the best husband

Can I just say that I have such a great husband? I do! Really. As a belated birthday present (Kyle's busy time at work is Dec-Feb) Kyle planned a birthday surprise and took me to what I think are some of the best beaches in the world... I knew he was taking Lyla and I on a trip but I didn't know where. He told me to bring clothes appropriate for 60-65 degree weather during the day so right there I knew it must be south. Thank goodness! I love warm. :-) Kyle took care of all of the planning from the condo we rented to the plane tickets to the rental car. He even took care of packing for Lyla. Yes ladies, be jealous. Kyle is fully aware of what Lyla needs and he didn't forget one single thing. The night before we left (when I'm normally running around trying to remember what I forgot to pack) he got a bubble bath ready and left me with my latest scrapbook magazine and HE finished up those last minute details. I wish every trip could start off like this!

The next day we arrived at the airport and when the curbside check-in man asked where we were going I actually had to tell him I didn't know. Fortunately Kyle gave him the paperwork and then a little bit later the man revealed the secret: we were headed to Destin, FL for five days of basking in the sun. I love Florida, the sun and I especially love these beaches! And for those of you who don't know, I also used to live here so it was exciting to think about going "home" for a few days.

Kyle rented us a condo in the same resort complex where I used to work. It was fun to be back but crazy to see how much the area has changed. The integrity of the beaches have been compromised, with tall condo and hotel buildings and shopping galore. But it was great to be home. This was the first vacation we've gotten to take just the three of us and I was excited about that.

Although not as warm as I would have liked, we had a blast playing in the sand, going to a park, visiting with old friends, eating A LOT, shopping at one of the greatest outlet malls and feeding the ducks. It was fun creating new memories with Lyla and watching how much she enjoyed the sand.

Here are a few pics from our trip:


The sunrise from our oceanfront room one morning:

Lyla wasn't sure what to think about the seagulls:

Lyla was even brave enough to go down the slide by herself. She LOVED the slide!
At one of the shopping complexes they had a fun play area for kids so we took Lyla there one day. She was more interested in the other kids than playing. She loves kids! It doesn't matter whether older or younger, she'll go up to them "talking" as though they were best buddies. It's so cute!

There were some ducks on the resort property so we took some bread to feed them. As soon as we started walking towards the ducks they quickly got out of the water and came waddling up to us. They knew what was about to happen. Kyle fed the ducks a few times and then gave Lyla some bread. She ate her piece instead of giving it to the ducks. He gave her more and she put that piece in her mouth too! It was pretty funny. She loves her bread!

Our last night there we went to Poppy's, a restaurant I hadn't heard of. It was in the resort complex we stayed at but was across the street on the bay side. It was wonderful! We were bummed we hadn't discovered it earlier. The waiter brought out a lobster (it was one of their specialties) and he let Lyla touch it. I'm not sure what she thought of it but I was proud that she was brave enough to touch him.

We had such a wonderful time! Thanks to my great husband for planning such a fun trip. I can't think of a better way to spend my belated 30th birthday!