Miriam's 3rd Birthday

Miriam's 3rd Birthday fell on the Saturday we were moving all of our stuff out of the Sandrock house.  Since all the dishes and things were packed, we did store-bought muffins for breakfast with a candle and sang Happy Birthday.

 She then opened her presents and played with them the rest of the morning while we finished packing and disassembling things.  

Sunday, at dinner with the family, she had her real birthday cake (made by Aunt Rebecca who did a fabulous job as always).

 Miriam is proud to be "free" (three).  The other day I was on the phone to Jody saying that Miriam was the 28th percentile for height.  Miriam heard me and yelled "I'm not 28 Mommy, I'm 3!"

Welcome to the  terrific (and trying) threes!

More Beach Time

Of course the main reasons you come to the Emerald Coast is for the beach.  We went every day, sometimes twice a day if it wasn't raining.

We tried different methods of taking Miriam out in the water.

Arm floaties, carrying her, life jacket, inner tube...

Unfortunately we didn't figure out the best solution until the last day when we bought her her own floatie that she could just sit in and float around.  She LOVED that the most and I'm sure would have stayed out for hours if we'd let her.

Jody wore Gemma out pretty good taking her out in the water.

Miriam was much more comfortable with the water by the end of the week, but thankfully still too scared to go out by herself.

Anna and Sara did help out a lot, but they also got to enjoy their share of "alone" time (with no kids).

You'd think Miriam would be a little more helpful building sandcastles, but she really just wanted to break down everything someone else built.  I guess that's easier and probably more fun.

Every day Eliza still had to taste the sand, just to make sure it was still yucky.

It was so fun to have Jody there with her daughter.  Jody and I have been best friends growing up and as she and Cace tried for years to have children, it broke my heart when they were unable to.  Now, 7 years later, they have been blessed with this sweet angel and Jody and I can enjoy the ups and downs of motherhood together. 

I can see why so many people come to the Emerald Coast, and why many make it an annual trip.  It truly is a beautiful place.  I'm already planning my next trip!

Parasailing

Ever since my first cruise when I was 23, I wanted to go parasailing.  Every time I've been to a beach location, I've wanted to try it but it just didn't work out.

Since this vacation was so low-key, I decided that my "big" thing would be to go parasailing.  I was thankful Stan was so supportive.

We headed down to the beautiful harbor.

 Stan wasn't interested in going, so Anna and Sara decided to join the fun and go with me.

  

The driver of the boat was nice enough to give us a little "dip" in the water at the end.

  It was nice because they let you up slowly and pull you in slowly so there are no sudden drops or "thrills."  Once up in the air it's quiet and peaceful and the 360 degree view is spectacular.  I loved it and would totally do it again.