June goes to the beach and camping

This past week, Jeff, June, and I were able to take a little break from reality and spend some quality family time together. We knew we wanted to go camping at the beach but after looking at the reservation list for the campground we wanted to go to, we knew going on the weekend wouldn't work. Jeff had worked really hard the week before so he was able to take Monday and Tuesday off. We started our vacation Saturday afternoon and headed to Dothan, AL. Our good friends' parents live there and were gracious enough to let us stay with them. This worked out perfectly to break up the trip so that June didn't have to ride in the car for more than three hours in a day. June had lots of fun with her "stand-in" grandparents for a night and they enjoyed June too. June also enjoyed meeting the family pets. They have three dogs in various sizes from a laid back golden retriever to a curious malti-poo. June loved them all. I wish we would have gotten pictures of our stay in Dothan. It was really fun. 

Sunday, we continued our journey toward the Florida gulf coast. We camped at Topsail Hill Preserve near Destin, FL. We got there mid-afternoon and set up camp.

That's my man!

June supervising

She was having fun playing in the sun

June was daddy's little cheerleader. She had fun playing and talking while mommy and daddy set up the tent.

June was getting a little tired. Looks like it's naptime!

She slept forever once she finally fell asleep

Finally four hours later after getting camp set-up and June taking a nap, we were able to head to the beach. The weather was warm enough, but wind combined with being wet made for it being a little chilly to stay too long. We had fun anyway.

Isn't it beautiful?

V's 2012

June
April 2012

This is the life

Looking out to sea

June was a little unsure at first, but decided that the sand was ok.

Walking in the sand

Mommy and June

At the water's edge

Daddy and June

Our Family

Mommy and June

She really wasn't a fan of the water. Even after sitting with her for awhile, she wouldn't let me go. She did start to look like she was having fun.

Standing near the water

Sitting on a sandbar

Letting the waves roll in

Getting my feet wet

Beautiful sunset

The last night of our trip, we made our way back to Alabama and stayed in the Conecuh National Forest. One of the main reasons for us camping was so that Jeff could take some pictures of the night sky without all the light pollution and Conecuh is one of the darkest spots in Alabama. Despite it being cold, he got some pretty good photographs. It was fun seeing how much a camera can pick up that our eyes can't. He was able to photograph some galaxies that he wouldn't have been able to see in Birmingham.

Our Campsite

June passed out again

When we got there, we were very surprised at how much colder it was than at the beach. It looked much too nice to be cold out. We had a great time and since it was cold, Jeff had a good reason to build a fire (not that he needs one anyway). Since it was the middle of the week, there were only older retired couples camping so it was nice and quiet. One of the older men was kind enough to bring us wood several times and a skillet to cook our breakfast in. The campground host was even nice enough to steal June in the morning and take her to his camper to warm up with the space heater. And when I say steal, I mean he said come here little lady and walked off haha. I had to follow him and knock on his door to get her back. Jeff said he was surprised how "aggressively generous" people are when you have a baby. After my initial shock at having to chase down my baby, June and I enjoyed conversation with the older couples. June had a great time with several "stand-in" grandparents this week. She is just getting ready to visit her real grandparents here in a couple weeks.

Hanging out in the sun

Sitting on the car to warm up

Look mom, a leaf!

Overall, we had a wonderful trip and June did great. Since it was so cold at night, we even got some family cuddle time. June sure is a good heater. We are looking forward to going camping again soon!