Sunset Cruise

Teresa had purchased some tickets for a sunset cruise that she had planned on using while on her trip down here and unfortunately was not able to go. We saved the tickets hoping Hank's parents would be able to go during their trip, and yet again, we were not able to get the trip planned. Not wanting the tickets to be wasted, we finally found an evening in August that our family was able to go. I think we ended up going about four days before Hank's back surgery. I'm pretty sure the boat ride was not a pleasant experience for him at all, but the kids sure seemed to love it. We arrived about an hour before the boat left and had some time to enjoy the harbor views.

Hank had seen this boat the weekend of the poker run and was rather impressed, he has a thing for orange. I'm pretty sure this will be his first purchase when we win the lottery.

Once we left Harborwalk, we went under the Destin bridge and over to the other side of the Coast Guard base. After they anchored the boat they allowed us to walk the shoreline and pick up shells or snorkel.

There were tons of hermit crabs on the land and in the water. Cutter was amazed.

Beautiful view of Harborwalk.

I love how my kids will never all look at me at the same time.

Too funny!

After some shell hunting, we left the bay and headed out into the Gulf to look for some dolphins.

 

 

After we got back to the docks, we did a little walking around before heading home.

Another one of the boats still in town from the poker run. This gentleman was nice enough to have his boat opened so that people could walk by and check it out. Beautiful!

Poker Run

Each year in August, usually around the time of Tucker's birthday, is the Emerald Coast Poker Run. This is a huge event that takes place in Destin, however, one of the stops on the run is Juana's in Navarre. Although the kids and I have been here to enjoy the boats, this was Hank's first time being home for it. These are some big boats and are loud enough that we can hear them from our house. We rode over to Juana's to enjoy watching and listening as the boats pulled up to get their cards. There are plenty of others boats that just come to enjoy a good time and don't actually participate in the poker run.

These boats were just all tied up together and enjoying the great weather.

Turtles and snowcones

One of our favorite things to do here is enjoy the fishing pier, and not just for fishing. I love walking the pier, especially early mornings or late afternoons when it's a little cooler. The kids enjoy getting to watch the birds, fish and occasionally, the sea turtles.

 Santa Rosa Sound.

We were treated to a wonderful showing by the sea turtles on the particular day, we saw a total of four.

This was my first time seeing this many turtles and all grouped up together.

Something had these bait fish going crazy. There were large groups of them clearing the water.

After a walk on the pier, nothing cools you off better than a stop at Tommy's for a snowcone. Cutter's was called Buzz Lightyear, imagine that.

Sailor had banana cream and it was yummy.

Tucker had a Who Dat. I have no clue what exactly was in it but he enjoyed it.

Commons Fun

I know I've said it before, but I absolutely love The Commons. In addition to the great atmosphere and shopping, they have some fun things for the kids too. Our original plan for the day was a trip to Big Kahunas but due to the number of people at the park and an approaching storm we decided to go over to The Commons instead.

Yes, the lady in the background was playing in the water too, fully clothed.

Tucker tried so hard to get Cutter shot in the face with water.

Still trying, and yet nothing.

Dirty Dishes

I'm pretty sure if I ever asked my kids to wash dishes at home I would get strange looks. I load as much as I can in the dishwasher and let it wash for me, so they were excited when mom and grandmama gladly let them help with the dishes. I think most things had to be rewashed and the floors mopped when they were done, but they sure seemed to enjoy trying.

  I quickly took over drying the knives when I realized Sailor had them.

Museum of the Albemarle

While mom and I were off for the day getting her hair done in Goldsboro, Hank and my grandmother took the kids out to lunch and over to The Museum of the Albemarle. Tucker seemed to enjoy the museum itself, but they all three apparently enjoyed some time in the Discovery Room playing dress up.
 

 Tucker dressed as a confederate soldier

I love this picture, it cracks me up!