We’re back and sporting a very very slight change in skin color thanks to the warm weather in Port St. Lucie.
Thank you to everyone who suggested places to eat and things to do – we had budgeted about $40 a day for fun activities and food so we were glad that so many hot spots were not too too expensive and delicious (even if they didn’t have bacon with every dish!). Oh – and yes, most of the places we hit were toddler-friendly (uber-important with three in tow!). I’ll tell ya all about the ups & downs when the final vacationing post is all wrapped up.
I do want to apologize to those folks out there that expressed concern about our house-poorness status and vacationing. If I gave the impression that we don’t budget for gifts or holidays or lower-budget vacations – I was wrong. We do. It’s really important to us. Like right up there with the ‘food’ category. Taking breaks from work and investing time with family and friends make our lives richer…even if it costs us on normal days. But to us, it’s worth the measly little sacrifices.
And when I sit back and remember how rich we really are – especially in comparison to the rest of the world, I can’t really complain about my financial situation. Will you forgive me for past complaining? I’d appreciate it if you would. It’s kinda obnoxious to complain anyway…and as much as I know I am flawed…I don’t wanna make that a habit. I try to share some glimpses into our money-world because 1. my mouth is so big that it’ll pop out anyway and 2. it keeps me accountable – like I sometimes have to remind myself that even if I want something (like a new sectional) – I don’t need it – and 3. with such a big house, it’s easy to give the appearance that we are rolling in the dough…which we aren’t…we are not hurting to eat each month…but we definitely aren’t struggling. We are just normal folks doing everything we can to stretch a small budget to live life to the fullest…just like the rest of you.
Oh and a big smoochy hug to our hosts – our friends Austin & Luke. They let us crash with them for the entire vacation and fed us most of the time. We owe you guys big time. How about we send you Bananagrams and we’ll call it even 🙂
So when I go through our 24.567 million photos (hey three toddlers means too many photo opportunities for someone who is camera happy), I’ll come back and give ya the full blow-by-blow of how we enjoyed Florida. In the mean time, let’s talk beaches. Where’s your favorite one?
p.s. I could lick my husbands muscles. I won’t. But I could. And you can see how he gets em here 🙂
Welcome Back Bowers! Sounds like you had a great trip and Katie your hair is so cute!
So glad you are back, I missed the Bowers! Glad you had fun!
I think Will’s used to the camera being around…he’s the only kid looking at the camera in the group shot! haha-so cute and so perfect!
Glad you got away! And [a little late] congrats on the new addition!
Yay! Your back! I missed your posts but I am glad you were able to enjoy some time together as a family 🙂
What a cute little boy you have and your hair is absolutely fantastic!
I’ve been feeling blah and ugly and just decided, I’m going to copy your haircut! you just look so cute- perhaps thats the baby glow though? 🙂 Maybe I can talk the hubs into getting me in on that action again… Glad you are back and had a blast!
Glad you are back!! It felt like forever! 😉 The best beach (#1 beach in the USA, really) is Siesta Key Beach, in Sarasota Florida! My hometown! You should’ve come visit!!
I love that first family picture on the beach! how sweet!
Do it Cat! You would look amazing in that! You definitely have the bone structure for it 🙂
xo – kb
Your pictures are getting me in the mood for our family vacation this July to our favorite beach spot- Hilton Head, SC! We have gone several years but this year will be the first for my 11 month old son. Can’t wait!
Oh my…I’ve never commented before, but it’s really important that I point out how seriously adorable that little boy is. And then you put him into a pack…too much cute! Some one once told me that the best thing about having a son is that they look like the babies they once were when they sleep…indefinitely. That little baby face makes me think it’s true.
And do people really critique sharing budgeting woes or begrudge carefully planned vacations? I can’t imagine – time together as a family, scrimping on decor to put a little in the vacation jar, not indulging in a dinner out in favor of adding to the flight fund – that doesn’t imply ingratitude. The opposite – no one should begrudge anyone else working hard for the money to do something special and memorable as a family. From a huge splurge on an ice cream cone on a hot day to a well planned (and carefully budgeted) weekend away – it’s about doing everything you can to focus on what’s really important. Being together, being happy, being healthy and making memories.
I think we have the same swimsuit! 🙂 Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip!
OOOH – he’ll be the perfect age! Any littler and they don’t know what’s going on…at least that was the case with Will on his first beach trip. You will absolutely love it 🙂
xo – kb
My boyfriend got me hooked on bananagrams! we play every time we see each other now (we are long distance so thats not as much as it would seem haha!)
and the best beach hands down is Destin, fl…although I was just in Cozumel and Grand Cayman and both of those gave Destin a run for its money!
Glad you had a great trip. You are so lucky that Will is still willing to ride in a stroller — enjoy it while it lasts!
Great to see that you had a fantastic holiday. I’m from Oz, but we are travelling to the US in a few weeks. Now that I’ve seen your photos, I starting to think that maybe we should take in Florida! 🙂
Your pictures made me so excited for our trip to LBI in a couple months! We go with other friends with kids and have so much fun! Hopefully this year it will be even better since the two littlest ones are older 🙂 I’m happy you had such a good time and could relax – cant wait for the pictures! Love!
PS: Jeremy is such a good guy! I would have popped a blood vessel trying to flex as much as possible to hide the jiggles if pics of me were going up on wayfair 🙂 looks like I need a home gym…
So glad you’re back! I agree with a few other gals about missing your posts!
I have to make a comment about people being concerned about your money situation. I am a firm believer that if you’re broke or close to it you shouldn’t be vacationing or doing extra activities until you are more secure. However, I do believe that we all know what we can afford to do and or not do. I’m like you and everyday money is tight but it’s tight b/c I plan ahead and budget for vacations,fun days, Christmas, etc. I’m ok giving up some things so that I can go places and do things later. I have done my share of complaining and later looked back and thought..”Why did I just complain, I’m doing just fine. I’m accomplishing all my financial goals.” I don’t want to be a complainer but some times I just get caught up in the moment and saying something out loud makes me feel better. If it’s the same for you, then by golly keep complaining. 😉
I’m glad you guys had a nice vacation! I’m ready for August to get here so that I can go on my family vacation..I’m taking my son on his first cruise! I’m more excited for him than he is, lol.
Totally agree with Rebecca. I’m sorry you felt obliged to comment and justify yourself.
You sure had a fab time with your boys and your friends. Thanks for sharing!
The Florida Keys (home), but Ocracoke, NC has amazing beaches. I can’t wait to take my family there soon.
We got to Longboat Key (just north) every year. They really are the best beaches anywhere.
Love it! looks like a blast!
Also-love the home gym. Been thinking about adding an elliptical in my life. Where did you get yours? Did you score a deal???
Tyra
Preach!
I was suprised that your finances needed any further explaination… you all seem very responsible with your money and really, who has the right to question what you do with your money?
Happy you had fun!!
Some friends of mine just retired and are moving to Port St. Lucie. It looks beautiful. I will have to go visit!
Hi! Katie- I don’t think you are a complainer, I think you just keep it real. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy reading your blog every day.
We also have to save up for projects in our house, vacations and try to save where ever we can.
PS- I’m still waiting on that sectional that I really want, but don’t need quite yet. Maybe its in the cards for us next year! 🙂
Dear Katie,
Please do not ever stop complaining on your blog, it is what keeps you a real person and not some perfect little Stepford Wife. I love it when you complain. Also, pay no mind to the busy-bodies that want to tell you how to spend your money, and act like your parents. You are an adult, and you know how to maintain your own budget. Knowing that you have to work within your budget is another thing that keeps you real.
I like you just the way you are.
So jealous of the warm weather – it’s gotten chilly again up here. 🙁
We got it off Craigslist. We stalked that type until we found one rarely used (the guy said his wife had used it twice) and got it for $150. That’s like two months of a gym membership around here – well worth it! 🙂
xo – kb
Can’t wait to hear all about it! Our favorite beaches in the USA are Destin, FL beaches. Nothing beats that white sugar sand and emerald water!
P.S. Wills hair grew really fast!
I haven’t been to a lot of beaches (mostly in Long Island and Ireland) but nothing beats the Outer Banks! We got married in the 4×4 beaches north of Corolla (any further north and we would have been in VA). It was so peaceful with lots of birds, dolphins and wild horses. Oh, the wild horses. I think everyone should go. 🙂
Have a fantastic day!
Emily
We went to Destin and that is my most favorite beach ever!! Glad you guys had fun!
I think Will gets cuter with every post – I love his smile!
I know how you feel. I could like my man’s muscles too. There’s just something about muscular arms and chests that “makes my skirt fly up” – in the words of Ree Drummond.
Lick. I meant lick. I do like, but I like to lick. Not in public.
Looks like a relaxing and fun trip Katie!
Can’t wait to hear all about it 🙂
Welcome back after a well deserved break. Isn’t Florida awesome? My favorite beach is Siesta Key but when we want to go somewhere closer to us, we like Indian Rocks/Indian Shores. Plus, parking is free.
Too bad people have to be critical. It really makes me sad, actually. When I find myself falling into the same trap, I try and remember Matthew 7:3 (“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”). No one is perfect and Katie, you took the high road with apologizing (not that I felt like you needed to apologize…) and I applaud that very much. 🙂
Budgeted-for vacations are the only way to go IMO! We do a monthly budget and it’s great knowing our upcoming vaca is paid for before we leave the house. It’s no fun to pay for the vacation after it’s over. Thanks for keeping it real on your blog too. IMO you don’t need to apologize to anyone. My favorite beach is in Destin, FL…there are several good ones there.
P90X – kicks my BUTT but it’s pretty awesome (I recognized Tony on the TV in the other website – ha!)
We are on a really tight budget too but ALWAYS mange to put a little aside for a vacation – it’s the only way to recharge and reconnect.
Awww, it looks like y’all had a blast! Can’t wait to read all about the trip! We have an almost 18 month old and we are thinking about heading to the beach this summer. I need some tips on how to manage a toddler on a beach-y vacation! :))
You three (now four!) make the most beautiful family. Ever! I’m trying so very hard to not count other people’s blessings, and instead just be thankful for my own. But man is it hard waiting for God’s big plan for my own life to come together!!
Looks like you had a great time!
Dear Friend,
i agree with everyone. don’t stop complaining. it makes you normal, and it makes us feel normal. it’s one of the things that makes your blog my favorite- you are real. you are you. so i say whatever to all the haters.
also, please feel free to continually post shirtless pics of your boyfriend. (i feel a little weird saying that b/c i feel like you are my friend and that the prior said comment is inapproriate….) but hey…if you’re sharing -i’m willing to look 🙂 & sorry to jeremy if i just made you feel like a piece of meat.
xoxo
pam
Wow, in your last picture, that is the exact same spot we used to take my Prom pictures! Loved growing up in Stuart!
Katie – fantastic pictures, as always! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip.
On the money front, you should not feel as though you have to explain your financial decisions to anyone. However, you did it with such grace and humility that I commend you for it. If the people who gave you a hard time are reading this post, then I sincerely hope that they realize the error of their ways and apologize. If not, you shouldn’t let it bother you. You live your life the way you want. You prioritize time over things. “Wasting” money on time spent with family and friends is not wasting at all.
You are wonderful. Please don’t stop keeping it real. We all feel discouraged and if you can’t talk to your friends about it, who can you talk to?! 🙂
Hey Katie,
I don’t normally comment on blogs….I’m more of a stalker, but I felt compelled to say something after reading others negative remarks.
I read your blog daily….and I love the variety of posts you submit. I love how much you care about your family and others….I had tears in my eyes while watching the video of when you told your family you were pregnant again. I feel like I know you…even though I live so far away and we’ve never met. Please don’t ever stop being you. Not that I think you would :). I am so amazed how quick people are to judge others when they don’t even know them. You’re not an individual who recklessly and carelessly does things to put their family in harms way. And without knowing the entire ins and outs of your vacation planning, people need to really stop for a moment and think about their actions.
I’m sorry you were the target for negative comments. I think those types of people are either jealous of what you have or envy you because they don’t get to do the things that you do. Too bad they have to be so miserable. I hope you enjoyed every moment with your sweet family and made many more Bower memories that one day Will will appreciate and you guys will cherish. Congrats on your news and I wish you a healthy and happy pregnancy 🙂
Amanda (from Ontario, Canada)
Looks like you had a great time! Since I live in FL, I’m pretty familiar with alot of the beaches — sometime you should check out Anna Maria Island (on the Gulf Coast). Very cool and low-key!! It’s off the city of Bradenton, between Tampa and Sarasota.
I don’t think I have ever commented on your blog but your one of my favorites, just not enough hours in the day! Anywho I also agree that it’s sad you have to justify spending for a vacation. I love how open and honest you are and it’s one of the reason I love your blog. So please never change.
Glad you had a nice trip! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Sorry – random question…do you have any idea what kind of double stroller your friends have? I’m in the market (maybe you are, too!) and that looks like a nice one.
My favorite beaches are on the West coast of South Florida. Sanibel and Captiva Island are the prettiest one. You can pick seashells and watch dolphins!!!!! Can’t get any better 🙂
Glad you had such a great time! I had a blast when I was in Florida this past summer (:
As for my favourite beach, it’s right here in the UK. Wales, in fact. It sounds pretty strange because Wales isn’t known for its sunshine or beaches, but there’s this tiny little bay called Southerndown Beach on the south coast of rural wales and it is STUNNING. Even when it’s cloudy, which is often!
We happen to be heading to Port St Lucie… now! I’m just waiting for my MIL to hurry up and get here (we’re leaving her with the house & pets). This got me super excited! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for keeping it real on the blog, Katie. It’s what makes it so fun to read! I’m glad you guys had a fun vacation.
And as for beaches, I’m spoiled and live in Florida. My favorite one I’ve visited in the state so far is Hollywood Beach (south of Fort Lauderdale) because there’s a boardwalk and the water is so beautiful. But recently we went on a cruise and I’m a pretty huge fan of any of the beaches in Aruba.
Love love love your blog and I don’t think you complain!! Keep it real and be yourself, that’s why we love you! On to beaches, my wonderful husband Darin, won a trip to the Dominican!! How cool is that??!! We leave April 10 and I am beyond excited! How are the beaches there?
Ohhh man, I totally wish I had just been on vacation so my blogpost could have been “Stephanie Tanner.” Hahaha. Glad you guys had fun on your vacation!
And, Katie, haters gon’ hate. I can’t believe people would make comments about you going on vacation. So irritating. Keep doing your thing, girl.
Looks like a great time was had by all-and there is nothing like a beach to settle the soul!
My fave beach of all time is at Waimanalo Bay in Oahu, HI ( got married there) Too pretty, clear sea glass colored water, and ocean kayaking with turtles. Paradise indeed.
Second best is anything on the Great South Bay on LI, NY. ( grew up there) Baby oil,
“sun tan” lotion, transistor radios, and root beer floats…a perfect day.
Third is Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia. The fairy penguins there are the only temperate penguins in the world-simply amazing place, with amazing animals!
Hubby is a California surfer dude and his idea of a great beach has to include surf-able waves. I like the Atlantic/warmer water beaches over the colder Pacific, but any ocean rocks in my book.
A great book that looks at stages of a woman’s life with beach metaphors:
“A Gift From The Sea,” by Ann Morrow Lindburgh. Highly recommended.
Cute pictures. Question! I just my first nice camera this Christmas and there were warnings about the beach… but I really want to take my nice camera to the beach! Any advice? Will the sand really hurt it? Should I keep it a certain way while not taking pictures?
😉 Lindsey
I am sorry that you feel the need to explain why/how you were able to take a vacation. You are so open about your family, life, and money situation to begin with, that it’s disappointing that people feel it’s appropriate to pry even further into how you choose to spend your money.
I don’t know that I’ve noticed an exceptional amount of complaining on your part. You state facts about where you are in life and I don’t get the impression that you want anyone to feel sorry for you or view your family as in need of financial saving. I’m very sensitive to people who constantly complain about their life without doing anything to remedy it… and that is not you. I love your blog and wouldn’t read it if I felt that way. Obviously, everyone is entitled to his/her opinion… and mine is right 🙂
I agree that it’s important to go on vacation. Vacation doesn’t have to be an extravagant getaway to an all inclusive lux0ry resort. It can be a long weekend camping 4o minutes from your house. And how you choose to breakaway from every day life is your choice and yours alone. Growing up, my family didn’t have much money… living check to check was normal. But my mother always made sure she saved enough money to take us to the Seaside Heights in NJ, about an hour and a half away from our house, each summer. Nothing crazy, nothing expensive, but still a vacation. Taking a break away from your reality to enjoy a few days of being carefree is how you deal with the day-to-day upsets. And how your remember to appreciate the joy in your life that has nothing to do with budgets and finances.
It looks like you and your beautiful family had a great time! Thank you for your blog… it provides a mini-vacation for me every day at my lunch break. And it costs me nothing 🙂 Works wonderfully with my budget.
More Florida lovin’ — my favorite beach is Captiva Island, on the gulf coast . Sooo beautiful, relaxing and “Old Florida.”
Looks like a super fun trip Katie! Happy you guys got away.
And no need to apologize about anything financial you’ve said in the past. We should all have a little common sense when reading and realize that everyone’s budget is personal, and therefore, doesn’t require the ridicule or approval of others who voluntarily choose to read your blog or not. As I’ve said in the past, we’re all so grateful for the awesome blogger you are. Keep up the great work and keep being yourself! Can’t wait to see the vacation photos!
Baby Jogger City Mini 2010……its pricey but we love it and we went through so many strollers before we found it, we wish we had only gotten this one.
Oh go ahead and lick. You are already preggo, whats the worst thing that could happen? Just don’t blog about it. We love you guys but that might be TMI. He does look very nice with no shirt on. Can you feature more of that this summer?
Cape San Blas, Florida! There is nothing to do there but enjoy the crystal clear waters and hang out with family – just my kinda beach!
I know what you mean by saying things are tighter, and when you bring up an upcoming trip or vacation everyone looks at you and says “But I thought you were broke? How can you afford to do that?”
Well we can because we are sensible with our money and spending and take that little extra we save every month and squirrel it away for a vacation, or a house. If I have spent my limit for the month, I will not spend more. I do not like jeopardizing those future trips, or how soon we can get into our own home.
I love this blog, and following your adorable family. Thanks for keeping it real…always.
I see no reason why you shouldn’t lick your husband. He’s YOUR husband after all. I just don’t want to hear that you rolled him in bacon first… 🙂
My favorite beach is Siesta Key beach off of Sarasota. I was just telling my hubs that he could take me there next month for my big 3-0. 🙂
woohoo! you approve 🙂 Ok so I have a hair cut tomorrow and I must know… would you do the bangs again? Cause I go back and forth every few years and usually end up saying “NEVER AGAIN” with bangs, but you look so darn cute… so I’m tempted again.
Glad you you guys had a great time!!!
I think its really sad that you have to justify your holiday / money to anyone because of peoples nasty comments.
Holidays are amazing & should be in everyones budgets… Even if they are small holidays 🙂
Keep up blogging & dont let anyones negative comments / opinions get you down
What a fun trip!!
My favorite beach is the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore in Michigan. And the best part is we live only 30 minutes from there. Although this time of year there is not much swimming going on 🙂
So my second favorite beach is out the backyard of the house we rented last spring in the Bahamas. AMAZING!!!
That last picture of all of the boys running into the water is the most adorable thing ever.
Good for you, katie. Enjoy your time with your lil guy, just as I am doing with mine, 28 months old. Time flies. Today I looked at him out in Our yard and thought, who is this boy chatting up a storm, and bossing me around lol! I too am looking forward to baby #2, as I sadly miscarried two weeks ago, at 7 weeks. I am dying for my aunt flo, so we can try again. Some people are just haters, and wish other people bad. Must be real fun to be them (insert sarcasm now).
I love that first picture of you guys! It looks like y’all had so much fun! I’m totally jealous…I can’t wait for vacation!
Something about little boys with the shirts off- adorable!
Glad you’re back…glad you had a nice vacation. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is the best.beach.ever. There’s no where else to go. 😉
Here’s the crucial question – can you pin them back and still like the way you look? Because if I didn’t approve my front bang bump look then there is no way I could do bangs. I need options.
xo – kb
Thanks Austin!
xo – kb
If you ever wanna travel a little further and hit up Ontario, Canada… Here’s a little guide of some fun things to do in my small town.. and you could even make some money because Id hire you to take my sons picture ;p
http://ktdlzll.blogspot.ca/2012/01/small-town-charm.html
PS- and please dont ever stop ‘complaining’ about being house poor… its what keeps you and your blog real and sets you apart from the million of other blogs out there! I envy your honesty!
Awesome pics. I’m glad you all had a great time.
Ignore the concern trolls! 🙂
Can I just say shame on those poeple giving you a hard time for going on a cheap little vacation. It can’t be all work and no play all the time. And it’s not like you are taking this big extravagent European vacay (and if you did, so what!). You drove to Florida and stayed with friends. They need to get the h over it. Thanks for keeping it real!!!!
It looks like there are two Wills in the second picture…the littlest one looks so much like him!
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this comment. I am three weeks into a six-month trip to Europe for which we have been saving for twenty years. Twenty years of used furniture and shopping at Goodwill and decorating in “Early Hand-Me-Down” style and rarely going out and being as frugal as we know how, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience… and I’ve heard a lot of “Oh, it must be nice!”
It IS nice, but we had a whole bunch of not-so-nice while those same people lived it up in little ways that added up over the months and years.
Port St Lucie looks awesome. If you ever get the chance you should head over to the gulf side next time and visit St Pete Beach, FL. I live in St Petersburg and our beaches are the best! St Pete Beach was voted number 1 in the US this year. Downtown St Petersburg is great too and has a lot of great restaurants.
That’s where I live! Rated #1 in the country by Dr. Beach. Love living in paradise.
So glad you guys had a great trip! Don’t ever stop complaining or keeping it real. We all need to vent sometimes and it doesn’t imply ingratitude. In fact, I think it helps us grow, learn and be better people. And every time you share a frustration or struggle, you never know who you are going to reach or impact for the better. I believe God is always using us, even when we’re struggling, complaining or going through hardships. You are human, a great one at that, and we all love how openly you share your life! I think you are really making a difference in other people’s lives…yes, just through blogging and the dear ole internet!