A Florida Vacation - Day 3

We headed to the beach Thursday morning and it was sunny and warm. The water was warm and the sea was pretty calm. After a long day of playing at the beach we went back to the condo for lunch. While Lincoln napped, Ryan and I went back to the beach to read and relax. For dinner, we went to Pineapple Willy's in Panama City Beach and had some great sea food.

Eating dinner beach-side

Onion rings, yummy!

Destin has sugar white beaches and crystal blue water. We could walk about about 75 yards and it was still only waist deep!

Love this shot!

Dug me another hole!

A Florida Vacation - Day 2

We left Mississippi with Lincoln saying Bye Sippie, very cute. We stopped at a roadside fruit stand for peaches and watermelon. Lincoln also stole a ride on the tractor.

Farmer Lincoln

Lincoln with his watermelons. Fun Fact: he will only eat watermelon with the rind attached. He likes to eat it by the slice, not in bite size pieces.

We got to Rosemary Beach, about 30 miles east of Destin at 4pm and promptly headed for the beach. We explored the pool, beach and nearby shops. If you've never been to this part of Florida, you should really check it out. It's gorgeous and family friendly.

Lincoln's first view of the ocean!

After dinner, we let Lincoln play in the splash pad. This was really fun because there were tons of kids around and the water lights up. Here are a few shots on the splash pad!

A Florida Vacation - Day 1

Lincoln, Ryan, my parents and I left last Tuesday, bright and early and headed East. We stopped in Shreveport, at our favorite vacation eating spot, Cracker Barrel, YUM! We drove to Jackson Mississippi and spent the night. Before arriving in Jackson, we stopped in Vicksburg, Mississippi to drive through the Civil War battle grounds. They have tons of Memorials set up and info about the war. This is where a lot of the battles took place as the North and South vied for control of the Mississippi River. Lincoln did great in the car and dutifully pointed out every "white truck", "brown truck", "tractor" and "tall crane" he could find. This was particularly enjoyed during the stretch of construction on I-20. He also liked crossing the big bridge over the river.

On the stairs of the Illinois Memorial in Vicksburg

Rocking on the porch of Cracker Barrel




Aboard a ship that was recovered from the bottom of the Mississippi River

This nice man "pulled a dime out of Lincoln's ear".

Preview

Sunday morning before church

Lincoln-isms

Recently Lincoln has been coming up with some hilarious phrases. His two favorites are "hey you" and "no way". The other day he grabbed my cell and said "hey you, memer". That is what he calls my Dad. It cracked me up. This morning I asked if he wanted a drink and he said "no way".

This afternoon while we waited for Ryan to come home, I told Lincoln to listen for Daddy. He started walking around the house calling "babe, babe?". Apparently, he thinks Ryan's name is babe, since that's what I call him most of the time. I love this kid!

Cute and funny, what a catch, right?

Worn Out

Comfy

Wishing Aunt Judy "Good Luck" before her big test tomorrow!

Independence Day Part 2

After a busy morning, we came back for naps. Lincoln slept almost 4 hours, which was great! We knew we'd be out late for Fireworks. We headed up the road to Red White and Boom, McKinney's annual 4th of July celebration. Lincoln had a ball. It is so fun to watch him interact with strangers and friends. He is really outgoing and has never met a stranger. Ryan and I both commented that we would remember this day forever. It was so fun just hanging out together as a family.

Bouncin' in a bounce house. This boy knows NO fear.

Everything these days is "No Lincoln", meaning I don't need your help!

A pre-fireworks beverage.

Watching with Daddy



Watching with Mommy

Cheese!

We got a glow in the dark necklace. Love these!

I hear people say all the time, my kid would never remember that, or my child is too young so they stay home and don't do anything. Lincoln might not remember this night, but we've got pictures to show him when he is older. I want him to know we went places, and did things and experienced life. When we share new and fun experiences, it strengthens our bond. Plus, Ryan and I will never forget taking Lincoln to his very first fireworks show!

Independence Day Part 1

What a great weekend. We woke up Saturday morning and met my parents in downtown McKinney to watch the parade. While it wasn't that exciting for us, Lincoln was very interested. He especially liked the trucks and horses. After the parade, we headed to The Pantry for lunch.

His shirt says All Fired Up, his expression not so much.

Watching the parade

Everything is "Oh Wow!"

He never falls asleep in the car...he was beat!

This Time Last Year

My how things can change in a year.

Lincoln's first Independence Day

One of my favorite pics from his first year of life!