Myrtle the Turtle

Myrtle the Turtle Beach that is! That's the name Paul came up with our trip this weekend. As many of you know, we were headed to Panama City to visit Paul's aunt until the tropical storm changed our plans quickly for us! :( We were sad, but we were packed for the beach so away we went! We went with our friends Joe and Gail. The kids LOVED being on vacation and most of all with "Mista Joe and Goal." That's what Preston called them. He adored Joe. He talked and talked to Joe like they were best friends. And he liked "Goal" too. Jackson just called her Gail but in the most southern accent you can imagine! It was such a great trip!


It was so typical. Jackson was so much like me. No naps and pack the day full until you can't go anymore! Always wondering what we were going to do next! Preston on the other hand is the spitting image of his dad in more ways than one. He ASKED for his nap daily, and we had to wake him up from it! So, one day I took Jackson down at sunset to take some beach pictures of him alone. Preston slept each afternoon till dinner time, so I had to take him down the morning we left for a quick "bye-bye beach" photo shoot. The pictures turned out pretty good for both even though it was raining right before Preston's. The weather was wonderful both days we were there, but it rained as we were leaving.

I could only upload so many pictures, so I chose to add this one of Preston showing his silly little personality. We just turned around and there he was peeking through at us!
We all loved the beach! Paul really got used to sitting in his chair, getting a suntan, and drinking a beer. He liked it alot more than I think he thought he would. Preston loved the sand and of course had to give it the usual taste test. Jackson was all about the waves!!! They were pretty strong due to the storm down the coast, and for him the stronger the better. We jumped waves for hours.

All in all, we did so much for such a short trip. We sat on the beach for hours. (Preston woke up Sunday and brought me a swim diaper and said, "Beach, Mommy. Beach, all day.") One day on the beach, we flew this awesome kite. That was so much fun for the boys. Jackson had been wanting to fly one since Easter! Then, in the afternoons we would swim in the pool for a bit, and go for a great dinner. My favorite dinner spot was Dick's Last Resort. If you ever go anywhere they have one of these places, you HAVE to eat there. The whole premise is that they are rude to you. Yes, I know sounds strange, but it is hilarious. Jackson loved it. We told him it was the only place you can blow your straw papers all over and it is ok. He was all about it! The food is good, too!

Then in the evenings, the kids would go down, and Mista Joe and Goal would come down to our room for drinks. Mmmm! Strawberry margaritas!! We would lounge and watch TV and sit on the balcony where we could see people doing fireworks each night.

The last night we went to Family Kingdom which is an oceanfront carnival/fair type place. Jackson had his first go-kart experience! He got to ride with Dad. Even Paul said they were really a bit too fast for him. But, he loved it! He looked terrified the whole time but thrilled all at the same time.

And, little Preston had his first experience getting to ride stuff, too. And it was his FIRST time ever riding anything all alone. While Jackson was on the go-karts he rode this kiddie ride. He was fine once I put him on, but then he realized I left him and he cried. But, only for a split second. Then he was fine. He wanted to keep riding more!

One ride we put him in the racecar with Jackson and apparently his plans were different. As the ride is going, he spots another car he wanted instead. Of course the red one. So, the attendant had to STOP the ride he was crying so bad and let him ride the red one by himself. What a spoiled little brat! :) Thankfully, she was great about it all as they were about to close anyway.

Ahhh..I can hear the ocean now calling me back....