A Fall Family Vacation

We had so much fun on our very first family vacation, I don't even know where to start! The kids had an entire week off from school recently for "Fall Break". We booked a house on the bay on St. George Island. This is the same island that we've spent many memorable weeks on the beach side with both of our families during the Summer. We chose a bay house this time so we could have the offshore fishing boat right outside our door. 

But let me back up just a bit. I have to mention this really great park that we found on our drive down. As we were looking for a spot to have our picnic lunch we stumbled upon this cool place with an old train and box car to explore. The kids LOVED it!

Our best attempt at a family picture at this stop.

Once we got to our bay house for the week, we didn't know what we wanted to do first! 

The kids had a fantastic time playing in the sand and water by the private pier.

Rachael really liked sitting on the pier too

This is her "fish face"

We went for a bike ride on the island [mostly to appease the Mama]

We went fishing on two occasions. 

Both kids loved sitting close to Daddy when it was time to go fast.

 

Two sweet, little hands holding on to Daddy's shirt. 

Once we got out to our fishing spots the kids had a great time.

It turns out that if you give our kids a live well full of bait fish and a dip net, they're happy for hours. 

When they weren't playing with the fish, they were trying to catch some bigger ones in the ocean. 

But, really Daddy was the one who caught most of the fish.

Sometimes the kids liked to help us real in the big fish. 

Lunchtime was a fun boat picnic under the bow dodger. 

Rachael thought she could drive us back. 

Mama and her Baby Girl.

Mama and her Baby Girl AND Little Boy. [I didn't mean to squish their faces, I was just so excited they both wanted to take a picture with me, so I had to seize the moment]

The house provided two kayaks, so one morning we paddled over to a nearby point. 

The kids had a great time exploring and finding a ton of hermit crabs. 

Another attempted family photo while we were there.

Back at the house there was lots of fun going on too.

Helping Daddy shuck oysters is ALWAYS a good time. 

We enjoyed some gorgeous sunsets from the house. 

Mama and Rachael loving the cooler weather out on the porch.

The best family picture of us all from the whole week. 

Every night after dinner the kids ate their dessert fireside.

And this precious scene of  Daddy and daughter...

One evening we took a boat ride across the bay to the main land for dinner. 

Rachael and Mama just after we tied up to the dock. [David took this picture!]

Mama and David on our walk to the restaurant.

Yet another attempt at a family picture. But, Rachael wasn't having it. 

We also took the boat over to an uninhabited island nearby. 

David was a great co-captain as he directed his Daddy to the beach.

The kids played

Fished

Strolled down the shoreline

Splashed in the water

And, of course, took time to check on their little fishy friends. My kids crack me up.

The only thing that would have made this trip absolutely perfect was if Bogie had been able to come with us. Unfortunately, this house didn't allow dogs. We all missed our dog very much. The kids made sure that I called to check on him at the "hotel" everyday.

  

We were all very sad to see the week come to an end so quickly. Everyday was full of fun and adventures. It was a great time to reconnect with each other individually and as a family unit. Sometimes we get caught up in the day to day activities of home and life and lose focus on what matters most. It was nice to get a break from the hustle and bustle and spend time with those that mean the most to us.