Beach 2019
So we “just” returned from the beach back in late July, ha. I would have written this post sooner, but we literally came back to turn around and move! We went to the Destin area, Blue Mountain Beach to be exact. Two years ago we stayed around this area, but this year we stayed at a new hotel, Redfish Village condos. We went with Brad’s immediately family, and some of his extended family also were there which made it a mini-family reunion.
We left on a Saturday morning fairly early, around 4:30 in the morning. We find it easier traffic wise and Melody wise, ha. We stopped in Prattville for a quick breakfast at McDonald’s. With my pork allergy, it is the easiest place for me to eat breakfast. And Melody was excited to be out of the car.
We made it to Destin around 11 am. We immediately went to go get lunch at Whataburger near the outlets. This is our usual plan when we vacation in Destin. It was obviously everyone else’s plan too. We waited 30 minutes for our lunch…at a fast food place! But we really had nothing else to do, so it was fine.
After lunch we headed to the outlets. Melody’s favorite part here is the playground of course! And we bought her a new Rapunzel unintentionally at the Disney outlet.
We eventually met up with Brad’s parents and bought some groceries, then we headed to the condos. As I mentioned above, we stayed at Redfish Village. It is comprised of condos and various shops. While we personally didn’t do any shopping, we did like the convenience of the restaurants and ice cream shop we could just walk to. And we kept saying we were going to get our nails done at the nail salon downstairs, but we never did! It wasn’t on the beach, which made me nervous, but the walk was really easy. And we had a golf cart to help us too which was really nice. I definitely recommend getting a golf cart if you are ever on 30A and your condo allows it! The condo was also perfect for the 9 of us. We each had our own room and bathroom, and the girls had a bunk room they loved staying in.
**Tip…I always take a picture of the toys we travel with. This allows me to make sure we don’t forget any of the small toys when we are packing up to head home.
We spent some time unloading and get everything situated in the condo, then we headed for dinner. We went to dinner at Shunk Gulley. This was new to us, but Brad’s parents had been there before. It was Saturday night at 5:30, so we opted to stay fairly close to the condo to hope for a smaller wait. And it did pay off. We were seated immediately. We were sat outside which worked out perfect for the girls who had all been cooped up in cars all day! They were able to run and play while we waited on the meals and drank our cocktails. After dinner we made a quick stop at the beach. Melody was pretty hesitant, but I was hopeful Caroline would cure that!
We spent Sunday morning down on the beach. We bought a beach setup, but Nannie bought all the girls their own beach chairs. Melody and Annie Michel were very hesitant of the sand, but Caroline dug right in. After a while, we did get Melody warmed up to the water at least. And once the other kids from Brad’s extended family joined us, Melody was more into the sand!
So there are 9 of us in our immediate family. We had an agreement going in that no one was to feel obligated to do dinner with each other every night. This kept things really casual and allowed every one to beach “their own way” so to speak. So on Sunday night, every one did their own things. Nannie and Bob Bob had tacos, Jeff and Rebekah grilled fish, and Brad and I tried Goatfeathers. We went early enough for Happy Hour, but didn’t participate. It was our least favorite of all the places we tried this trip (more to come on that!). Afterwards, we went and met up with Brad’s parents and rode the golf cart to get ice cream we promised Melody.
So I mentioned that bunk room above, right? Well night two she ended up in our room…wide awake…
On Monday, Bob Bob and Jeff went to play golf, so it was the other 7 of us. So it did make the golf cart ride a bit easier since we didn’t have to make two trips, ha. Melody LOVED the golf cart!
While Melody was good with the sand this day, potty training was hard. She wore a one piece (didn’t think that through), and at this point we were 10 days into potty training. This was not smart on my part. While she did good and had no accidents, we made hundreds of trips to the potty. Literally.
We called it quits a little early and spent a bit of time at the pool.
Then we headed up for lunch and got showered and napped up!
Nannie bought these for the girls for their birthdays, so since we all brought them, it was mandatory they all wear them the same night. And pictures were also a requirement!
We all went to eat at our favorite restaurant, Stinky’s. We love it, and surprisingly our 45 minute wait was only like 15 minutes! That is great for July with a group of 9, ha.
After dinner, we visited the playground.
Then we went and viewed the lake area, and we snapped a few pictures.
And Aunt Bekah was the favorite that night!
Melody started in the bunks but ended in our bed that night. She is vicious with those feet!
Tuesday was a rainy day, so we went and saw Toy Story 4. Melody wasn't too into it. She has only really seen Toy Story and didn’t care for it enough to watch it all. But she enjoyed the air condition and popcorn.
Then we came back and the girls played.
And we spent sometime at the pool after “naps”.
Lots of potty time.
We had did steamed shrimp in the room from the Goatfeathers shrimp market, and we ended the night with ice cream across the street.
Unfortunately Rebekah had to leave for a family emergency, but we were sure to help Jeff with both girls! Bob Bob went and played golf, but the 7 of us spent the morning at the beach.
So our beach time was ended early due to jellyfish. Both Melody and I were stung. So we went back early and dealt with that. Then we all went to dinner at Surf Hut. It is one of our other favorites. We had a very short wait, and we took some pictures of the girls before dinner (see down below). I love the outdoor games they have for entertainment while you wait!
A few family pics…
We made a quick run to Best Buy, then went back to the outlets for a few things. Melody of course went back to the playground. And below I circled her jellyfish stings. It could have been worse for sure!
Thursday we skipped the beach and had a relaxing morning.
Then we spent some time at the pool with Uncle Jeff and the girls before they had to leave. Annie Michel and I became real best friends this trip, ha.
The girls got cleaned up and did some last minute playing.
Then we headed back to the pool with Nannie and Bob Bob.
We headed to the extended family’s condo and spent the evening swimming and eating with them. There were like 9 of them too, so getting 18 of us to go eat was near impossible.
Friday was our last day, and the 5 of us headed to the beach early.
While Melody loves hers cousins, I think she enjoyed some time being the center of attention, ha.
We had dinner at Local Catch, then we headed to Jackson for the evening.
I won’t do a write up, but I don’t recommend staying at the Homewood Suites in Jackson, MS. It was dingy and not amazing at all. It was late getting in, so we didn’t fight it.
Before heading home, we had lunch at the mall, and Melody found another play area.
Then we had one last Bob Bob hug!
With the exception of the family emergency, this was probably the best beach trip. It was super relaxing and we were enjoyed all the food and family time!
