Beach '09

At the end of June we packed it all up (and I mean it all) and headed to Destin! There was no way we could make the 11 hour trip in one day, so we broke it up by stopping overnight in Bham both going down and coming back. It was so nice to get out of the house, out of KY, and to sunny shores!
Now, I tried to prepare myself for going on vacation with a baby (is there such a thing?!) Silly me thought that Steven and I would sort of get to do our normal vacation stuff (like sleep in, lounge around the pool, lay out on the beach, go out to eat, etc.) and just bring our baby along with us. Sounded simple enough. Wrong! I quickly learned that unlike vacations past, Steven and I wouldn't be able to do whatever we wanted...a certain little someone would dictate that for us! I know everything changes when you have a baby, but can't going on vacation be the exception?! :)
Ok, so the beach is the beach- you don't need me to go on and on. Basically, we were in Destin for 5 days- it rained for 2.5 of them. Due to rain, fair baby skin, nursing, and naps we didn't leave the condo very much. Let me state the obvious: I did not get a tan. It was Madelyn's first time to FL, first time in the pool, and first time on the beach. She turned 8 months old and she started crawling! :)

Every morning started like this...."Daddy, wake up!"

We took this pool on the beach to contain our crawler. She was just testing it out!

First time in the pool...loved it!

We had this domed tent for our big beach outing...sweet set up I must say!

For a minute I thought she would take a nap and I could just soak up some rays...wrong!

Steven took Madelyn to the water to put her feet in...

It didn't go so well. A wee little ripple splashed her in the face. Yucky salt water!

The beach was a no go, so we spent the rest of our time at the pool. She was a happy camper!

That little blue dot is our tent! HA!

Someone sitting in my chair...

Didn't like the chair! :(

(I think this pic is hilarious!! I was putting the camera down so I could catch her falling and I must have pushed the button.)

Beautiful beach!!!!

Hanging out with Daddy...

Showing all my teeth! (it was around this time #6 came through.)

My sweet, good looking husband :) (and the kid is cute too!)

BTW- a couple of people at the pool asked if my baby was a girl. seriously?! pink, hearts, hello!

Funny! Her hair was looking a little like those trees!

Another storm was blowing in :(

The Happy Hydes!

Mirror, Mirror

I mentioned that Madelyn started crawling during our trip. One day we put her down in the floor and she made her way to the mirrored closet doors. Oh my! What a show! She and her "friend" had a blast talking and playing. Take a look...

Rain or shine, Destin was beautiful and a wonderful getaway. I truly enjoyed being down at the beach with my sweet family. We had fun just being together! I look forward to the next time we can take a special family trip, wherever it may be! :)

Beach Bound

The last week of May Steven and I headed down to Destin, FL for our annual get away. How fortunate we were that Steven was able to take days off work for a vacation and that we had a great place to go stay. On Saturday we made the long 11 hour drive from Louisville to Destin, making a couple of pit stops along the way of course!

We stayed the entire week and what a wonderful week it was! The weather was sunny and warm for the most part; a bit breezy at the beginning of the week though. We slept in every morning and then headed out to the beach or pool to just relax for the rest of the day. We'd read books, take naps, and people watch (which is so entertaining on the beach!) Steven really enjoyed when dinner time rolled around because he got to man the grill. He made some of the best steaks and brats and burgers ever! Then the last few days of the week my mom, sister, and cousin joined us. It was fun to see them since we hadn't visited in a while.


Steven and I had prayed that the Lord would bless our week and He truly did. There is something about getting out of our surroundings and into the beauty of His creation that draws us to Him. Everyday we'd look out at the sandy, white beaches and glistening, emerald water with its forever long horizon and just be amazed that the God who created all of that breath taking beauty created us and loves us...it's just quite humbling! Steven and I enjoyed our time together, away from work, computers, phones, etc. It was a time to regroup, refocus, and regain perspective; we all know what it's like to get bogged down with the daily routines and demands of everyday life.

Our week came to a close and we made the long trek back to Louisville on a Sunday. We were able to grab some lunch with Steven's parents in Birmingham, so that was a nice bonus!

We were so thankful for our week long vacation and look forward to doing it again next year. But next year our family of two will be a family of three!

Travels

Each spring and fall Steven attends a managed care convention. Fortunately, I was able to tag along for the past few trips! Of course we took tons of pictures, but these are my favorites from each trip...

In October 2006 we visited Chicago. Hello Michigan Avenue! (a.k.a. "The Miracle Mile.") Steven's sister, Shelley, lives there so it was nice to meet up with her for a visit.

Then the spring of 2007 we headed to San Diego. I had never been that far southwest! According to Ron Burgundy, San Diego means "a whale's..."-nevermind!

Last fall we were able to go to Boston. Talk about being in "the north!" I had a true cup of yummy "chowda!" The coolest part- the World Series was taking place just blocks from our hotel! Sadly, tickets were ridiculously expensive so we did not attend the game.

And just last month, back to California we went. San Francisco this time. There was lots to do and see! Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Warf, streetcars, Hyde Street!