A Trip to the Sunshine State

Look at our little beach dude!


Adding Nolan's hand print to his t-shirt... disaster!


First time touching the ocean!


Aunt Randee, Grandma Sandy, and Mom... pretty ladies!


Lookin' good in is shades on his 5-month birthday!


Ready for a swim!

On June 5th, which also happened to be my dear mom's birthday, we climbed into the family vans and headed south to the Sunshine State for the annual Harper Family Vacation. This one was extra special because it was Nolan's first vacation! I must say this kiddo was a superstar. He rode quietly in his car seat for the entire 12 hour drive! We stopped about three or four times for gas/food/diaper changes, but the rest of the time he just napped and played in his seat. He was great!!!

We arrived in Panama City Beach, Florida about 7pm and moved our luggage into the condos. There were 19 of us this year! Quite a group!!! Our condo housed Chris, Nolan, the parents, Grandma Sandy, and I. Once we got settled in and ate dinner it was time for bed. Nolan woke up that night around 3am, but quickly went back to sleep after a bottle.

The next morning we awoke to a beautiful beach and plenty of sunshine! The next several days were spent relaxing (and playing) in the pool and ocean, eating numerous fattening meals, shopping, and napping. Who could ask for a better vacation!? Chris and the boys also played golf three of the days too. One day the condo had t-shirt painting for the kiddos, so Chris made Nolan an adorable little t-shirt. We tried to add Nolan's hand print, but as you can imagine that turned into a big mess! We skipped the family miniature golf this year because of Baby Nolan, but we managed to find a wonderful little ice cream shop to fill the void while the others were golfing! I think it was a good trade-off! We also had a family photo made while we were there. The photographer did a nice job with the group. We all dressed in white and tan, and looked pretty good if I can say so myself!

Nolan really enjoyed spending time with all of the family. Since we got home he seems pretty bored with Chris and I! He's wondering where all of his fun cousins have gone. He spent at least half an hour every day in the swimming pool which he LOVED! He will be a great swimmer one day the way he kicks those legs in the water! We took him down to the beach for photos one morning, and while we were posing him he face planted right into the sand. It was ALL over his little face. He cried. Mommy cried. It was chaos! Luckily Chris got him to the outdoor showers and quickly got him cleaned off. He may never want to go to the beach again though!

On Saturday, June 12th we packed up the vans and headed back home. I was sad to end such a nice trip. Fortunately, Nolan made the drive home easy as pie again. He is such a trooper. I think he's going to be an avid traveler like his Mommy! I hope so anyway! We got in on Saturday around 9:30 or 10pm. It was nice to sleep in our own house, but I was sure missing the beach on Sunday morning!

Next up, Chicago for Cory's grad party!!! Can't wait!!!

And one last thing, Happy BELATED Birthday to my wonderful Mom!!! You are the best mom and friend a girl could ask for, and we all love you very much!!!


She's simply the best!