Day 5 | Windy Beachin’ and Poolin’ & Puzzles, Oh my

The morning was filled with the powerful presence of storms, as dark clouds loomed overhead and thunder rumbled in the distance. Seeking solace indoors, we decided to spend the morning engaged in the soothing activity of solving puzzles. Noah eagerly took on the challenge of assembling a 299-piece puzzle, aptly named "Calm." Piece by piece, he diligently worked to bring the serene image to life. However, as fate would have it, our tranquility was disrupted by the anticlimactic revelation - there was a missing piece. Despite Noah's valiant efforts, the puzzle remained incomplete, casting a shadow of frustration over him. As the storm continued its relentless tirade outside, Noah's quest for calm was left unfulfilled, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of both weather and life itself.

Jamison carefully selected a puzzle from the cabinet, studying every box until he found the perfect one. The vibrant image and intricate design instantly captivated his imagination. As he opened the box, his excitement grew when he realized that not a single piece was missing! There WAS, however, a piece of mermaid from an unidentified puzzle in the box. Determined and focused, he dedicated himself to arranging and rearranging the colorful fragments until they finally formed a complete picture. With a triumphant grin on his face, Jamison carefully placed the final piece, feeling a surge of pride and accomplishment. And as he basked in the satisfaction of completing the puzzle, he couldn't help but hold tightly to his delectable reward - a HUGE mouthwatering piece of rock candy.

Then we headed out to the beach again. It was EXTRA windy!

The water was pretty scary post-storm, so we opted to stay on land for the most part. However, curiosity got the better of Noah and Andy, and they decided to embark on an adventurous endeavor - digging a hole all the way to China. Little did they know that their journey would take an unexpected turn when they reached Albuquerque, NM. It seemed they took a wrong turn, leading them astray from their original destination. Despite their detour, they pressed on with determination. But alas, their excitement faded as they reached knee-deep in the ground, realizing their quest to reach China would remain a distant dream.

After filling in the hole to their kneecaps, we decided to call it a day and head back to the beach house. The sand clinging to our skin and the saltiness of the sea in our hair reminded us of the fun we had just experienced. But before we could fully relax, we all knew one thing had to happen - a satisfying meal. With our hunger growing, we unanimously agreed that BJ's Pizza was gonna be for dinner. True, it was our only choice for pizza in town, but it didn't matter because it was simply delicious. The aroma of freshly baked dough and the sight of melted cheese was mesmerizing, making us forget all about choices. Who needs options when you have a go-to place like BJ's, where every slice is a bite of perfection? As we devoured each mouthwatering slice, we savored not only the taste of the pizza but also the memories created on this unforgettable day.

Day 6 | More beach and Mango Mikes

Braving the Elements 💨☂️
When the wind played its mischievous symphony, this guy took on the challenge head-on. Determined, our hero battled Nature's gusts, dancing with a giant umbrella in tow. With each step, his determination defied the chaos, painting an inspiring picture of resilience. In the midst of the storm, he stood tall, a portrait of strength and unwavering spirit. What you don’t see in this video is the gust that lifted this umbrella and absolutely had it’s way with it all the way down the beach. It was hilarious.

After spending a fun-filled day playing on the sandy shores, soaking up the sun and splashing in the waves, Kyle and I were ready to unwind and enjoy some quality time together. With the evening still young, we embarked on a quest to find the perfect dinner destination. Unfortunately, we discovered that our usual favorite, Harry A's, was closed. However, we made the most of it by exploring nearby shops, indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Eventually, we ended up at Mango Mikes for dinner, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. Mango Mikes, is a lively bar restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious cocktails. As soon as I took my first sip of their Pina Colada, I knew I had found a little piece of paradise. The tropical flavors danced on my tongue, and it quickly became the best Pina Colada I had ever tasted. I couldn't resist ordering two more, reveling in the sweet blend of coconut and pineapple. The ambiance was cozy, and the menu offered a tantalizing array of choices. I opted for the deep-fried cheesecake for dessert, and it was pure heaven. The crispy coating gave way to a rich, creamy center that simply melted in my mouth. As we savored our meal and relished in the blissful absence of our little ones, it felt incredible to have a real date with JUST my husband. It was a night to cherish, brimming with laughter, scrumptious treats, and the carefree joy that only a child-free evening can bring.

Day 7 | Beautiful Beach Day, Aunt Ebby’s Ice Cream & Portraits

After a week of unpredictable weather, the heavens finally graced us with a stunning day. The sun shone brightly, urging us to lather on sunscreen and head to the beach. With the warm sand between our toes, we eagerly sought out sea snails and sand dollars in the sparkling turquoise water. Our laughter once again filled the air as we frolicked in the waves, creating memories that would last a lifetime. As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Aunt Ebby's Ice Cream, a beloved local spot. With waffle cones in hand, we indulged in the most amazing scoops of creamy deliciousness. We decided to recreate a photo from years before. Though our clothes didn't match, the love and joy captured in that moment remained unchanged. It's a testament to how much we've grown and yet, a reminder of the everlasting bond we share.

Day 8 | Homeward Bound

After a week of sun-soaked bliss at the beach, the time had finally come to bid farewell to the sandy shores and head back home. It was then that I realized my phone had completely died, leaving me without the comfort of connection to the outside world. Little did I know, it was precisely in this moment of technological disconnection that something out of the ordinary would occur. To my astonishment, a 4ft long black snake slithered across my unsuspecting toes, making its way toward a nearby beach house fence. Without hesitation, I alerted the occupants of the presence of this unexpected visitor, who were enjoying their time outside, blissfully unaware of the intruder. With a mix of apprehension and curiosity, I decided to leave the commotion behind and continued my journey back to the water's edge, carrying my bucket full of critters. As I carefully released the snails and sand dollars we had collected, a bittersweet feeling washed over me.

After an eventful and blissful vacation at the beach, it was time to bid farewell to the sandy shores and embark on our journey back to Home Sweet Home. With a sense of both excitement and nostalgia, we swiftly packed everything, making sure to double and triple-check that we hadn't left anything behind. As we locked the door, a wave of anticipation washed over me (haha “wave”…. get it?), and though the beach had been absolutely incredible, I couldn't help but long for the comfort of my own bed and the familiar sight of my rowdy kitty, Tiddy. Little did I know, Tiddy had been pouting in his hidey-hole the entire time we were away. My best friend, Hannah, had kindly fed him and cleaned his litter box, but like the hermit he is, Tiddy stayed hidden every time she stopped by. However, as soon as we stepped foot back into our home, Tiddy's discontent turned into sheer delight. Tail swishing with delight, he welcomed us with purrs and head nudges, and loving bite-licks making it abundantly clear that he was overjoyed that we had returned.

Apalachicola National Forest on the drive home.