The Mississippi Martins: "Marstin" Family Beach Bash

The attendees to our annual beach trip continues to grow every year. Last year, Mom and Dad joined us in the excitement of Emma Claire's first beach trip. This year, I was so excited that my brother and his girlfriend, Ashley, were able to make it down to have some fun in the sun with us. It was the Marslender/Martin Beach Bash...or as Ashley dubbed it, the "Marstin" Family Beach Bash!

Our trip didn't exactly start out the way we planned. When Chris, EC and I arrived in Destin, we decided to go to Bass Pro Shop at the Destin Commons. We thought we would just walk around and do a little shopping to kill some time before we could check in to the condo. We didn't think EC would catch her first fish in the store. Chris was on one end of the store and I was with EC in the stroller on the other. While I was looking at a sales rack, I heard this loud cracking noise. I look up at the balcony directly above us and next thing I know an 8-foot taxidermy marlin is falling straight down from the balcony wall and hits EC in the lap before crashing to the floor. Fortunately, my mommy instincts kicked in and I was able to pull the stroller back a little bit. The store got completely silent...for about three seconds. And then EC let out the biggest, loudest cry I have ever heard. I was trembling, but managed to get her out of the stroller and into my arms. Chris, who was on the other end of the store, heard the crash and then the cry and knew something had happened to EC. Long story short, we checked her out, and although she had some scraps and cuts on her legs and arm, we were very, very lucky she wasn't injured any worse. Now we get to tell EC she caught a Marlin when she was only one year old!

Fortunately, the rest of the trip was MUCH better than the beginning. Thursday, we took EC out to the beach with Gaga and Boppy. I was anxious to see what she would think of the sand and water this year. She got about two toes in the sand before she realized she DID NOT like sand. We were ok in the water, until we got hit by a cold wave. She was most content sitting on her beach towel under the umbrella playing with toys and reading books. Oh well. At least we tried. Maybe next year :)

Staying hydrated. A little drinking on the beach.

Staying out of the sand

Waving at Daddy

Friday, Chris and Ashley got in from a red eye flight just before lunch. Since EC wasn't too keen about the beach the day before, we decided to leave her with Gaga and Boppy at the condo while we enjoyed some adult beach time. After a few hours on the beach, we headed back in to get ready for a special dinner at Cuvee Bistro. What a blessing to be able to celebrate my birthday at dinner with my family. I can't remember the last time I actually got to spend my birthday with my brother. We ended the night with a trip to Baytowne for a little piano bar fun :)

Margaritas and gossip on the beach. Perfect day!

Saturday, the girls hit the outlet mall while the guys went to the golf shop. I think our shopping trip was a success!

We decided to take EC to the pool that afternoon since she wasn't a fan of the beach. She absolutely loves being in the pool! That night, we all walked over to watch the sun set over the marina before we showed Ashley how the South does oysters at Acme Oyster House.

We were all sad to have to leave come Sunday morning, but when it started pouring down rain we knew it was time to go home. It was such a fun trip and I can't wait to go back next year!

Here are a few more pictures from the trip.