A much needed weekend Getaway

After making the decision to move back to Nebraska, we realized that the weeks leading up to the deployment were going to be very busy and stressful.  We would be looking for a place to live, packing up our house, making multiple trips to NE, and moving 8 hours away.  There would not be much time to relax and just "be" together.  We needed a getaway and quick.  

Steve got on the computer and found us a place to stay in a matter of hours.  He chose a beautiful little cottage on the gulf coast in Port St. Joe, FL.  That area is known for its forgotten shoreline and natural beaches.  With a place to stay secured, we packed up the family and hit the road over Memorial Day weekend.  Steve had a four day weekend and we were determined to make the most of every single second.  After Steve got off work on Thursday we hit the road!

We stopped in Kentucky for dinner and ate at DQ!  While sitting at dinner we decided this trip was going to be all about being silly and having a good time.  The kids did not disappoint!

After a few more hours of travel we stopped for the night in Nashville.  The next morning we got up early and enjoyed a yummy breakfast at our hotel and hit the road again.  We could not wait to get to the beach! 

 Finally, Friday afternoon we reached the white sand beaches of Port St. Joe.  The kids were so excited to see the beach.  They were also very excited to be out of the car!  The next several pictures where taken our first night on our beach weekend getaway.

Steve and CJ relaxing at the cottage.

Our first full day on the beach we drove up to Mexico beach.  It was the perfect beach day.  Not too hot, but warm enough that the water felt wonderful.  We all had fun playing in the sand, looking for the perfect sea shell, and catching sand crabs.

 
 
 
Saturday evening we got all cleaned up and headed a little farther north to Panama City, FL to enjoy a yummy dinner and Captain Anderson's.

After dinner we went down to the outdoor mall and shopped for a bit and then watched the sun set on the beach.  I think it was the most relaxing evening we have ever had.  I want to remember it forever!

Beach Day number 2 we drove up to Tyndall AFB's private beach.  You have to be a military ID card carrier to enter this beach.  We loved it because there were not very many people on the beach.  It almost made me want to move there. LOL!




 Cody searched for hours and finally found a sand dollar!

After a long day of sun and surf we again cleaned up and ate dinner at a local pizza place.  It was a little Ma and Pop establishment.  I don't think I have ever eaten such a yummy pizza in all my life.  After dinner we went back to the beach for a family photo.  I had to set my camera on its timer and set it on the fence post and run to get into the shot.  I was completely shocked that this picture turned out so well.  Everyone is smiling!  We had a wonderful weekend.  It was exactly what we needed to get us charged up for the weeks ahead.