Berry Beach!

The view from our room

First I would like you to take note of all the beautiful photos I've successfully uploaded to my blog in a matter of minutes. That's right kids - we have high speed internet again!! Goodness do I feel human. There will be another post - published shortly about the move and all the good things about our new home!

This year my dad turned the big 6-0 and to celebrate his birth we decided (all 15 of us) to go on our first family vacation! We all packed up and headed to Panama City Beach Florida to enjoy the sand, water and sun! Since Harper had no idea what the beach was, we had to talk on her level. Since her world revolves around characters like Strawberry Shortcake, we told her we were going to Berry Beach! This she understood completely because Strawberry and friends made a trip to Berry beach.

Elliette and I on the beach

 The trip down wasn't too bad, the girls were preoccupied with movies and snacks. Jon did all the driving (he's so kind). We had to stop over in Montgomery, Alabama but were able to get to Panama City Beach pretty early on Saturday. We spent our days lounging pool or oceanside and even got in a round of bowling! The trip back was done all in one day (collective sigh). We even stopped in Hamilton, Alabama to eat lunch and what was next door? A prison. Yep - I drank my Diet Dr. Pepper while watching the inmates play basketball. Very interesting.

Gorgeous sunsets

 We even had a night to take some family photos by the beach. The girls did pretty well in the ocean. It didn't even phase Harper to get saltwater in her mouth or face. She preferred the pool to the beach though because she could display her "jumping" skills and make all kinds of friends big and small. She is such a social butterfly. She would stop and talk to anyone who would give her attention. She also got some quality cousin time. Abby was so patient and kind to put up with her new shadow.  She came home with a whole new set of hand clapping games and an even stronger swimmer!

Steve & Amy 

Derek, Sam and Nathan

Dustin & Rachel

Jonathan & Abby

 Elli did pretty well in the pool. She spent much of her afternoon napping, but she enjoyed her floating seat and was content to let her sister take all of the attention (as usual). 

Beach Memories

Daddy's Girl

(this might be my favorite photo from vacation)

Mom and Dad with Elli on the boat to Shell Island

On one of the last days in Florida we took a boat ride out to a state park called Shell Island. The beach there was stunning!! We even go to watch some dolphins swim from the boat on the way back to Panama City Beach! I realize that most of my pictures in this post are of Elli. Most of our vacation photos are of Elli because Harper simply wouldn't sit still long enough to snap a photo! 

Harper on Shell Island

In all, the vacation was a blast! What a great time to spend with family. I'm really glad we did it! Only 5 days after we got back from vacation we moved out of our house at the Lake and into our new house in Jefferson City. What were we thinking?!? I guess this vacation you could call the calm before the storm. Either way - Berry Beach was a success!