Under the Boardwalk

We had such a great time at the beach with my family just a little over a week ago.  We went on our annual family trip to Santa Rosa, FL and had so much fun!  Last year, we went to the east coast due to the unknown damage of the oil spill in the gulf.  This year we were excited to get back to the gulf, where we have vacationed for the past 24 years!  So much changes in two years!

view from our balcony

This year, Aunt Sally, rode with us during the entire 6 hour car ride down to FL.  Mary Frances loved having a back seat partner (as did Paul and I!) and was thoroughly entertained the entire time.  Thanks Sal!  We also loved the new condo where we stayed.  It was in the same complex that we usually stay in when we go to Santa Rosa.  This year we just upgraded to a 4 bedroom and I think we can all agree that we'll be back there soon.  Mary Frances had her own bunk bed room and it will be fun one day when that room is full of little grandchildren running around!

Mary Frances checking out the ocean

We all loved the family time we had together, which was mostly spent relaxing in the condo, reading/playing on the beach, or swimming in the pool.  The part I liked the most was being able to relax and not worrying about getting my chores or errands done as I would in Atlanta.  Laying out on the beach was a plus, too!  Mary Frances loved walking around the condo, being the center of attention, swimming in the pool (and walking there too), getting special doughnut treats, etc.  She, however, did NOT love the beach or the ocean.  As I mentioned in a previous post, this girl is prissy and does not like to be dirty!  This proved to be a small problem when it is virtually impossible to stay clean of sand at the beach.  Nevertheless, we did try day after day and by the last day she decided it would be okay to walk on the beach without her shoes on.  Holding onto a hand was a must, though.  She also seemed to get comfortable with the ocean and was okay as long as the waves were calm and she was being held tightly, usually by Paul or myself.

One day, we decided to take a trip down to Aly's Beach to play on the playground there and allow Mary Frances to have a break from the sand and the beach.  We had also heard about a doughnut truck there which sold really yummy doughnuts.  Paul, Sally, Mom, Mary Frances and myself headed down that way, all the while looking for "Alice Beach," when we spotted the doughnut truck.  We all got our doughnuts and then started in search of the playground.  Much to my dismay (and everyone elses) the playground was covered in SAND!  So much for a change of scenery.  In addition, the park was geared to kids just a little older than Mary Frances, which meant the only things really suitable for her were the baby swings and sliding with daddy.  That's okay, though, because we had fun and the doughnuts were really yummy!

Uncle Jim came over to visit a couple of times and eat dinner with us in our condo.  Glad we got to see him while we were there!

Most nights we ate in and got seafood from Goatfeathers.  We ate out a couple of times at some of our favorites: The Red Bar and Cafe Tango.  Both are always so yummy and we ate at Cafe Tango twice!  We highly recommend it if you are in the area.  A little pricey, but a charming atmosphere and always delicious!  We actually learned that they have never spent a nickle on advertising, but have been in business for 12 years just by word of mouth recommendations.

Family picture (MF was not amused)

Clowning around with Aunt Sally

I think that about sums up our trip.  A lot of relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

And lastly, I want to wish Sally a belated Happy Birthday!  We love you and are glad we got to celebrate with you once we got home!

Happy Birthday, Sally!

Group picture in the "picture spot"

Love,
Katy