Beach Birthday Celebration

John has been busy at work lately, so we decided it sounded like a good idea to plan a little beach getaway for Little Bud's birthday.  John was able to take off Thursday and Friday, and we decided to drive down Wednesday after John came home from work, so that we would have 3 and 1/2 days to spend in the sand and sun.  Thursday and Friday were a bit cold, but the weather was amazing on Saturday and Sunday.  Big Sister even braved the ocean waters on Sunday morning!

We took Little Bud out for breakfast on his birthday.  We went to a little restaurant in Rosemary Beach, and we were the only customers!  We had planned to ride the bikes down to breakfast, but it was too cold, so we drove instead.  After he filled up on waffles, we drove over the outlets since it was still a little bit too cool to be out on the beach.  The outlets in Destin have a fun playground, so after we did a bit of shopping (new shoes for Big Sister and Easter outfits for both kids!), Little Bud and Big Sister had a blast playing, climbing and jumping before we headed back to the townhouse.  We ate an early dinner at Pickles in Seaside before we went back to sing Happy Birthday to Little Bud!

The rest of the weekend was very low key.  It was by far the best beach trip we've had since Big Sister joined our family.  Going to the beach with kids is no easy task.  I think a combination of things made it better this time; the kids are becoming more independent, we are more used to the chaos that goes along with a kids beach trip, and the fact that we pretty much had the entire beach to ourselves (so the kids could run and play without us worrying too much).

John took the kids out on the paddle board and the kayak, and they enjoyed both!  Big Sister didn't want to go on the paddle board at first, because she was worried about getting wet (the water was FREEZING), but by Sunday afternoon, she jumped in!  That girl loves the water!!

Little Bud opening a few of his presents

(Big Sister wrapped all of the presents from us)

He was excited about his Sesame Street card from Grandpa!

new shoes!

Big Sister bought Little Bud this light up bouncy ball

with her own money.  She was so excited to give it to him :)

Thank you hugs!

Daddy showing Little Bud that he's 2

playground fun at the outlets!

walking on the beach

The sand was so cold that Big Sister and I went back up, our feet were

FREEZING, but Daddy and Little Bud toughed it out and 

had a fun time exploring together

I made strawberry cupcakes for Little Bud

He loves strawberries!  We tried to counteract the pink from the

strawberries with dinosaur candles :)  

Fun new trucks from Great Aunt Meg

Big Sister turned his new pajamas into a stylish scarf!

Aunt Jamie will be so proud!!

Yay for new birthday books!