Bramell, Party of Five: Our Beach Vacation

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Our Beach Vacation

We spent the whole last week on vacation at Panama City Beach, FL.  I'd like to say that it was the most fun, relaxing time ever.  I'd like to. I'd like to say I spent the week with my toes in the water, my butt in the sand and a cold drink in my hand.  Well, some of the week I did.  But, more accurately, we spent a week chasing our flyaway beach umbrella, buckets and hats down the beach.  We spent a week dodging thunderstorms every morning and every evening.  We spent a week waiting on a slow elevator to the 17th floor condo.  We spent a week begging the Universe to take away the double red flags on the beach.




It was our first beach trip since the twins were born; actually, our first trip since Big Sis was about 16 months old.  We were all excited and ready to get there for sure.
 
Now, I will share with you What I Learned on My Summer Vacation--
 
 
THANK GOD for my mother.  Even with the 3:3 adult to kid ratio, we were still barely able to manage.  After having mom's help for a whole week, I've decided that our life would be easier with another wife.  I will be taking applications for a sister wife ASAP.
 
Tiny butt cracks can hold a lot of sand.  Actually, so can bigger butts.
 
There was absolutely no reason for me to pack two magazines in my suitcase.  Reading on the beach? Ha! They never saw the light of day.
 
Um, yeah. That time I said I wanted to skip the sunscreen on the front of my legs so I could "get some sun".....it worked.
 
Driving through the night is the Best. Idea. Ever.  The kids did great on the way there because they slept most of the way.  Not so much on the way home, driving in the daytime.

Going on a 16-hour road trip provided many opportunities for geography lessons.  For example, answering the question "Are we still in Florida?" about 50 times in the first hour of our trip home.  

It took getting caught out in the brewing storm one time for Big Sis to develop an intense fear of storms.  Everyone on the beach heard her frantically wailing, "Hurry and get inside!" over and over and over.  In the elevator and up all 17 floors of the condo.  Geez.
 
Lesson learned: the next time I see an unopened packet of ketchup lying beside the curb, I will not point out that packet to Big Sis.  I don't particularly like having ketchup splattered on my face and in my hair.  No more stomping ketchup packets!

* more photos and fun stuff to follow...stay tuned.

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for asking me to come along! I don't want to miss any opportunity to spend time with my Bramell family. Yes, it was not the ideal beach trip (because of the double red flags and all the rain), but I did enjoy seeing the kids enjoy the water, sand and pool. It is just hard riding that far. I got tired and I could shift my position; the littles are pretty much stuck in one position in those car seats and I know they were uncomfortable at times. At least, we took our time and let them out of the car to stretch. It's all about making memories for your family to talk about in the years to come. It will get easier as they get older. Now, get caught up on your rest!

    Love to all...
    Grammy

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  2. I wish it had been a little more fun for you. :( It does get easier (and more fun). I promise. :)

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  3. I think I'll wait a few years (or 20) before we try to conquer the beach!

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  4. I'm with Karen. I think you've given me good warning!

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