I never really thought much of Florida before we started vacationing there last year. To me it was just one of those "meh" kinds of places. I didn't look much farther than the retiree stereotype and humidity. Of course I sort of felt the same way about Mexico, then we went there for our honeymoon and it quickly became my favorite place in the world. I think that's how Toby feels about Florida. I've never seen a kid love the ocean as much as he does. Part of me is sad to be back home, away from the "wilderness" and the sunny beach. But part of me is also very grateful for bathtubs and my own bed, ya know what I mean? The past 9 days were absolutely awesome and exhausting. We had no idea how a family of 5 would survive in a 35' RV for 9-ish days, but we quickly found out. I was pleasantly surprised with how cozy and homey it felt. I'm an advocate for many more RV trips in the future! Here's how we spent our much-needed vacation...
Mike wore a stupid hat while piloting the RV to Florida. He was so proud of how well he handled the motorhome (even I was impressed!) - I chalked the hat up as a "reward" for not killing us on our way down. That hat rarely left his head...
Papa and Dad had an "RV hat" so Toby donned his red cowboy hat, too. (Don't worry, we were parked when this photo was snapped... he stayed buckled up!)
We stayed at Big Lagoon State Park at Perdido Key and oh my gosh, it was beautiful! This was the boardwalk across from our campsite. If you're ever camping in the western panhandle, you must pay Big Lagoon a visit!
Toby was overjoyed at the trail walks and the scenery. He and I took a stroll when we first arrived and all he wanted was to see an alligator. A far cry from the kid who cowered behind Dad at the reptile exhibit at the zoo last year!
Toby had just woken up from a car-nap and he was a little bummed that we were at a seafood restaurant instead of the beach. (Don't worry, little man. I was a bit bummed, too!) This gal doesn't eat anything from the water, so vacationing (with my family!) at the beach gets tough.
The amount of tacky shark souvenirs was overwhelming. I don't know why on Earth I put this shot glass back! Ugh, someone kick me! I scored some coffee mugs, magnets, and even a gifted shark wooden display, but this shot glass man! (If you're in Gulf Shores and want to send this my way, I'll pay you!)
Toby was super keen on waking up early during the first half of the trip. We had yet to really wear him out. This adorable photo is from about 7:30am when he and I took a little mommy/son trip to the playground.
We ended up at one of those side-of-the-road tourist traps called "The Track" (you know those!) - Mike took Toby on the big wooden go-karts and he was so underwhelmed. We then decided to treat him to his own kiddie karts and some rides on the attractions. At Christmas he was terrified of the tiny ferris wheel... this time he said "Mom! I want to go on that! I'm not scared!" so of course we obliged. We were so proud. He's growing up right in front of us! (How do I press pause on this whole thing?! Slow it downnnn!)
The next day was a full beach day. Sunshine galore thanks to the clearest skies! Mike and my stepdad had the idea of sitting their beach chairs right where the waves break on shore and despite the occasional mouthful of salt water, it was the most brilliant reprieve from the heat. Toby decided to join them and I think the photo of the three of them might be my very favorite ever. We also had some cranes pay us a visit during our trip. The clouds started to collect to the north even though the southern view was crystal clear. Weird how that works!
We decided to venture into Pensacola for the day and visit various parts of the naval base. We really wanted to see some lighthouses so my parents took us to one they had visited back on their southeast roadtrip around New Years. Yeah, so it looks nice and all, but those were the hottest, most cramped and terrifying 177 steps to the top... It was over 90 degrees with 96% humidity and there were way too many people. I started panicking about halfway up thinking "Oh god! I'm going to throw up! I'm going to pass out! How am I going to get down!" I finally made it up and then proceeded to start having an asthma attack! Yikes! It was a bit scary, and I'm not even scared of heights! I freaked out a bit starting our descent but Mike was awesome and helped me through it. By the time we got out we were drenched in buckets of sweat. Never again, my friends! Never again! To me, the view OF the lighthouse greatly surpasses the view FROM the lighthouse! haha Maybe I'm just a party pooper...
We visited the "Observation Tower" in the state park one evening to try and capture the sunset. The clouds were too plentiful to get a good color shot, but man, it was gorgeous! Look at those views! We missed a beautiful pink/orange sunset on our last night by about 3 minutes. I was totally kicking myself for that!
After a full day of rain caused a nature-imposed break, we went back to the beach. The sky was full of gnarly clouds and the waves were insane. They were easily upwards of 5 feet. We spent all of our beach time down at the Gulf Islands National Seashore and it was amazing! It's like $8 per car to get in, but that's a pass that's good for 7 days and there are no crowds! We had a huge section of the beach all to ourselves. We visited a public beach prior so we could scope it out, but we were not stoked on that situation We had another little crane friend visit us, and the seagulls just hovered around us all day. Mike also managed to snag a little crab, too! We let him go, but only after taking a glamour shot or two! Toby was stoked on the boogie board, but that didn't last long! He was totally kosher with the big waves, but we think he's still a bit too short-limbed to hold onto a board. Next year! I made sure to relish in the sunshine by taking a nap! We had some pretty comfortable beach chairs (especially since they were cheapo $15 grabs from Walmart) and the sunshine felt like an incredible blanket. I might have had my best sleep on that beach!
After that was said and done, Toby was dunzo. His little rosy cheeks were glowing and he was snoring up a storm on our way to dinner. The last half of the trip made him sleep in until 9am on most days, and that is unheard of in our house! He worked himself up and wore himself out!
After it was all said and done, we pulled out of Big Lagoon Sunday morning and set sail for home. Mike drove part of the way back and I was his "co-pilot" for the last 3 hours or so. It's nice to be in a big ol' RV because you're so high up. You also have room to really stretch out and get comfortable. The dark clouds and thunderstorm chasing was just an extra perk. I can't wait for the next trip, that's for sure!
It was such a lovely week and we're so grateful my parents treated us to such an adventure. Toby had the time of his life and I loved (almost) every minute of it. We're all nice and bronzed as we settle back into "real life" here at home. We sure did miss our pups though. The cats have been living it up lounging on the furniture inside, too. I think they might have missed us... even if only a little bit!
I'm so glad I was able to snap all of these photos of our trip. It was one for the books! (And can you believe these were all taken with my iPhone?! Whattttt?!) We snapped about two rolls of film (mostly of Toby in Big Lagoon) but I'll have to share those once we get them back from the lab in a few weeks! We had hoped to meet up with a few friends in town, and do an evening of open shoots, but life got in the way and we totally lost track of time! We felt so disconnected at some parts, but I'm not complaining. We needed it!
Any fun vacations for your books this summer?
gorgeous pictures! hope you enjoy these days in florida ♥
ReplyDeletewow I can't believe those are all iphone photos! makes me really want one. it sounds like an incredible time and what a great vacation! I actually get to go to the beach for a week (next week) so I am pretty excited. There's just something about waves and sun. It sounds like your vacation last just the right amount of time! welcome back :)
ReplyDeletewritingwhimsy.com
Love Perdido! We have a place in Orange Beach! I'll be back next month, I'll look for the Shark shot glass :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was such a fun trip! We're going to Maine soon and I cannot wait!
ReplyDeleteToby is adorable and I still LOVE that picture of the crab.
Love the photos Kaelah! Looks like you had an awesome time! They make me want to take my hubby and vacation in an RV in Florida! The weather looks so amazing compared to here in Scotland!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys had an awesome time! :) I, too, just think of Florida as humidity and old people. I guess I just haven't had a trip that's changed my mind, ha. My mom's entire side of the family (21 people!!!) is currently in Branson, Missouri (basically Missouri's Gatlinburg) and it's probably Tacky Tourist Town #1 with all it's ridiculous attractions and dinner shows galore, haha. I'll have to talk to them about Perdido Key ;)
ReplyDelete--Jamie
I have to agree with you on how Florida is just not the first place you would think of to go on vacation, you guys should try South Carolina next year, it's amazing!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your little family is so adorable, stay cute!
These photos are gorgeous, and your trip sounds like it was amazing. Glad to hear you had a great vacation!
ReplyDelete-Becca
Ladyface Blog
looks like you guys had a blast :)
ReplyDeletei can't tell you how many times i have gone to the pensacola naval museum over the years. (my dad is a pilot.) but last summer was the first time ever that we toured the lighthouse. did they still have the episode of ghost hunters that was recorded there playing in the basement? my five year old was terrified.
ReplyDeleteI want to go to Florida after seeing these pictures! It looks beautiful! Why don't my iPhone photos ever turn out this good??
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful vacation! I've always seen Florida by the stereotype, too, but after seeing all of your pictures, I want to visit there!
ReplyDeletexo
Kristina
www.eccentricowl.com
I am in Florida! We are about to take our vacation this weekend too to Anna Maria Island! I seriously can't wait! You just got me even more excited! LOL!
ReplyDeleteYour vacation looked like a lot of fun!
Such a fun family trip!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad y'all had a great time! I'm from a little town near Gulf Shores and I miss it so - I reeeeally took for granted how beautiful it is down there. Your photos definitely do it justice!
ReplyDeletegorgeous photos! sounds like an amazing time!
ReplyDeletewww.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
Looks like you had an absolutely fabulous time! That lighthouse is beautiful, I have a large soft spot for lighthouses.
ReplyDeleteI'm going on a road trip with my parents in late August, heading from out home in Minnesota to Niagara Falls Canada to a cousin's wedding. I'm so excited about it, first family vacation in at least 6 years! It needs to be August already!!
xx Sarah
mysmallrayofsunshine.blogspot.com
OMG I so feel you on the light house situation. I went on a whale watching tour in Monterey, California, a few years back and it was horrible. I had this image in my mind that I was going to see whales up close and it would all be magical. No. There were 8-12 foot swells, it was hella cold, and it took 4 hours before we finally found some killer whales...who were eating an elephant seal. It's a lot cleaner to watch on tv, trust me. I nearly cracked my ribs on the railing when some girl lost her balance and ran into me, and I ended up with a mild case of hypothermia. By the end of the trip, I was sitting in an area behind the cabin that smelled like gasoline. It was horrible. There were several times I nearly fell off the boat. I will NEVER go back on one of those things again. Ever.
ReplyDeleteI saw your pictures on instagram, this place looks absolutely stunning, I'm going to have to look into it. I've toyed with the idea of moving to Florida a time or two but I don't really care for the heat or the sun so it's sort of an odd fit. My parents had a camper for a long time (it finally died about a year ago) and it is amazing how comfy they can be, an RV sounds even comfier. I hear ya about the lighthouse, I have really bad anxiety sometimes and I probably would have reacted the same way. That is the cutest shot glass.
ReplyDelete<3Honeysuckelle
These pictures are great :) You're a lucky duck! I can't wait to be able to go on vacation. Florida looks a lot more fun that what I remember of it, maybe we'll go there! I really love seeing pictures of Toby and how much you love him. You're a great mom :) It's nice to have seen the blossoming of your relationship with him.
ReplyDeletexo Ashley
thetiniestfirecracker.com
I love vacations at the beach, especially in those areas of Florida. We camped near Pensacola when I was a kid and those are some of my best memories. Now, my parents rent a condo near that area and my whole family goes to visit at least once. It's our annual tradition and we totally look forward to it.
ReplyDeleteOh my lord! That picture of Toby, Mike and your dad is absolutely adorable!! He looks so cute sat in the middle. x
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! Looks like you had a wonderful time. And omg that picture of the bird (egret? crane? heron?)!!
ReplyDeletexox Sammi
www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com
please PLEEEEEEEEEASE do your research before giving a kid a hermit crab!!! They are not hardy creatures and are treated cruelly before being put in those tacky shells at the pet stores. They are still tropical animals and need a LOT of maintenance like cured water, salt water (that you hvae to buy and mix yourself in most places) and organic special diets. That is if you want them to live anyway. And they are not happy alone and need company. Pleeeeease just do your research!!! Too many people buy hermies for kids thinking that they're an easy pet and disposable.
ReplyDelete+your local crab spokeswoman
thanks for the comment patricia! very informative! i know little to nothing about hermit crabs myself, and i only managed to do a little research before we left florida, but i can understand that they're very complex creatures in need of a lot of attention! i'd never dream of putting them in one of those tiny little containers, but we have some friends who have a half dozen or more (in a large aquarium/terrarium type thing) and they're really handy in terms of knowledge! we'll be sure to do more thorough research before diving in that deep. I don't think *any* animal is disposable, regardless of size or interaction, but I can 100% see your point!
DeleteHow fun! Your son is too cute. Is he only four? If so, he should be in a carseat, or at least a booster. There are some great ones now to keep our big kids safe. :)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, he's *always* in his booster (not pictured because 1- he never rides in the front seat and 2- we were in a rest stop parking lot for a driving break) We take his safety very seriously but didn't feel the need to document it for the blog :) we're very responsible parents, don't worry!
DeleteThat's wonderful to hear. :) So many people genuinely aren't aware of the safety issues; it's not that they are not good parents, you know? Thanks for the reply!
DeleteI love the boardwalk in your campsite! It must have been so fun for kids to play there... Yoru holiday looks really lovelyxx
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a rad time in my home state! You mentioned that your parents are considering a move to homestead, if you ever come down here to south Florida you should have a meet up kind of thing. My husband and I run a great pizza shop on Ft. Lauderdale beach, there could be some free pizza in it for you guys. just saying'. (:
ReplyDeleteGlad you guys had so much in my home state! You mentioned before that your parents were considering a move to Homestead. So, if you are ever down in south Fla, you should come by the pizza shop me and my husband run on Ft. Lauderdale beach! there could be some free pizza in it for you and your dudes. Just sayin. (;
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a dream vacation! I love love love all the pictures, and I'm super impressed that you took them all on your phone. You've got me wanting to go to the beach now! Also, tell Mike his hat is awesome. I would totally wear it too.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are of particular interest to me as I will be visiting Perdido Key next summer. I've never been to Florida, and I'm going with my boyfriend and his family next year. They are planning on getting a villa at Parrot Head Resorts for us all to stay in.
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