The BIG Pond: Part 1

We all know that I am a huge homebody.  I get stuck in my daily routine and enjoy being robotic sometimes!!!  But when it comes to a Destin trip I can quickly get in vacation mode and leave my normal life behind.

My parents have been taking us on a week-long Destin trip since 2007.  Every year we seem to add another grandchild to the mix which adds to the chaos and excitement.  We decided to go to the bar convention (a lawyer thing if you are confused) several days before the Anthony family vacation.  This is part 1 of a two part blog…

I do NOT specialize in packing lightly.  Anyone who has ever traveled with me can vouch for this.  I can’t rely on anyone to pack must have travel items so I bring them all myself.  I pack enough clothes for 8 women, extension cords in case I need extra plugs, towels, toilet paper, detergent, food, toys, pillows, you name it… it’s in my bag!!!  Trey gets especially disgusted with me when he tries to load all of my junk into the car.  There was no way that all of my stuff was fitting in our car so we borrowed Pop’s Yukon.  Thanks Pops!!!

Some travel pictures….

 We left on our anniversary, July 9, heading to Jackson.  We decided to shorten our trip by 2 hours, so we stayed at Puddin’s house down there.  John Brantley got to ride in style in his new cow car seat!

Photographer Ford  

On Wednesday we headed south!!!  It’s become a tradition to stop in Mobile and eat at Felix’s.  

 We got to Destin late on Wednesday afternoon.  Part 1 of our Destin vacation was with Puddin, Pops, and Uncle Vance.  We stayed in Baytowne in a cute courtyard area.   

 Thursday it poured down rain and I will be honest I was terribly worried that the entire week and a half long vacation would be stormy and we’d be stuck in doors.  We entertained ourselves by washing clothes and watching them spin in the fancy front loader.  It’s the little things in life you know!!!!

 The weather got better and we were able to swim and beach it up a bit.

We love Baytowne.  It’s fun staying there because there is so much to do.

 They really cater to kids.  It’s like a money pit to the parents and a carnival of fun to the kids.  We spent too much money on entertainment for Ford.  He balanced on this obstacle course….

 He zip lined….  Yes, my 4 year old did that without an ounce of hesitation!

 And he rode the carousal about 4 times.  I think he would have stayed up until midnight riding and playing.

 The child REALLY enjoys life!!!!

 Matching pajamas!!!!

After supper one night we walked down the pier to feed the fish and take some pictures…

This was one of the ONLY times the entire trip he wore shoes and it only lasted about 5 minutes.  

 The bar convention has a lot of conferences, meetings, luncheons, classes etc. for the attorneys who choose to attend them.  But they also have a lot for the other family members to participate in.  We decided to go to the Build a Bear Party on Friday from 3:00-5:00.  We got there about 3:40 and were every bit of 75 people deep in line.  I was worried that they wouldn't have any more stuffed animals for the boys to choose from, but they had a large supply.  Ford chose camo and Bitty got a traditional brown color.

 Fancy was MUCH too cool to take a picture in the giant chair.

Saturday Puddin, Pops, and Uncle Vance left.  We stayed around and did our thing.  Sunday we checked out of condo #1 and prepared for the second part of our vacation with my family….  

Part 2 to coming soon….