Beach Vacation - Day 3

The place we stayed was perfect for us. It was further down the beach towards the residential area. This made it really quiet, family friendly and low traffic. The condo had a pool, a fishing pier, a boat ramp, and a kiddie swimming area in the lagoon on the back side of the building. On the front side of the building was the gulf. There are also bike lanes all along the beach road, so we got out every morning and went for a family bike ride. Trent actually fell asleep in the bike trailer on the second day of riding. He did not look comfortable. Jesse must have a very smooth pedal stroke! :) The course we take bike riding is an out and back. On the second day of riding (third day here), we were riding into the wind the whole way out. It made for a tougher ride than the day before. Jesse had a more strenuous workout since he had the trailer behind his bike!

Here are some pics from Day 3:

Every town should have bike lanes

Spotting Wildlife off the Pier

"Dat Dat!"

Beach Vacation Day 2

White Sandy Beaches

Wave Jumpin'

Building Sand Castles

Play-doh time! (During a break from the sun)

Beach Vacation - Day 1

A week or two ago, Jesse and I decided a family vacation was in order. We really hadn't been anywhere this summer purely for vacation and we're fast approaching the "I'm not driving long distances" phase of pregnancy. So we looked around at places to stay at lakes and the gulf. The beaches are open again, but tourism is still hurting because of the oil spill. We opted to go for a long weekend to the gulf. I think this may be our first "official" family vacation. We've driven different places for holidays, weddings, etc. but I think this is the first trip as a family of 3 without any other agendas attached.

The weather has been beautiful - hot and sunny. We arrived at the beach around lunchtime and went to my favorite restaurant in town. It's no frills but I LOVE their fried crab claw plate. They give you a ton of fried crab claws, french fries, and cole slaw. They throw in a few hush puppies too, but I normally pass those along to TJ or Jesse. It's a beach staple. I can't be in town without eating there at least once.

Next up, we hit the beach! Trent went to the beach last year when he was about 5 months old. You may remember the post from here. It was fun to show him the sand and the water but he wasn't really moving around much at that point. Now at 17 months, he's a full speed ball of energy. He played in the sand, played in the water, ran around the beach, chased waves with Daddy... It was so much fun to see what a difference a year makes!

Checking out the Toys

Love the wind blown hair!

Come join us!

Wet toes in the sand

Beach Lover at Heart

More beach pics

Here are the two pics that I could not get to post the other day. I'm married to a computer genius that somehow got it work. Thanks babe! I love the pic with Trent in the sand!

Trent with Mama

Staycation in Tennessee

We recently returned from a "staycation" at Mom and Dad Reiersen's house. It was great. Nanny and Poppy are up visiting from Florida so we had the chance to see them too! It was a fun five days. Mom and Dad have a beautiful house on a lake and Mom R's cooking is better than most restaurants. Plus, with all the extra hands, Jesse and I get some couple time too!

We rented a pontoon for a day:

The Captain and his First Mate

Nanny and Ma

Poppy keeping an eye on the tackle

Jesse, Trent and I spent another day at the cove at the edge of the property.

Jesse checking out the water

The Cove

Cute feet!

Trent enjoying a nap outdoors

Happy parents enjoying a beautiful day!