Nate and Laurel: A Series of Fortunate Events: Miramar Beach

For the last five years or so, we have been saying we needed to take a trip to the Gulf Coast. We had never been and it's really not that far to drive. Well, we FINALLY made it happen this year. We loved it so much that now all I can think about is how soon can we go back????

Our roadtrip went surprisingly well. And by well, I mean of the 12 hours of driving time one way, there was probably only 2 hours of crying. I'd say that's a good ratio. The way down was actually fine because we split the drive over two days. We stayed in Jackson, MS for a night. Then Nate worked remotely in the morning while I took the kids for a swim in the pool before we continued on our journey.

Sharing a bed at the motel. SO CUTE!

Swimming in Jackson

We stayed at a condo right on the beach in Miramar Beach, FL. You never really know what you're getting when you book a vacation rental until you get there, but we were definitely pleased with our choice. Bryson and Alyssa met us down there and we had plenty of room for all of us. You couldn't beat the location. The beach was right there and we weren't far from anywhere else we needed to go either. And of course the best part was, the price was right!

Building sand castles with Aunt Alyssa

The kids had so much fun at the beach! They loved running from the waves, looking for sea shells, and building sand castles. Nate and I enjoyed some body boarding and even some relaxation. I really didn't think this trip would be relaxing because let's be real, vacations with young kids usually aren't. But I was able to kick back in my beach chair and watch my kids having the time of their lives and it was like a small piece of heaven!

Our condo also had a couple of pools that we frequented. We discovered the trick to beach living is to spray off in the outdoor shower after the beach and then jump in the pool for a dip before heading back to your room to make sure you don't track all the sand in. Like I said, the location was ideal and I'm just so glad we didn't have to load up the van and get it full of sand every time we wanted to go to the beach.

Daddies and daughters

The kids loved digging holes

A little picnic at the condo

Nate and I were also able to go on a date while we were there. We left the kids to play with cousins while we got some time away. We found a great Breakfast cafe at a fancy resort right on the bay. We ate outside and had the most beautiful view and the most delicious food! We may have gone a bit overboard with ordering three entrees for the two of us and pricey fresh squeezed orange juice, but it was so worth it. We wanted to do some parasailing afterwards, but unfortunately, it was too windy. We decided on tennis at the condo complex instead. We're by no means good at tennis, but it's something we used to do for fun before we had kids and it was nice to have the opportunity to do it again.

Bay view from our breakfast table.

Our feast!

Another one of our favorite parts from the trip was getting ice cream......multiple times. We found a local ice cream shop with some of the best ice cream I've ever had! And this is coming from someone who worked at the BYU Creamery for 4 years. And the kids' cones were free and you know we're all over that!

The ice cream was melting so fast in the heat and humidity. The kids were covered in ice cream by the end!

Our attempt at a family selfie.

I just can not convey how much I loved this trip! The beach was beautiful, the weather was perfect, we got to spend quality time together as a family, the kids had a blast, and we made some amazing memories. We are seriously considering going back this fall!