Spring Break at Panama City Beach, FL

The kids get a whole week off school in April for spring break. We always intent to take advantage of these long breaks to go somewhere else and spend money, er, time together. :) We were at Panama City Beach, FL during fall break last year and enjoyed it so much that we decided to go back. What we didn't carefully consider this time was the weather. It was cold and windy most days so despite our best intentions, we couldn't stay very long at the beach. The waves were wild compared to the calm waters of fall. Still, it was nice to get away. The ocean is always good for the soul.

The hotel we stayed at had heated pools so that's where we hung out most of the time. Of the three kids, Ela is the most enthusiastic about the pool. She would stay there all day if we let her. Neil might seem disinterested in the beginning but he goes with the family and finds himself enjoying too. Leanne still takes long naps after lunch so I had to stay with her while Rich watched the older ones.

The thing I appreciate most from taking these trips is getting the family out of our normal routine, exploring a new place, forced family time in close proximity :) , and creating mile markers in life. 

Some moments I cherish from this trip. 

At the rest stop. I'm thankful that the kids do so well on car rides. We prep the snacks and DVDs, but have long stretches when we're just talking.


Ela brought a few books on this trip and I really love that Neil has started reading to his sisters.

Pool time! Water was warm but once you get out, it was punishingly cold on this particular morning.

Delicious breakfast at one of the local restaurants. Kids still get up early during vacation, around 6AM, so sleeping in for the adults is not a choice. But it was great since we are early for breakfast and get served right away.

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