First Family Vacation, Spring Break 2012

Two weeks ago we went on our first family vacation with Quinn!  We got a condo in Orange Beach, Alabama with Jeff's parents.  The condo was awesome and the weather was perfect for most of the week.  The condo was on the 16th floor and had a balcony with a gorgeous ocean view! 

 Our condo's pools

Quinn loved splashing and swimming in the condo pool.  On the beach she tried to eat the sand... and by tried I mean did eat handfuls of sand.  She even got sneaky about it.  So we put her on a big quilt on the sand with some toys and still she would try to work her way to the edges to get to the sandy beach.  The first time feeling the ocean she didn't mind it but the second day she screamed.  I really enjoyed the few times that I got to lay out and read in the sun, it was so nice and relaxing.

Quinn is serious about her sand.

 Quinn with Grandma at the pool.

I really enjoyed our daily walks along the ocean talking with Kim or just reflecting on God's immense splendor.  Looking out at the vast, dark ocean makes me feel so small and in awe.  I loved sitting out on the balcony in the mornings and throughout the day to eat, talk, or read.  In the evenings we took turns making dinner and played games or just sat and relaxed.  A few nights we ate out all-you-can-eat fish and delicious stuffed burgers.  And two days Kim and I used the sauna and steam room. 

 Rep-re-sent!

Jellyfish were all over the shore.

We drove in to Florida to watch the Blue Angels practice at the Navy base.  

It made me think of my grandpa.

 Goodbye Beach :(

So we started our two day drive back to KC.  We drove 8+ hours and stopped in Olive Branch, MS to sleep and then the next day drove 5 hours to St. Louis to have lunch and visit with the family before heading the rest of the way to KC (4 more hours).  So by the end of this trip I was a pro at breastfeeding in the car at gas stations. :)

Honestly the ride home that last day was terrible.  Quinn was so over being in the car.  Jeff and I felt so bad with her crying in her car seat but what else could we do.  It was all worth it though.  :)

 Here is us at the hotel breakfast.  My big girl sitting in a high chair!

(This was actually on the way to Orange Beach.)

 Mississippi, ippississiM

 Quinn was sick of her car seat so she decided to help Daddy drive.  :)

What a little goober!!