Sandestin Part Two.

We headed back to Sandestin for Father's Day weekend, which also happened to be the annual meeting of the Alabama Trial Lawyers. One of Buck's law partners was being sworn in as the new president, and it was important that we be there in support. We've had such a busy summer so far -- with two trips to the coast already (Sandestin for Young Lawyers and Pensacola for a wedding) -- that the timing wasn't ideal. But, duty called for Buck. And, I was thrilled to tag along with the boys so we could enjoy more beach time. Make that bay time -- we decided to stay on the Bayside of the resort instead of Beachside. It was a great decision. We stayed at The Grand Sandestin, which was right next to where Buck needed to be for his meetings and right next to the Village so we didn't have to drive much at all (which was a good thing, seeing as though the parking situation was horrible -- teeny tiny spots in a crowded, confusing underground garage).

We headed down Thursday around 11 after a short morning at VBS. I taught Fawn's VBS class at Covenant all week and was pretty wiped out. Plus, I'd been swamped at work so the vacation was really exciting for me. It was an uneventful trip down -- Bates, check, boys naps, check. We arrived, checked in, unpacked, and headed to the awesome pool. Boy was the pool a treat -- we've been so used to being cold at Mema and Abou's that it was so nice to be in a toasty pool. Buck and I were headed to a dinner in honor of his partner. So after some pool time, we got the boys fed and ready for their babysitter -- a sitting service we'd never used before. But it turned out great. The nanny was so nice and Fawn had a ball with her. We were hoping Small Fry wouldn't see much of her as we put him to bed before we headed to our function, but not so. After cocktail hour, as we were being seated at the dinner, we got a phone call from the nanny saying that Small Fry had thrown up in his pack and play. She thought he was fine and got him cleaned up, but it was unnerving! I knew he wasn't stomach bug sick -- he'd been snotty for about twenty-four hours and had started coughing. I was bracing myself for croup. The nanny assured us we were fine to stay at our dinner. And, despite being worried about Small Fry, it really was a lovely evening -- great food, great wine, and great company. I missed Buck's firm's Christmas party because I was sick with the flu, and it was really nice to catch up with people I don't see very often that spend so much time with my husband. It's nice to feel connected! When we got home, we realized that Small Fry was pretty congested so we put him in bed with me and Buck slept on the pull out couch. Neither parent got any quality sleep, though! Don't worry we made up for it later in the weekend!

Friday morning, Buck headed to a seminar while I took the boys to the pool. The weather was overcast and threatening rain, but it was actually nice because it kept things cool and I wasn't too worried about the sun. After lunch, all four of us crashed for a nap. Buck and I made the good decision to put Small Fry and me in the small bedroom and he and Fawn took the king sized bed. No one slept great or for long but naps of any length are always nice! When Small Fry woke up he was so croupy and we decided we had to do something medically-speaking. So we called our pediatrician who was able to phone in steroids to the Publix pharmacy in Sandestin. How nice and easy! Small Fry and Buck took the car and Fawn and I walked through the Village and we met at the Marina. Buck needed to talk fishing bait at the bait shop. Then he and Small Fry headed on to Publix while Fawn and I walked back. When we were all back together, it was time for more pool swimming. Then we got cleaned up for a family-friendly reception for Buck's conference. It was a nice way to easily feed the kids dinner (Fawn only ate chicken fingers and Small Fry only ate tortilla chips and cheese dip). Then we headed for a stroll through the Village to enjoy the rest of the day, feed the fish, and get Buck a couple well-earned beers. After Buck and I got the kids to bed (by this point, I'd given up any hope that Small Fry would sleep in his pack and play), we enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching the gorgeous bay and sky, spying frogs, and listening to music from the Village. Perfectly relaxing evening. We turned in before 9 pm -- we both must have needed it.

On Saturday, Buck and Fawn left super early to do some fishing in the ponds around the golf course. They were successful and Fawn had a blast with his daddy. I think Buck had a great time too. When they were done they met Small Fry and me at the pool. We enjoyed the morning as a family, then ate lunch in the condo. About 11:30 I saw Buck sneak off into the bedroom -- he was already starting his afternoon nap! It wasn't time for the boys to rest yet so I took them to Candymakers in the Village. They were in heaven! They both picked out an assortment of gummies (of course!). We found a shady spot to enjoy our snack and then fed the fish again. My boys throw the fish feed out one tiny pellet at a time. It takes forever, but makes it seem much more like an activity. Then we strolled home to join Buck in his slumber. Again, it was naps all around....bliss! After naps we packed up sand toys and towels and walked to the sandy beach on the bayside next to the Marina. It was a beautiful afternoon and we had the beach to ourselves. We got a Sandestin kayak and Buck kayaked the boys around -- both separately and individually -- until he was flat worn out! The boys had a ball playing in the sand and building. And, to top it off we headed back to the pool for one last dip. It was truly a perfect afternoon.

Fawn was definitely the captain of this building endeavor. We heard Small Fry say constantly "Can I do that?"

We quickly got clean and ready for dinner and headed to Acme because Buck was craving oysters. Two dozen later, he was a happy camper. I made the mistake of ordering a margarita. It was delicious but huge -- think fishbowl. Wow! Later that evening I was really glad I'd had that margarita, because Buck asked Fawn if he wanted to zipline and he said yes. I was a nervous wreck watching my baby fly through the air. Thank goodness I wasn't sober.

That is my baby!

He looked so tiny up there. I was freaking out.

This is so typical -- Fawn doing exactly as told and Small Fry in la-la land.

Matching brothers.

Cannot believe this peanut did a zipline!!! Growing up too fast!

My sweet loves.

Be still my soul, I love him so.

Our vacation ended with the most amazing red sunset you have ever seen. We tried but couldn't capture it on film. I won't forget it though -- the image of that red sun setting over the bay is seared in my memory. Absolutely gorgeous!

After a truly wonderful weekend, we woke this morning to our sweet daddy on Father's Day -- quickly and calmly getting us ready to go back to Birmingham. I know that driving four plus hours was not his idea of a Father's Day present (perhaps those two Bates Turkey sandwiches were?), but I am so thankful for him and the father he is to our boys. In the fun, exciting vacation times and in the day-in, day-out living, he is our rock and sets the best example for them to strive for. We love you Buck -- thank you for sharing your life with us.