Destin Family Vacation

This year is the first year we haven't taken a big family vacation (20+ family members), so it was finally our time to plan our little family vacation. We chose to go back to Destin since we loved it so much last time, and it was just as wonderful and maybe even better this time around! Since we were traveling with two kids this time, we decided to book a hotel in Mobile, AL to break up the travel time the first day. Traveling can be such a stressful part of vacations and we tried to make the best of that first day by not rushing anything and making sure to plan a few fun stops. We found a park in Mississippi and let the kids run around and play. Food is also a stressful thing for me when traveling because I don't want to start vacations off with tons of fast food and feeling awful. We packed a cooler full of healthier options so the 45 minutes we spent at the park wasn't a big deal since we never stopped for food. We stayed at a charming hotel in historic downtown Mobile, and enjoyed the cool Spring air wrapped in blankets on the balcony, talking and reading while the kids slept. We had breakfast in our pjs then headed out for the two hour drive to Destin.

We arrived a bit earlier than check-in so we went to Target for groceries, beach towels, and floaties. We finally checked in to our condo around 3 pm and after soaking in the excitement of it all we headed straight for the beach! 5:00 pm and off-season is a complete dream at the beach. We felt like we had our own private place. We knew Zoey would love the beach. She's fearless, smart, and typically developing in all aspects. Barrett, on the other hand, has hardly ever been fearless and is a "sensory kid". He's the smartest kid I've ever been around, but has never fully enjoyed the beach like other kids. The ocean was always too loud, he wouldn't touch his bare feet to the sand, and had more anxiety than he knew what to do with if he was too close to either of these things. There have been moments where I've thought he would never be able to just have fun and enjoy things that other kids can't wait to do. This trip to Destin with our little family was one I'll never forget because Barrett, for the first time, ran with bare feet through the sand straight into the ocean and loved it. He dug through the wet sand to find seashells and spent more time in the water than any of us. I cried happy tears. What a wonderful week we had just spending quality time together and not worrying about the everyday schedules. Vacations are an absolute must for mental health and well being. Wether it's traveling across the world or a simple staycation, we all NEED breaks.

"Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show."

Maui Day FIVE

DAY FIVE 06/22

This was the day I was not looking forward to because Steven was going golfing for most of the day. I know it's cheesy, but I really do hate being away from him. While Steven and Trent went golfing, we took the kids to the Shops at Wailea a few minutes from our hotel. We had fun shopping around then decided to eat lunch at a burger place. Barrett had already thrown a few little fits and wasn't in the nicest mood. I was a little on edge because I can just tell when he's off and with the addition of steroid medication I was nervous. We were in the middle of eating when he needed to go to the bathroom, but wanted me to take him back to the hotel. He started screaming...loudly, in the middle of the restaurant. To say I was embarrassed is an understatement. I carried him into the hall by the bathroom and he only screamed louder. He has a fear of toilets flushing that he's unfamiliar with so he just decided that these toilets must be extra scary and loud. After a lot of talking and trying everything I could, I ended up in tears and we left. I hate that this happened because it overshadowed the fun moments of the day, but at least I have pictures to remember the good. Who knew such a small little boy could ignite such a spark in our lives. Everything about him can be described as passionate; as much as it hurts when he is hurting or inconsolable, the love is insurmountable.

Ukelele shopping with Pops. We can't wait for him to learn how to play his first song!

Waiting for our delicious burgers that I ended up taking to go :(

The happiest baby in the world.

One of my favorite pictures from the whole trip.

Carolyn had this fun fruit art in her suite when we got back. Yummy snack before our facials!

Zoey was happy as always the whole day, and Jaime and I booked last minute facials once the guys got back from golfing. I NEEDED IT! The facial was the best I've ever had and it was fate that I met the woman who gave me the facial. Somehow we got on the subject of our kids and she described one of her boys that was so similar to Barrett it seemed unreal. After the day I had, it was such a relief to finally relate to another mom so closely. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing everything wrong, but our conversation gave me a peace I'm still holding onto.