Destin, 2016

We just got back from a great vacation to Destin. We love Destin so much. What's not to love about sunshine and a white sandy beach!? The weather was PERFECT all week, and it was just a great vacation overall. 

We left two days after school let out. We were definitely feeling a little burnt out, and in need of a vacation. I was unsure of how this trip was going to go. Paige is not used to being in a car for nine hours or sleeping in a strange place. I was expecting the absolute worst but hoping for the best. 

Paige ended up staying on her normal schedule the whole week. She slept good, ate good, and was all around happy. We got a three bedroom condo so she could have her own room since she goes to bed so early.  I rented a crib, glider, and high chair from Coastal Crib Rental, and I think that is one of the reasons she did so well. I brought along all of her bed stuff and her crib aquarium so it was just like being at home for her. We will definitely be renting a crib on our next vacation as well, because I think that is the main reason she slept so good. 

We left bright and early at 5am in hopes of getting there well before Paige's bedtime. My parents were smart and left the day before and split up the drive. Ella and Paige both did great the whole day. We only stopped a few times and made it to Destin by 4pm. I was shocked how well the drive down went. 

The first thing Ella always want to do is hit the beach so that's what we did! 

Paige was not a fan of the ocean. I think the water was a little too cold for her liking, but she didn't mind sitting in the sand for a few pictures. 

After the beach Ella wanted to jump in the pool. The water was the perfect temperature the entire week. It's so nice going to the pool now that Ella can swim and actually enjoys being in the water. Ella and I went to the pool while Paige was napping, and then we would go back up to get Paige once she woke up. Paige enjoyed floating around and being held in the pool. She did so much better than I expected. We probably spent more time at the pool this trip than any other trip we have been on since having Ella. 

Ella had us back at the beach the following morning. I love the beach in the morning.  Before kids I would sit at the beach and people watch, layout, or read. That just doesn't happen these days, but I know that day will come again many years from now! :) 

We stayed in the Westwinds building at The Sandestin Gold and Beach Resort. It was SO pretty and so nice. I loved all the amenities. It was nice having a tiki bar by the pool where we could get drinks (alcoholic and non) and food. There was also a little shack by the beach that had shaved ice and drinks. 

We had a Gulf front condo. ! If you can't be down at the beach it's nice to at least be able to see it!

We typically go to the Gulfarium the day after we get there, and Ella of course was raring to go there on Sunday. Ella LOVES the dolphins. 

Paige loved watching them too!

We watched the dolphin show and headed out of there, because it was hot. It's also exhausting taking two kids anywhere so I was ready to go too!

The grounds at The Sandestin Resort were so clean and beautiful!

One night the four of us went to Baytown Wharf (which was across the street) so we could eat. Ella had fun doing this bungee trampoline, and Paige enjoyed watching her while yelling "Ella". 

We went back to the Gulfarium one morning so Ella could do Dolphin Discoveries. She loves dolphins and got to feed and touch them. She thought it was the best thing ever. 

On our second to last night we all went to eat at the Back Porch together. It was nice to have one meal altogether. I think everyone eats at the Back Porch when they go to Destin. The views are great, and the food is even better.

On our last day I tried to get a few pictures of Paige at the beach

She was obviously not too fond of sitting in the sand:) 

For our last dinner I wanted to go back to Cantina Laredo. OMG I wish we had one here. It was the best Mexican food I have ever had. I will be thinking about it until we go back again. 

Our trip would not be complete without a few beach pictures. I usually coordinate our outfits, but I just didn't have it in me this time. 

We really appreciate my parents joining us on this trip and helping us out. It's so much easier having helping hands along.

 One last walk along the beach...

It was a great vacation filled with many happy memories we will cherish forever!