There's no place like home!

So, Ty, B, and myself got back from vacation tonight, around 7 and I could not be happier! We went to Destin, FL, as me and Ty have done every year for the past 4 years. I also went to Destin with my family every year when I was little so needless to say, I'm very comfortable/familiar with the place. Last and this year, we stayed at Miramar Beach which is technically in Destin but it's about 5 minutes further, therefore, less hectic. We've never gone this late in the summer though. I must say, it was so nice not having hour+ waits at restaurants and there was no traffic at all. We stayed in a town home which worked out great last year because your backyard IS the beach and you have a ton more beach space than you do with a condo. However, we stayed at a town home next door to the one we stayed at last year, which we were pleased with, but just wanted to try something different. We left Wednesday night last week and stayed at a cheaper hotel that night, just to catch some sleep. We didn't get there until about 5 am so we slept until 12 pm then checked out. We caught some lunch at Dewey Destin, which I've heard is fantastic but neither one of us were impressed. After lunch, we headed to the town home, which has a check-in time of 4 pm but luckily, our code worked at 2 pm and we gained access.

Of course, we had to check out everything as soon as we walked in. There were LOTS of stairs, which I knew about but just didn't think it through I guess. When you walk in, there are 2 bedrooms but then you have to go up one set of stairs to get to the living/dining rooms and kitchen and then ANOTHER set of stairs to get to the master bedroom and one more bedroom. We've definitely gotten a workout this week! BUT...what the ad did not mention was the infamous spiral stairs. In order to get on the beach, you have to go down some tight spiral stairs, which could be accessed from any level but they were really tight and basically in a closet-like area. To add to it, I'm claustrophobic. I immediately cried and starting looking for a different way to get on the beach. At that point, I was willing to walk to the end of the town homes and walk around to the beach. After about an hour, I actually walked down the stairs and it wasn't bad at all. I know it sounds silly but my anxiety level is horrendous with alot of things. There were A LOT of things that weren't mentioned in the ad. The condo itself is rundown, old, and dirty. It was decorated really nice though. Atleast the furniture was new and clean. I won't even go into all of the other problems we had...that will be shared with the owner of the condo in the next 24 hours, unfortunately.

We also didn't realize how much work it would be with Barrett. He was such a wonderful baby, enjoyed the beach, and had a blast, but he IS STILL a 9 month old...meaning, he pitched fits, required frequent naps, diaper changes, feedings, making sure he had enough fluids, applying sunblock, keeping sand out of his mouth, keeping him entertained...you name it. I hate to even say it but it was more work than it was relaxing. I'm sure some people are fine with all of the work but Ty and I were not blessed with patience. Overall, it was worth it but we'll probably be doing something different next year, like just taking a week off work and staying home together :). I also hate to say it, but we weren't supposed to be home until tomorrow...obviously, we left a day early but we are all 3 so glad to be home! All of our luggage, etc. is put up. I only have 2 loads of laundry running, since I washed everything in Destin. Barrett got his bath at 9 tonight, ate his cereal, had a bottle, and hit the sack. There's just nothing like home!

One other thing to mention...last year I was pregnant when we went to FL so I couldn't go to the water park, which I LOVE doing. So, this year, I was so pumped about going and the fact that I could take B to the kiddie park was exciting. We all got ready and left. We drove into the parking lot and discovered NO cars or people! They had closed for the season 2 days prior :( We were so sad. Oh well...maybe next time! We ate dinner at different places every night. Last night, we went to Bubba Gump's and then stopped by The Track, which has rides, go-carts, putt-putt, and that kind of stuff. Barrett rode some rides with Ty and even rode the swings by himself :*). He has gotten so attached to Ty this week. It's so sweet! I hate to see B go back to daycare and Ty and I go back to work but it has to happen. I think we're going to take B to daycare tomorrow so that me and Ty can have a day to ourselves. We have a few things to do this weekend and probably won't see each other much so we need it!

In other news, Barrett turned 9 months old on the 21st. He's finally started bearing weight on his legs and trying to crawl. He loves getting in his walker now and still just goes backwards. He babbles really loud and says all kinds of things. I just can't believe that I'm so lucky to have such a happy, pleasant baby! We drove 7.5 hours today and only had to stop for 30 minutes to let him stretch, eat, and get a clean diaper. He didn't even fuss the rest of the time! I'm beyond blessed! Anyways, I've typed more than enough and probably need to catch up on some rest! Good night and good week all!

Oh yeah, and congratulations to our friends Liz and Kevan, on the birth of their little girl, Addi! Happy late birthday to my mom, Lori! AND happy early birthday to my sisters, Melissa and Christie, my dad, Jodie, and Ty's uncle, Brad. It's going to be a busy week!