A Trip to Destin to See the Smiths

Even though we went to the beach for Memorial Day Weekend, we got to go on another beach trip last weekend!  Our sweet friend the Smiths were spending a full week in Destin, and we couldn't pass up the chance to drive the 6 hours and spend a couple of days with them.

We left Saturday morning, the 15th, and headed to Pensacola to the Naval Aviation Museum.  Since it wasn't too long ago that we were in DC at the Air and Space Museum, I wasn't sure the kids would be that interested in another planes museum.  But they LOVED this place and were sad when it was closing time and we had to leave!  Great afternoon of fun.

 This is the home of the Blue Angels, but they are currently not performing because of the sequestration.  Oh well.  The kids liked posing in their places nonetheless.

 Elle and Bennett got to do a flight simulator and see how difficult it is to actually fly these jets!  Pretty fun stuff.

That night we met up with Sam's cousin Traci who lives in the Destin area and went out for dinner.  It was a lot of fun catching up with her -- she spent some time with Sam's family during the summers when Sam was growing up and she and Sam had lots to reminisce about.

Sunday morning we woke up and went to Sacrament Meeting.  Then we finally got to see the Smiths!  sure love Melissa and it was wonderful to see Brian and the kids since it has been too long.  We immediately headed out to the beach.  I LOVE Destin because the water is so blue and clear and beautiful.  But I had forgotten how much that fine, sugary sand gets into EVERYTHING!

 Campbell and Allie had a lot of fun boogie boarding together.  They didn't really remember each other, but got along quite well and were super cute with each other.

 Reagan was exhausted the entire trip.  Poor girl is worn out from swim team I think.  She usually loves the beach and anything water related, but she spent most of our trip either asleep or in the car.

Elle and Bennett caught a TON of jelly fish that day -- some dead and some alive.  They LOVED that!

It was Father's Day, and this guy is such a good daddy.  These kids have no idea how lucky they are to have Sam as their daddy.

The Cute Smith kids and Miller kids!

After getting cleaned up, resting for a bit, and eating dinner, we had a little dance party outside the house the Smiths were staying at, did some Pop-Its fireworks, and then headed to the beach for sparklers.  Good times.

 We tried to get a family photo, but couldn't quite get the lighting figured out, or all the kids to look at the camera and smile.  Maybe next time. . . . . .

 Monday morning we were able to get a little more beach time in before we had to drive home.  It was pretty overcast that morning, but the water was still warm and the kids had a wonderful time anyway (except for Reagan and Cal, who stayed in the car and slept with Sam).

 Bennett played in the sand, Elle caught all sorts of interesting fish and sea creatures with her net, and Campbell and Allie got really good at Boogie Boarding!

Twinner buddies -- Allie and Cam and Melissa and Me!

 Love this family dearly.  

It was a very long trip, but we were so happy to get to see and spend time with the Smiths.  We can't wait to see them in Colorado at the end of July!