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Destin Part 1 – Travel Journal

TRAVEL

Three years ago we sat with a few friends at a barbeque and talked about how fun it would be to all go on vacation together once we had kids.

Then Billy & Dee had one.

Then we had one.

Then Jeff & Jill had one.

Torrey…notsomuch.  kinda hard without a uterus, huh Tor?

But 75% ain’t so bad.  And the time finally came that we saved 36 months for – the toddler beach vacation/babymoon for our secondborn/excuse to eat-too-much soak-up-too-much-sun and take-too-many-photos.

(yes…there are seventy-four photos in this post…my apologies to those on dial-up)

We headed out last weekend.  Dee had scored us a great deal for a place to stay that had six bedrooms and a great common area and access to the beach without any stairs (hallellujah!) so we forked over our $500 for the week (we paid less and got a non-suite) and packed up our bikes and bikinis and headed out.

Will is hard core on breakfast burritos.  He is very dainty with them.  Note the pinky up 🙂

I’ve said before that we travel a lot by car with Will and road trips don’t scare us so this time around we planned for one big ‘baby break’ and luckily we found a quaint little town to stop at.  Brundidge.  Yup…home of the first commercial peanut butter mill.  Also home of one cool city hall next to one cool old house turned library next to one awesome wall o’ mural.

My tip for traveling with a toddler – snacks, songs, and a whole lotta Barney.  And find a spot to stop that has space to run.  Oh and bring a blanket.

We rolled the window down when we crossed over a bridge with the ocean.

DESTIN!

Will wanted to take off his clothes as soon as we saw the sand – I felt the same way but look substationally less cute in the nude.

We changed the little guy and he made no hesitations toward the water.

Dads with toddlers.

You all should be warned that Lola is a ham.  She has one big amazing personality squeezed into one tiny little body.

And she has a Pebbles hairdo.

Here’s the back side of the place we were staying.

Will had a hayday with the snow.  And his I-wanna-be-Johnny-Depp hairdo.

A little sand to the face.  He also makes this face during some of the meals I’m made.

All in all – great arrival.

And great view.  I need to work on my moon-photography.  Not so good.

Oh and here are the four boys.  Jeremy & Torrey (red shirt) are brothers and Billy (gray shirt) and Jeff (navy shirt) are brothers.

The next day Will could barely wait to get his noodle in the water.  Take that as you will.

The water was amazing.  It reminded me of our honeymoon in Mexico.  I’ve been to a lot of beaches but this is the only one in the US that I did not think twice about getting in the water.  Yes, I get extremely freaked out by the thought of sharks, jellyfish and other painful water-dwellers.

The guys did a lot of paddleballing.  Jeremy found the new paddle ball sets at Goodwill for a couple bucks and it was sortof hilarious watching him get excited about finding a good deal.  Now he knows how I feel every time I smash my cart into someone elses and tackle a thrifty prize with gusto.

Let’s not even talk about how much I should not be wearing this suit.

After a day at the beach, we cleaned up and headed to a ritzy area called Baytown Wharf to eat some seafood.

We ate at a restuarant called Poppy’s.  I give it a solid B+.

I give little Hayden a solid A+ mostly for the extreme cuteness…but bonus for having brown eyes.

Jer had steak.  Do not eat the steak.  It ain’t worth it.  Eat the crab.  I ordered the crab & shrimp.  The shrimp doesn’t even deserve to be mentioned next to the crab.  Just grab the crab.  Grab it with both hands and don’t let go.  Unless you are eating it.

Seriously that good.  It made up for Jer’s so-so steak and some awfully neglected shrimp.

We hit up Sweeties afterward to indulge the sweet-tooth…we highly recommend the cake batter.  All eight of us thought it was the best.

Cheese-balls.  And dude…that’s one big lifeguard.

Oh – here’s a tidbit you all are dying to know.  Will let me know he had a poopie diaper for the first time ever while on vacation.  He was adamant.  As you can see by the vein on his neck.

Now back to the beach…

This one kills me.

I love his lashes and his little freckles.  and his lips.  and his lashes.  did I mention those already? I love them.  and his everything.

This picture gives me hope.  It tells me two is not too much to handle.  It tells me we are not getting in over our heads.  It tells me that I married the best man ever.  It tells me that I am the luckiest girl in the world to have a loving husband…and the ability to kiss my little boy every day and to have one on the way.  That is the very definition of blessed.

Also sand between my toes doesn’t hurt 🙂

We ate at the house a few nights and it was so fun to just bum it.  Don’t get me wrong.  One of the greatest parts of vacation is trying out local joints and not worrying about preparing food or cleaning up afterwards.  But I also like not worrying about my hair or if my leggings are clean or if Will isn’t gonna have a breakdown right after the waiter brings the drinks.

On Wednesday, it was quite different outside.  A storm was a brewing.

It was the first day of rain.  I forgotten what Florida rain is like.  It’s different than Loganville, GA rain.  It’s heavy – like a old quilt, handmade and smells and new at the same time.  It’s beautiful.

We spent the day perusing the outlets and hit up Cantina Laredo for dinner.  Not really mexican food.  Good…but not mexican to me.  I don’t care what the signs says.  And that giant bowl of cheese dip….my thighs thank you.

After a day of rain, we woke up not really knowing what to expect.  IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE.

The weather was absolutely perfect.  The toddlers were worn out.

Well – not this one.  She’s dancing.  And yes, she does the moonwalk and it is the cutest thing ever.

Along with her mad dance skills, she also does this thing where she tries to get your number.  She flirts like Backstreet Boy at a reunion concert.  She looks at you and smiles and then she gives you ‘the eyes’.  She and an 80 year old woman had a love affair across the room at breakfast one morning…it was like a weird rom-com.

One of Will’s favorite things about Destin was the fact that frequent boats and helicopters came by.  He would freeze…and watch…and afterward tell everyone that a ‘copper’ went by.

One evening we snuck away for a chaperoned pizza night at Ciao Bella.  Somehow Lola convinced Will to pucker up.  It must have been those eyes 🙂

The Donut Hole was one of our favorites for local fare.  The coconut chocolate donut was amazing. The bacon…disappointing.  Just keepin’ it real.

Then it was back to the beach.  Do you notice a theme here?  We did a whole lotta eating and beaching.

 

And taking photos of Lola.  She was willing and happy to be my model…

We are still working on posing…

Apparently those flirty eyes wore off by day five…kudos to Will for resisting temptation.  There’s five bucks in for you kid if you keep that up till you’re, oh, say thirty.

Forgot my throwing something label 🙂

All in all – super fun.  And it’s not over yet.  Still gotta part two to do 🙂

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Comments

  1. Love this! Just got back myself from a baby-screaming beach vacation where three of us couples had babies within the past year. What a relief to not have to make excuses to each other. We all Get. It. ..Like I’m sure your group did. Your group is classier though. No cups thrown at the other team in fits of pictionary anger or mustache pinatas made literally of, i think, real hair brought in for a birthday. Yes, much classier indeed.

    And you rocked that bikini! Show off that belly!! 😉

  2. How cute are those kids! My husband, two-year-old Lucy and I love Cocoa Beach, Fl but your pics are making me very tempted to make Destin our next beach vacation. That sand is unreal!

  4. I was totally supposed to be in Destin at the same time but had to back out due to lack of funds (it’s a little more pricey to get to Destin from Western NY than GA)! My Dad and step-mother, Jackie, were there celebrating her birthday with my step-brothers. They said the beach was unreal…I didn’t believe them until I saw these photos. Now I’m even more jealous! 🙂

    Emily

  5. It was neat looking at all the pictures of Destin, my family and I will be heading there in August, and I don’t think I’m going to go to the Poppy’s resturaunt, but I can’t wait to get in that water!!! I can’t get over how cute Will is in that hat. 🙂

  6. Oh goodness! That looks like a wonderful vacation. I really need to get to the beach before I’ve got a newborn. I can’t see an itty bitty baby liking the beach!

  7. How much fun is that??? Kids, beach, food?!? My idea of a great time:) good for you for getting away and having fun! I love destin (only went for a day when we visited gulf shores) and can’t wait to go back someday. Looking forward to part two.

  8. I love all the cute tops you wore on your vacation! You’re definitely inspiring me for my summer wardrobe 🙂

  9. I am completely jealous! My husband and I were taken to Destin Pointe last year by some friends when we visited the USA and we loved it there. The water and the sand is just stunning! So is your little belly in the first picture!

  10. Beautiful pictures! I love Destin, one of the best beaches in the US. We used to go with some friends…they have a house in Baytowne! Actually a house and a condo. But I preferred the beach part of Destin! The water and the sand! Looks like the place you stayed was perfect!

  11. We love Destin! We only live an hour away, so we enjoy a quick beach trip! Baytown is always a must! If you love Destin, you must drive a little further to Seaside. It is a gorgeous little community with good eating! Have fun!

  12. It’s a small world!!!! I have been reading your blog for a few months now and love it. I work in Brundidge at the bank right across the street from where you stopped. What day did you stop? I remember one day last week seeing someone across the street and it looked like they were having a picnic or something lol maybe it was you???? You should definitely come back in October when the town has its annual Peanut Butter Festival.

  14. I read the title as “detination desitin” and I was like, “oh, a post about diaper rash…that’s new.” haha. This was muuuuch better 😉
    Looks amazing!! We are planning our first family vacation for hopefully later this summer. This just lit the fire in my pants to get things moving!

  15. I love love love Destin! That is where my hubby and I actually honeymooned (we are from TN). And you are so right on the beaches. You cannot beat them. What a fun idea to get a bunch of couples together with kids.

  16. I love Destin!!! My grandparents rent a place down there, every year, for three months. Usually my husband and I visit with friends sometime during that time. The Donut Hole = Amazing. Next time (if there is a next time) try the eggs benedict or the cheese blintzes. SO yummy!!! Oh and another place to visit if you head there again: Flip Flops. It’s a small little burger place, but the burgers are some of the best I have ever tasted. Also, I have heard that the po’boys are to die for 🙂

    Can’t wait for part two. It looks like you guys had a blast!

  17. Great pictures! I love the last one of Will. Is that picture with Jeremy and the 3 kids your dream?….Baby Daddy surrounded by all your own kids…..

  18. Hey Katie! Great pics…as always. Looks like y’all had a blast!!

    Question..what was the name of the place you stayed in? We’re trying to book a first time ever Destin trip for the end of July. The problem I’m having is there are just too many options! I need just a few solid, recommendations, so I’m not flying blind here. I don’t want to read “beautiful beach view”, get there..and find out that view is from the bathroom only!!!
    Any help…or suggestions for a first timer would be awesome!! This will be our first beach trip with our 4 boys..and I can’t wait!!

    Thanks!
    Tritia

  19. That picture of Will giving Jeremy kisses….cutest thing ever. It makes me want babies!

  21. Ahh!! So very jealous of your Destin vacay! Destin is so beautiful and as I was reading your post I was thinking to myself that I could recommend a really yummy restaurant and then it turns out you guys made a stop at Ciao Bella! A really good friend my husband’s runs that restaurant. If you guys ever make a trip back there you must try Another Broken Egg Cafe. They have awesome blackberry grits! Thanks for sharing your trip and I hope that you guys enjoyed Ciao Bella!

  23. Looks like you had a great time and all of the pictures are amazingly beautiful, as usual! I also love the one with Will’s eyelashes, both he and Lola are absolutely adorable. However, I do think a video of the moon-walking might be in order 🙂

  24. It was Sunday…although you probably weren’t working – we did have a picnic though 🙂 Such a cute town!
    xo – kb

  25. I can’t believe how clear the water is in Florida!! I was just in Cocoa Beach and it wasn’t like that. Beautiful pictures — looks like you had an amazing time. 🙂

  26. Oh, I had almost forgotten how much I loved Destin!! Love the pictures. If you’re still there, try out FudPuckers… and they have crocodiles to oogle while you wait.

  27. Almost…Jer with four of our bio kids and then a couple adopted in there too 🙂 It sounds dreamy!
    xo – kb

  29. Beautiful pictures! You have a gift, Katie B….. Now my upcoming girl’s weekend to Nags Head isn’t so exciting anymore….. I love it, but the water doesn’t even compare to Destin.

  30. Hi Katie! I am such a blog-creeper…..I have been following yours for over a year now and love it! I have never commented before, I feel kind of weird doing so since I dont have my own blog, but now I have a burning question and I cant hold back anymore! 🙂 I am so embarrassed…but….where did you get the striped bathing suit you are wearing in the first pic? I am preggo..due ON THANKSGIVING (kill me now) and live in Florida. Let me tell you, the two don’t mix. I have had a horrible time trying to find cute suits to wear and we spend every.single.day at the pool. I imagine you will tell me that its 1) not maternity 2) is from when you had Will and is no longer available or 3) a Goodwill find (somehow you find the BEST stuff at Goodwill. I never find ANYTHING).

    Anyway, this has got to be so annoying for you…I feel like I know you and you must think I am some psycho stalker (I’m not, I swear. I’m just not exciting enough to blog myself). BUUUUT if you could share where you got it, I will be forever grateful. And yes, at this point, its the little things, like bathing suits, that can make my day.

    Thanks!!
    Cindy

  31. LOVE these pictures…and the kids! Lola is definitely a ham! Do you have any special equipment for your camera for the beach? I’m so afraid to take my camera because I know sand will end up in every nook and cranny! But, I would love to have pictures like this to cherish forever!

  33. Emily, I too live in WNY, Buffalo to be exact. I’m originally from Nashville and moved here 5 yrs ago. The Beaches of South Walton are my favorite beaches to go to. So beautiful down there. I hate living so far away from them. Now Outer Banks has to be our beach destination for a 12 hour drive with kids, not that it’s bad, but the houses are beautiful in the Destin area. We love Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa, etc, just east of the very commercial Destin area. I am dying to go to the beach now (well always am)- havent been in 4 yrs!!! Money hasnt allowed for a big beach trip, but we are definitely going next Spring or summer!

  34. Looks like a wonderful vacation! The beach looks beautiful, would love to stay there sometime. Your baby bump is adorable- probably couldn’t use that as an excuse for any poochiness on this 51 year old body, though, huh? Oh, did you realize you said Will was having a hayday in the snow? 🙂

  35. OMG! My in-law’s and family were down there last weekend! My husband and I were only down there for 2 days. Not gonna lie, we had Donut Hole donuts 2 breakfasts while we were down there 🙂 My brother in-law got married… unfortunately not at the beach, the weather turned out not so good! What a small world!!

  37. Dang it, Katie! Now I wanna go on vacation! I’m blaming you when my husband gets sick of me whining.

    It looks wonderful! I’m so glad y’all had a good time, and you look super cute in your bikini, maybe not as cute Lola looked in hers, but you could never compete with that belly she’s got. 🙂

  38. I have a special place in my heart for Destin. I lived there in the summers during college and worked at the mcdonalds near the outlets you went to. I went with a college ministry and they were the best summers of my life. Destin is a wonderful place. Next time you go you need to drive down 98 some more and hit up the Grayton Beach area for the Hibiscus Cafe for breakfast and the Red Bar for dinner. Best food around. We would literally drive an hour from our ghetto motel to Hibiscus Cafe on our off days. Its that good.

  39. Katie-
    Great pictures! Will is too cute! Where did you get his precious little beach outfit (plaid trunks, white shirt, blue hat)? We are actually heading to Destin soon and I need to go shopping. I have the hardest time finding solid color tee’s for my little guy. I either find collared shirts or words written all over them. Thanks!

  40. WTF?! Torrey…notsomuch. kinda hard without a uterus, huh Tor?

    Am I the only one who DID NOT get this comment?

    I know you are goofy but this seemed a little harsh and maybe I don’t know the inside story but again, WTF?!!!!

  42. I’m so glad you enjoyed my hometown. If you ever go back be sure to ask local’s advice on where to eat. Too many ‘tourist traps’ around here.

  43. Looks like a great vaca! You look fabulous! Are you wearing maternity clothes now? If so, where did you get those cute tops?

  44. Don’t publish my comment. That is fine. But for as much as you bitched and whined about not having another baby and then once you found out you were pregnant you bitched and whined about how overwhelming it wad to take care of JUST Will all day I can’t believe you would make such an insensitive comment. The more I read your blog I feel like you are a spoiled brat who has no appreciation for what you have.

  45. Cute photos Katie!! Looks like a lovely destination. That water totally reminds me of Mexico too!! Happy you guys got away for a little R&R 🙂

  47. I want to go back to Destin so bad!! Looks like a good time was had by all. Love the pics of Will. You look fine in a bikini. Seriously! And can you post some more pics of Jeremy’s shoulders/backside? Please and thanks!

  48. The last picture of this post is A. Adorable and B. Will looks just like you with that big grin. He usually looks like you in some way but this one it was like seeing what you would look like as a little boy. Just sayin!

  49. Oh it looks awesome there! We are going to NC in a few weeks and I can’t.freaking.wait. now that I’ve seen photos of the beach!! Love your white hat too – where is it from/brand?

  50. I LOVE Destin. A few weeks ago I had taken an all girls trip to Panama City Beach. We had rented a car and drove the forty minutes to shop at the outlet malls. Destin was BEAUTIFUL and the crab we ate there……AMAZING. Like you said don’t order anything else (so not worth the marked up prices) but the crab…..get lots and lots of crabs (not in a gross way. hehe)!! I was always the “we’re going to the ocean BUT I hang out by the pool” girl. Not this time…..I did not go to the pool one time our five days there. The ocean is what it really looks like in Katies pictures………the ombre blue water is the real deal…..and the sand is as fine as flour!! Our last few days there we saw a few sting rays swimming (actually almost the same spot we were swimming a few hours prior) from our balcony and the very next morning we saw a couple dolphins just coasting along near the shore. AMAZEBALLS!! When I got home I told my husband that we would be back (together) and I think just like you and your hubby did, Destin will be the perfect destination to go on a babymoon someday. What with all the hard work it is eating, sunbathing, and relaxing there all the time (perfect for a prego). Did you buy anything at the outlet malls or any souvenirs?!?!

  51. Been reading your blog for a while now and I love seeing that you guys were in my neck of the woods! I went to college in Troy, the town you passed thru before getting to Brundidge. I live in Ozark, the town you passed through AFTER you left Brundidge. AND I’ll be in Destin this weekend! I hope you guys enjoyed your trip down 231!

  52. I live 40 minutes from Destin. My husband just finished learning to fly one of those helicopters that flew over the beach and we have plenty of friends in training still who probably flew right over you guys. The orange and white helos are the Navy/Marine Corps training helos. I’m sad we’re moving away from the beautiful white sand beaches in a few weeks. They’re gooorgeous.

    I absolutely love your blog and I wish I will one day be as DIY-awesome and as great a mother as you are. (You and Sherry @ Young House Love are kind of my idols…)

  53. When were you guys there ? My husband and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary there on May 4th. The storm came when we were there. Gosh I’d have loved to meet you !

    I read your blog all the time and love it ! My husband is an amateur photographer and I show him your photographs all the time. You are an inspiration Katie.

  54. These pictures are amazing! I don’t know how you manage to take perfect shots when it is so sunny and the light is bouncing off the water and the sand, but you do. I’m jealous!

    I live in Pensacola, which is pretty close to Destin, and although I am not much of a daytime beach person (let’s just say I fit in in Ireland really well), I love it at night. All of the Emerald Coast is amazingly beautiful with its sandy white beaches and emerald water. I am glad you guys had such an amazing time!

    This makes me want to go on vacation with our friends now! It would be so fun. Oh, and I can’t wait for more pictures – never apologize for lots of photos. They are the best.

  55. Katy, your captions for Lola had me dying. i think her and this little girl Beau need to be best friends. Beau even has a blog. nope, shes not my kid i just think she is hilarious and whoever came up with giving a 3 year old a blog is genius! http://www.littlewakka.com/

  56. Looks like you guys had a great time. Those kids are all so darn cute. They would have had me laughing all day!

  58. Friend vacations are the best! We went to Gulf Shores with another couple last year and now we can’t wait to go on a vacation together again(especially since they had a little boy this month and we are expecting a boy in July). I think as soon as my husband and I move back from Turkey we are going to have to go. =)

  59. Those pictures are amazing. I loved the shot of the bag of sunscreen. Glad you all had a great time. What a lovely place.

  60. You know, I’ve lived in Florida my whole life and have never made the trip up to the panhandle beaches, but your pictures definitely are making me consider the drive! We’re at the stage now that you mentioned in your first sentence…talking with our couple friends about how fun it will be to go on vacation together when we have kids. Thanks for confirming that it will in fact be awesome. Looks like you had a great time! 🙂

  61. Hey Katie..we are taking a girls trip there in 4 weeks and your pictures have made me so excited!! By the way, the swimsuit you have on in the first pic, is that a maternity swimsuit? It looks so cute from what i can tell and I am having the hardest time finding one that I like!

  62. Wow, what beautiful photos! I’m a FL native but I’ve never been to Destin. It looks so pretty. What ever happened to the blog post about your trip to the East coast of FL a couple of months ago? Did I miss it? You look fabulous Katie and definitely can still rock a bikini!

  63. I was just there last week. It’s amazing! We fly with 2 yr old and meet our friends from ATL who drive with all the baby gear.

  64. Loganville! I knew you must be close! I think the same rodeo you went to came through Athens a few weeks before. I’m pretty sure we’d be besties. Just sayin’. Cute pictures of your cute family. And congrats on that growing bump!

  65. Thank you for sending me on a little vacation at work today. Florida’s tourism council should use your photos as advertising. Seriously, gorgeous. Made me want to go to Florida. Like now.

  66. OMG TOO WEIRD! My hubs and I just got back from Destin/PCB/Santa Rosa Beach on Sunday! We went to Hammerheads, which is in the background of one of your pics! How strange. I agree, I live in St Pete, FL and have been to a gazillion beaches in FL and also in Jamaica and Destin has THE prettiest water I’ve ever seen!

  68. How fun!! It’s neat to see all these pictures of our stomping grounds. We just moved back to Florida in November, we live about 20 minutes from Destin!!! Glad you had a good time!

  70. Great pictures! We will actually be a little further down the road in Seacrest next week. Can’t wait to get my toes in the sand!

    Can you share the settings you use on your camera for the beach pictures? I feel like my colors never come out that vibrant – I always want to squint any them because the sun makes them so bright!

  71. How lovely! We have a house down in Destin. We couldn’t resist snapping up a property there after seeing how perfect the water and sand are, and we spend as much of the summer there as possible. It’s great to see others enjoying such a perfect vacation town.

  72. “barely wait to get his noodle in the water”

    $5 says you took that picture just so you could write that!

    🙂

  74. If only I could count the times you’ve made my laugh enough to spit my coffee…Thanks for your brilliant humour and allowing my vicarious enjoyment of your holiday!

  76. I love the photos! They make me eager for the day my little guy is old enough to play in the sand (and not try to eat it). Also, never apologize for anything you wear while pregnant. You look wonderful!

  77. My neighbor’s company built all of those houses before everything went bust on the Gulf!
    We live in Crystal Beach, about a mile up from the Crab Trap headed to the Wal-Mart on Old 98. Spent many of my college summer days working at Big Kahunas and having dates at Baytown…The Boat House (worked there too!) and Dewey Destin in downtown Destin (the original one on the bay, literally on the water with crab island as the view) have the best burgers and Sea Food on the Gulf, and the prices are super affordable.
    Also, Another Broken Egg (original in down town Destin near AJ’s) is fantastic. Harbor Docks has an amazing breakfast as well.
    I know yall are done with your vaca, but other readers should def put it on their to do lists!
    Holloywood isle is super fun and its a great beach to feed fish fozen peas and they will eat it out of your hand. You can do that anywhere in the Gulf though!

  79. I used a ISO 100 and put my fstop at 5.0 (the kids were fast!) so I wanted to be sure I got more than just their hair in focus…and then my shutter on most were between 1/250 and 1/500…that’s for all the daytime photos. And of course, I post processed them all too so I could boost their color when needed 🙂
    xo – kb

  80. I still have the photos but right after that vacation, my body went on strike…so I never finished it. I will definitely do an oops-I-meant-to-tell-ya-about-this kinda post 🙂
    xo – kb

  83. It was from Canvas (Lands End)…I think I got it for like $2 on one of their clearance sales.
    xo – kb

  85. Oh yes. My 2 pm my regular pants are just too binding and my shirts grow higher and higher. Most of the tops you see are tunics or short dresses that I wear with leggings. The pearly one is like a tshirt with beads sewn on…super comfy – I got it at Goodwill for $2.50 and it doesn’t have a tag so no help there. The strapless mexicany one is from Target (I think it was a juniors dress?)…it was just on clearance so you might wanna check quick. The cream one I got at the outlets down there. It’s from Banana Republic and it’s a super long tank…I think it was $11. Happy shopping!
    xo – kb

  86. It’s from Canvas which is a Lands End branch. It was on sale a whole lot a couple years ago…so I got it for cheap – but their tankinis are great for the starter baby bump 🙂
    xo – kb

  87. haha…brain fart! The sand was so fine – it did remind me of snow though 🙂 I guess that’s a fruedian slip, huh!?
    xo – kb

  88. I actually got an insulated lunchbag that I put my camera in – crazy but I’m nervous about the heat and the sand – so it stays out a little better with that than a traditional camera bag.
    xo – kb

  89. I love his little outfit too! The trunks and swim shirt are from Walmart (they have cute stuff this summer!) and the blue hat was from the Janie & Jack outlet in Destin. I realized we had a hat but the kid’s head was too big?!
    xo – kb

  90. Your vacation looks amazing and brings back so many memories. I’ve grown up going to Destin. We love it. I too would not swim in any ocean except in Destin – so beautiful. We love the Donut Hole, Baytown Wharf the outlets and the beach of course……all of it! I hope we get to introduce our future little one to the place. Oh I miss it. Cherish your memories!

  91. Yay for you guys!! We’re in Sanibel now (and, yes, I should be on the beach and not catching up online but the wee one is napping) and this post came at the perfect time. I was feeling like all of my beach shots were looking the same. Thank you so much for some new ideas on composure and capturing the details!!

  92. Torrey is Jer’s little brother…and he’s not married or whatever, so yeah, he doesn’t have a uterus available for a baby yet. Sorry if you didn’t know he was a dude… it wasn’t a dig at anyone – obviously that can get confusing with a name like Torrey. And I have lots of friend and family that are dealing with issues (cancer, disease, infertility, etc) that deal with their reproductive organs – sorry if that seemed like a comment toward them…it’s just teasing Torrey that he is slow to pull the trigger on starting his family.
    xo – kb

  93. OK , I hope you know the consequences of your boy kissing another baby girl. If clara sees this , you better save your boy 😛 Have you seen that pretty lady off late..she is such a pretty one!

  94. I bought a top and a bracelet at the Banana Republic outlet (I always get a cheap jewelry item on vacation – it’s like a tradition)…and got Will a pair of shoes, a hat, and a few items for future photoshoots 🙂 I think Jer got a button down shirt and some shorts (he didn’t pack as well as he thought…and ended up needing a dressy outfit for dinner one night.)
    But besides that – we didn’t get any other souvenirs…except a slight tan 🙂
    xo – kb

  96. Sorry Gina – all the comments were stuck in moderation till I got back from Lowes 🙂 And yes…I am spoiled. I can be one heckova brat. but I do try to appreciate every little thing I have…I am very blessed, am open about my struggles, and am full of flaws and I do apologize if that comment about my brother-in-law not having a uterus is insensitive.
    xo – kb

  97. I love Destin, we haven’t been in almost ten years but it was beautiful!

    My four year old, whose obsessed with airplanes and fire trucks , would love to know where Will got his fire truck shirt and pj’s.

    Oh, and he says Will is his friend. The things that come out of the mouths of babes 🙂

  98. Oh my gosh – Will is obsessed with Clara. He asks for her every day. The funny thing is that the one time he kissed Lola – he was wearing a shirt that was from Clara. PLAYA!
    xo – kb

  99. Um, yeah, foot in mouth, I thought Torrey was a girl. I am an idiot for not reading further. Sorry for the sh*tty comment about you being a spoiled brat. Apprarently I am bitch. Thank you for your sense of humor in responding….”and I do apologize if that comment about my brother-in-law not having a uterus is insensitive.” I am going to try to not beat myself up quote as much since I did have the balls to come back here and face you after majorly showing my a**.

  101. um, i sure hope clara petersik doesn’t know about those kisses.
    or do they have a “vacation agreement” — what happens in destin, stays in destin?

  103. Relax, Gina. It’s really not that serious. The first comment was sufficient, the second profanity-riddled one about such a benign joke just makes you look…well…crazy. 🙂

  104. Aw, this is so great to hear someone else enjoyed that beach last week! I actually got married there (well Inlet Beach) last Saturday….make that cinco de mayo! And the weather and water could not have been more beautiful. We are only in NOLA so we make the trip there often, and it is always gorgeous–it never fails. However, we no longer stay in Destin–we go to the 30A area (Grayton, Inlet, Seaside, Rosemary Beaches, etc). It’s a lot quieter and much more walkable/bike-able. Actually I think Seaside had their annual arts fest last week (I hope you got to check it out, it’s unbelievable). Anyways, glad you had fun! and our family (from up north) said the same thing about the beaches on the Emerald Coast, best in the US! (someone even said better than Hawaii, but I wonder about that one…)

  105. haha…I can totally see how someone could think it was insensitive…it’s one of those names. Torrey is like Laurie or Nancy or Taylor…it goes both ways. Except our Torrey only goes one way…just wanna make sure I don’t confuse any eager guys out there 🙂
    xo – kb

  106. Aww cute! I love that Will has friends he’s never met either 🙂
    And his jammies are from Gap…they were in clearance during a recent 40% off sale…so it’s worth checking out.
    xo – kb

  110. Looks like a great vacation! You always take such fantastic photos. So Torrey…single? Bc seriously, yum 😉

  111. This is weird… We were there the same week! Just down the road in Blue Mountain beach. Did you guys make it to Seaside? After that storm, we saw tons of dolphins and a manatee! The next day was gorgeous! Glad you had a blast…seriously the most beautiful beaches in the U.S.!

  113. Whoa, a little harsh with the WTF’s. I didn’t get it at first either. But then I continued to read and I also paid attention to the pictures. Especially the one with Torrey (a male, with a peni$) in it!

  114. I agree Ann L. Cuckoo!!

    Katie – I have never once considered you to be a brat or unappreciative or spoiled. Sorry people are picking on you!

  115. Thanks! I enjoy a nice eye-candy every once in awhile.

    Did you guys go eat at Pompano Joe’s? So yummy! We stayed like 100 yards away from there when we came to Destin 2 years ago.

  116. NO WAY!! We just moved to Destin two weeks ago for my husband’s job! My 6 month old son, my mom and I drove from New Hampshire to Destin! My husband had moved down a few weeks before. As we drove through your neck of the woods I txt my husband to tell him we were going to stop and see you so we’d be later than expected! He wasn’t surprised! And now to know you were just next door after we arrived… 🙂 Congrats on the pregnancy! You have an adorable family. Thanks for sharing with us!

  117. My mom lives in Destin! I spent my summers as a kid on those white beaches. And now I will be spending the rest of my afternoon reminiscing about white beaches and blue green water! 🙂

  119. Looks like it was great vacation! 🙂 I love friends holidays – Its just more fun haviung more people & great for the kiddies too! Looking forward to part 2 🙂

  120. SO jealous of all the little vacays you have been able to take. Ive never been able to afford any and hubby and I both work full time jobs.
    Plus you have a beautiful, huge home. Consider me oober jealous.

  128. i keep reading “destination destin” as “destination desitin” and think of diaper cream haha! Love the pics!Will is so cute!

  129. So many things I want to say about these pictures….First of all, that beach is gorgeous!! The pic with all the clouds looks like a painting. You totally rock that bathing suit, sister! And that top/dress you’re wearing at dinner (with the beaded neckline) is gorgeous! Those kids are adorable….no captions are even needed…the pictures tell a story by themselves. What a fantastic vacation!! Thanks for sharing!

  130. That last picture of Will is just the cutest! Looks like he had a great time! Don’t kids just love the beach….

  131. It WAS you and Jeremy I saw at the Destin outlets last week. I was visiting a friend there, so I still can’t believe that you all happened to be there in that same time frame. Wish I could’ve worked up the courage to actually approach you.

  132. Awesome! Please tell me that someone got the Apple Fritter when you were at the Donut Hole. It’s amazingness on a plate… and the size of a plate, as well. I’m headed down to the Destin area one week from today and this post has me SO ready. 🙂

  133. Agree… FABULOUS pictures Katie!! But the white balance… that’s always hardest for me to master in full sunlight. Any tips?

  134. I wish I could help – I am practically blind out there too! I just fix it in post processing if my white balance is off.
    xo – kb

  136. oh man – I wish you would have! We were in full-alert shopping mode (Will was napping and Uncle Torrey was on duty) so it would have been nice to have a friend say hi!
    xo – kb

  137. Looks like you had a lovely time. We are going down for the day at Cape San Blas next Sunday for a day of fun. Thanks for the camera settings–will need this for my 6 year old, 3 year old, and 9 month old. 🙂

  138. Yeah, Alice, absolutely a little harsh with the WTF’s…didn’t read further….definitely should have.

  139. To Alice H and Ann L…..cookoo…um, well, maybe. However, I was having a terrible day and really sorta took it out on Katie B. But, have the thought ever crossed my mind that she was spoiled and unappreciative? Yes, to be honest, it has. I won’t get into details but I know some people whose live’s have been absoutely tragic and NEVER complain but focuson the blessings they have. That all being said, I came back and apologized, owned up for being ridiculously cruel. I am human and made a mistake.

  140. So glad you got a chance to relax with your family and friends in such a beautiful place. And…hooray for the bump!

  141. Just returned from Destin two weeks ago. Still suffering withdrawal. Love the Donut Hole. Next time try the red velvet cake donut…amazing! We notice the people are so friendly there….we ate at one restaurant twice and the waiter from the first night remembered us and asked to be our waiter again. My husband remarked that we eat breakfast at home at the same place every Saturday and no one ever remembers us! lol

  142. Oh KB, thank you for posting this! I’m 33 weeks and have been INSISTING for months that my husband bring me to the beach because I NEED TO SEE THE BEACH BEFORE I DELIVER THIS BABY! But now the day has come, we’re driving to Destin after work today, and all I’ve been feeling is stress about packing and traveling and all the stuff I could be getting done at home this weekend. Thank you for this, because the photos of that beautiful, beautiful beach were exactly what I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself!

  144. oh i love destin! the made at your table guac at cantina laredo is so DELISH. i hope you got to try it!

    looks like y’all had a blast!!

  146. I just went to Destin in April with a bunch of couples as well. It was my first time and I absolutely loved it! Believe it or not we actually stayed in a condo at Baytowne. My friends father owns a condo there and let us stay for free or else we never would have been able to afford it there. I’m excited to see the part two post to see where else you went/ate!

  147. Did you like the place you stayed in or have any recommendations on where to stay? Can you give the details on where you stayed?

  149. Oh all of your pictures of Destin make me miss Pensacola-we used to live there, so we had our share of days in Destin but nothing beats those beaches!! AHHMAZING!! Also the part where Will always stopped to check out the “coppers” was the best–my husband is a “copper” pilot and he always loved flying by the beach! 🙂 One day we’ll go back but we’re living it up on the West coast now! So glad you guys got to enjoy it–great great pictures!!

  150. Hey Katie!

    I am about to go to The Cape for a beach getaway with our 18 month old and my husband. Any tips for what to bring to the beach? What sun block do you use? Any good snacks that don’t get too sandy? Please let me know!

    xoxo Melissa

  152. Your family is so beautiful and your baby bump is to die for . You look mahvalous darling.

  153. Hi Melissa,
    How fun! We definitely went through the sunblock – we just get the spray kind (not the spray lotion. It’s spray mist!) because we noticed we are more apt to use it. Plus, with sand on the skin, it was scratchy to use lotion. We use the 50spf on Will – spray on the body, hair and neck and a stick (it looks like a chapstick) on his face (it’s much less eye-invasive). The snacks we packed were goldfish, craisins, pretzels, and grapes. Also – the kids loved fruit snacks. The only other thing I would recommend is to bring some baby powder – a little sprinkle removes sand from fingers better than anything else!
    xo – kb

  154. Lol…looks like you hit all of my favorite Destin spots! As a matter of fact I think the place you stayed belongs to my best friend’s parents(gotta show her the pic to be sure). You’re so right about the Donut Hole’s bacon, but the country fries are to die for! They tried to replace them with hashbrowns but the locals and vacay regulars rose up against them, so last time I was there I noticed they now offer both. Looks like ya’ll had a great time!

  155. Such a small world! I am from Loganville, GA and our family vacations in Destin every summer at Amalfi Coast Resort, right across the street from where y’all stayed! You can see the blueish-greenish roof of Amalfi in the photo of the dudes playing paddleball. Too funny!

  157. Cordia – I got married this past October in the Outer Banks! How funny! I’m in the same boat as you with no big summer beach trip scheduled. We’re saving our pennies for our honeymoon which will happen near our 1 year anniversary this coming October – we’re hoping to go to Italy and Greece if the government doesn’t crumble over there!

    Have a great day!
    Emily

  158. I forgot to ask – where did you find Jeremy’s blue and white stripe trunks? My Jer has such a hard time finding ones that he actually likes.

    Thanks!
    Emily

  159. They are new from Pac-Sun I believe. He lost a little weight and his old shorts were showing a little too much eye candy 🙂
    xo – kb

  160. Your photos are incredible!! I hope to one day be able to take pictures like you. Destin looks beautiful..I’m going to have to look into it for our next vacation.

  161. There can never be too much eye candy! Although, I can see how you would want to cover it up in public…especially around friends and family. 🙂

    Emily

  162. Aww my dream too, but people always say “wait til you have a few then you will change your mind so I gotta ask.. Is 4+ still the dream?!

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