Destin 09

I'm unfortunately not writing to tell you that we've picked up and relocated to Destin, much to my dismay. I don't understand why we can't move here. It is the perfect place. I keep telling James that they grow trees and grass in Destin too. He says, "You'd get tired of the beach." To that I say, "Oh contraire, mon frere." He's not buying it....and I'm not giving up just yet.

James had a triathlon this past weekend and so we made a 5 day vacation out of it. I didn't want to leave and whined and stomped my feet a lot. But had to give in eventually.

We were up and at the beach by 6 am Saturday morning. The weater was beautiful. There were rain clouds all around, but stayed away all day.

Charlie just had to bring his jee jee to the beach and drag it all through the sand.


Just prior to the start of the race. Oh, by the way, there are ALOT of pictures in this post. :)

Jackson and his friend, Micah.

Getting ready to go...this was James' first triathlon where he had to swim in the ocean. He was a little nervous about the jellyfish factor, but we didn't hear of ANYONE getting stung by one!

Daddy's biggest fan with his "ironman" shirt on.

Micah, James, Brandt

Coming out of the water with a thumbs up...that's a good sign. This looks like a baywatch picture...ha.

Taking off for his 20 mile bike.

We were making fun of him for wearing these shorts. He usually wears his spandex, but I think someone was feeling a little self concious this morning. Did I mention he took those shorts out of the "lost and found" box at our gym? He said they had been there for months...that's my husband. Oh, and it's not the first time that this has happened.....

James and Corey, our friend from the gym, finishing up together. James finished in 1:53.

That clock starts when the race actually begins. James was in the last wave, so his time starts when he enters the water...didn't want you to think I was lying or anything :)

Hern, Corey, Micah & James...all Franco's guys from Mandeville.

James usually makes a beeline for the food tent postrace. A big plate of "free" food makes for a happy James.

Charlie chugging a juice.

So we went out for dinner one night and Jackson insisted on wearing his new jeans. Actually he picked out this whole outfit and spiked his own hair. He sauntered around with his hands in his pockets all evening saying he looks "cool." I am in trouble.

He asked for a piece of gum, stating, "It's cool to chew gum."

Charlie could care less what he looks like.....

Gilmore Family Pic. Notice Jackson's hands....too cool for school.

This is Baby Evie! She is squishy and soft and all smiles. She belongs to Micah and Sara. I want to steal her and make her mine.

Charlie was laying the kisses on her big time!

Precious!

Riding a bear at the Orvis store.

We all met for ice cream at the best ice cream shop in Destin.

Charlie went with Mint Chocolate Chip. My personal fav!

Not sure what he had...but look at those big brown eyes. I told him he was a cutie and he quickly retorted with, "No Mom! I'm cool." sigh.

Breakfast then beaching it all day!

Sunday morning we took the boys to Destin Commons where they have a cool splash pad and play area.

Just call him "Fluff"

This one was just hanging around until Bass Pro Shop opened its doors...then he was out!

I want out of the boat!

There was lots of this going on.

Charlie got bored and started chasing birds. And he got pretty darn close to catching one too.

Lookin' kinda special here. He was running...

After the fountains, we headed here for some church on the beach. Good stuff.

Tim with his double glasses on...preachin' the Word.

Didn't have to worry about the kids being too loud in church!

Charlie managed to get his paws on some communion juice...and chugged it.

Jackson told me he loved God....but just a little. Ok, we'll have to work on that.

Our ocean vessel. This was a great idea.

Doesn't it look like we're in the Caribbean on some remote tropical island? The water was amazing. See why I want to make this my permanent home? I think I'd get some visitors then!

I turn my head and this ocean creature is swimming (for lack of a better term), towards me.

That's better :) Those are Jackson's ginormous goggles too.

My hot little sis and me...She's available, ya know???

He really did catch this little fishy. It also came back to the condo with us. He said it was coming home with us too...hmmmm, where did that little fishy go?

Me and my Charlie.

Splashin' in the water

I love the ocean. Not only for the obvious reasons, but man, do my kids (and myself) sleep so well at the beach. We all napped every afternoon. It was the best.

Looks like we're in a pool doesn't it? I love Destin!!!

Ready to call it a night.

Driving home yesterday. boo. I wasn't about to let the world see my face. I was bumming it yesterday.

This is how Charlie gives a "thumbs up." We do this often in our house. And Charlie has watched all of us do it. But being Charlie, he has his own version. So I guess he gives the beach a "thumbs up."

oh wait, that'd be a "two thumbs up" Can't wait to do it again.