored it just the 4 of us and really enjoyed watching our boys play together with the sun setting in the background.  It's memories like this that I want to lock up in my treasure box.

Jackson and "Friend" Ethan

Jackson has really developed a very close relationship with his "friend" Ethan - that's what he calls him.  "mommy, i want to play with my FRIEND Ethan today."  I hear that almost daily.  So cute.  They met at Mothers Day Out and Ethan's sweet mommy Jennifer and I got to talking and we actually go to the same church too!  Jennifer has 3 children and her youngest - Eli and (my) Ethan are only about 4 mos apart.  We so enjoy playing with them and on Friday morning, we did just that!  My neighbor gave us permission to play in her pool so we let the boys go crazy!  So much fun!

Yep, I know I feed my kids healthy stuff.  :-)

Destin, Day 4 (Tuesday, August 23)

Tuesday was "Fishing Day" for the boys so after a leisurely morning, we took the kids to the pool.  Of course, my camera was never far from my reach - and neither was Emily's.  :)

 

 That evening while Crystal and I were out shopping, Emily and Bonnie took Jackson and Ben out to put their feet in the sand... in their underwear.  I think it was such a great representation of how innocent and beautiful our kids are at this age.  They don't care about being out there in their underwear, or if their hair is messed up, or if someone is taking a thousand pictures of them... they are just sweet precious boys who are able to enjoy the simple things in life - the things that are most important... playing in the sand, having fun with your best friend and soaking up this beautiful world that the good Lord has given us.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - 

they must be felt with the heart.  

Helen Keller

Destin, Day 3 (Monday, Aug 22)

Day 3 in Destin proved to be just as much fun as the previous days!

Emily took this pic of our family - I didn't think there was any way she could capture one like this cuz my boys were NOT feeling it at all, but we got one good family pic - perfect!

I was able to take some pics of the Paschall's too! I took lots but these were my 2 favorites.

I was so proud cuz Ethan took his morning nap on me that day!  I cherished every second!

 

Miss Bonnie buried the kiddos in the sand!

While the boys relaxed...

 

Well, until Jeremy threw Ryan in the ocean with his cell in his pocket - right before this pic was taken!  OOPS!  Ry had to go the rest of the trip phone-free!  OH MY!  :-)

 

Then, Ryan bured ME in the sand - and I got a sweet kiss from my favorite 3-year old.  :)  Great day!