April 10, 2016

Sand, surf, sun and lots of shells!

We've never traveled to Florida during the typical K-12 spring break.
 However, with this being the last spring break that Emma has the same schedule as the rest of the family, we decided we could handle a 18+ road trip (thank you for loaning us your car mom and dad).  
Chris did some investigating into condo rentals and found us a lovely unit near Laguna beach at the far west end of Panama city.



We couldn't have asked for better weather.  

It was in the upper 70s/low 80s with constant sun and amazing shell gathering opportunities.  
Playing in the sand is definitely good for the soul.
One of our favorite activities was renting a pontoon and spending the day at Shell Island.  

The shells were abundant.
We also enjoyed St. Andrews State Park, even though we didn't spot any alligators.
On the way home, we stopped in Tennessee and explored Rock city Fairyland Caverns.  
It's located on top of Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga.
We also took a detour to Ruby Falls.
 
We're now back to a snowy MI,  but we are hopeful that spring is on its way!
Happy April, friends!
    
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16 comments:

  1. JbooApril 10, 2016 at 10:18 AM

    Wow -- what a fun spring break!! Sun and sand sound perfect! Hope your snow melts fast! It's Spring!

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  2. LynneApril 10, 2016 at 1:52 PM

    Looks like a perfect vacation . . .
    And good timing . . .
    You missed most of the snow and cold . . .

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  3. La Vie QuotidienneApril 10, 2016 at 3:18 PM

    what a great holiday! Perfect weather and lots of fun things to see. So nice that you were able to do this.

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  4. Pam KesslerApril 10, 2016 at 5:52 PM

    That looks so warm and toasty! And if course you'd be drinking a drink with a flamingo on it! Hope your Michigan snow melts soon. We're supposed to jump up about 40 degrees tomorrow and I can not wait!

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  5. LynnApril 10, 2016 at 6:57 PM

    What a fun trip! It snowed here yesterday-ugh. Lovin' that great flamingo straw:@)

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  6. 20 North OraApril 10, 2016 at 7:36 PM

    Looks like a fun time was had by all!

    Judy

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  7. A Little CreationApril 10, 2016 at 10:15 PM

    I love Josies sunglases. :D White sand and lots of sun what fun.
    Chris =]

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  8. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasApril 11, 2016 at 8:43 AM

    Kim,
    Glad that you were able to get away and create some wonderful family memories before Emma enters college!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  9. craftylesApril 11, 2016 at 10:48 AM

    Looks like a really fun spring break. Pretty seashells. Glad you are enjoying some sunny weather with the girls. Hoping for spring in Michigan soon!

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  10. vivianApril 12, 2016 at 6:56 AM

    ahh yes.. and then back to reality! lol! too bad we werent staying in the same area in florida wouldnt that have been a blast? Im glad you had fun. love seeing your pictures. I took very few while I was there. how many ocean shots can you take!? lol! I did take a lot, but in the end, they all look pretty much the same! lol!
    was so good to get away and just relax though. twas heavenly!
    and we came back to snow and cold! lol.. oh well.. I left my sandals and bathing suit at my mothers but Im pretty sure I wont be needing them here for a couple months still! She'll mail them to me before I need them.
    have a great day my friend!
    xoxo
    vivian

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  11. Pam~ Virginia RetroApril 12, 2016 at 1:56 PM

    Ah...you were definitely in the beautiful, white sugar sand, part of Florida. So glad you got to enjoy the beach and sunshine, a necessary respite in winter. Love the TN stop too, such an interesting place!

    Crossing fingers spring comes our way soon! :)

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  12. laurie -magpie ethelApril 12, 2016 at 11:13 PM

    Nice to have a spring break as a family before Emma heads off to college. We did the same thing when the kids were younger as we weren't sure if the world of spring breaks would ever collide again. Looks like you had a wonderful and warm time....the ocean, sand and sun does wonder for the soul.

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  13. Gina @ VictorianWannaBeApril 12, 2016 at 11:40 PM

    Oh, that looks like a wonderful time for you all! It looks a lot like the view from our Destin condo. Lucky you for finding good shells, we didn't find anything too spectacular! Shell island? I didn't know about that. Cute photo with the shells in the goggles! All the photos are cute though! Thanks for sharing your Spring Break with us Kim!

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  14. MargaretApril 14, 2016 at 7:20 AM

    What a great trip. You guys deserve a break from all the ice and snow even though I'm a snow lover too! We leave tomorrow for Savannah & Hilton Head. Looking forward to it! Love the smiles on your girls!

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  15. AnonymousApril 22, 2016 at 7:20 PM

    That's so great to get to Florida. We use to live in MI and we once drove to FL. . It was a lovely drive down and up I 75. Now we fly on a direct flight. Blessings Aways Pamela in OH

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  16. JodeeMay 1, 2016 at 7:43 PM

    Oh my word! What a fabulous spring break! I love, love, love the beach!

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Thank you for following our adventures. I always enjoy reading your comments. Happy crafting! Happy thrifting! PS. Ignore that "robot" verification. You can ignore/skip that step since I can't seem to remove it from blogger.