It was a long day Tuesday waiting for the night to come and the time to leave for the airport. Everyone was very excited and prepared with their bags complete with activities, snacks, and neck pillows. This was our first red eye flight and I seemed to be the only one that was concerned about how that would go but it was to late at this point so we were ready to roll.
Waiting for the shuttle bus
We decided instead of a stroller we would take the wagon not knowing if someone would want to sleep in it during our layover. Liam was very cozy on his ride to the plane.
We took off about 11:30pm. Liam and Emy wanted sleepy vits and we set up their cots that went between the seats. It took a bit to settle in but about 45 minutes in to the flight most of us were asleep. We landed in Atlanta about 3am Utah time and from there had a 3.5 hr layover. It was rough. Everyone was tired, there was no where to rest except the floor or awkwardly lay in the chair. So slept others didn't but no one slept well.
Then we took a short flight to Pensacola Florida and landed there at what would be 7am.
Liam was thrilled to see the Blue Angels replica that he could climb into and pretend to fly. He couldn't wait to get to the air show to see them in action.
We grabbed breakfast and then headed to the air show only to find out the the traffic was backed up for miles of people with the same idea we had. So we went to plan B and found a spot close to the base and watched the show from there. The kids thought it was super cool to sit on the roof of the car. The planes were so close and at times so loud. It was better than we had even thought it would be. The show was about 45 minutes and it was amazing all the way through.
Never have I ever laid on the side of the road to watch something in the sky btu I would totally do it again
Then we headed to grab groceries at Costco and Walmart. This is the first time I had done a pick up grocery order and I will for sure do it again for sure. Then we stopped at an allegator area but it was pretty dried out and we didn't see anything unfortunately. Then to our airbnb it was awesome in Dolphin Island. Bigger than what we needed but the best price we found. The kids were all thrilled to have their own rooms and bathrooms. It was on the cooler side and the wind was crazy but the pool was a huge win and it didn't take the kids long to try it out. I had bought some blow up toys to use in the pool and they were so fun. I made dinner and watched the kids swim from the kitchen window. The house was set up so well. The red eye really wore us out so it was an early bedtime. I think we were all in bed by 8...that has never happened.
The sunsets were unreal
Our airbnb was amazingly situated with water on both sides the gulf on one side and the ocean on the other. We were on the gulf side so we walked over to the ocean side. The sand was awesome and the kids loved jumping the waves. It was still on the cooler side so it didn't last long. I loved looking out and seeing the oil tankers and the big cargo ships
Our airbnb had some contacts that you could use for rentals or excursions. We had booked an excursions to take jet skis to the end of the island but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate and the wind mixed with the cooler temperatures made it so they canceled the trip. We were however able to rent bikes and explore the island and ride into town. It was a fun way to explore the island. I've never lived somewhere that I could bike to everything.
Liam had a tag a long bike and rode behind me
Us with our airbnb
On our ride into town we stopped in to the ship & shore store which is about as ghetto as it gets. It as a gas station, liquor store, and grocery store in one. Hallie found this giant baguette and was insistent that we bought it along with peanut butter and jelly. We told her if she would carry it we would buy it and she did...all the way back to the house. It is probably the memory they talk about the most and we still laugh about it being the most expensive pb & j yet.
On the way back we stopped at the ice cream shop and had ice cream
That evening after dinner we rode the bikes to the end of the island to watch the sun set. It was awesome we had a few hiccups. Emy crash on her bike pretty good and scrapped her up luckily she was ok to continue. There was quite a bit of loose gravel and sand on the road especially as we got closer to the end. The mosquitos were also eating us alive. I think Hallie ended up with the most at about 20 bites.
Then back for a last night swim. The light up football and glow sticks were the highlight of it.
The next morning we packed up and headed out. We were excited to take the ferry back to Florida since we had driven around thru Alabama on the way down. Unfortunately when we got there the dang wind, that had caused problems most of the trip, did it again and they were unable to run the ferry. We also later found out that they were waiting for a part to get it up and running as well. We had time before we needed to head to the airport so we explored around an old battle station used as a look out and a place to watch for invaders and incoming attacks. Hallie and Gracie stayed in the car
We found these cute little frogs and caught a few to hold briefly.
Then we crossed back into Alabama to get to the airport and again a Chinese fire drill.
We had seen the USS Alabama on the way to our house but everyone was exhausted. Now with the detour of coming back pasted we stopped to check it out. They had a submarine and a battleship for us to check out. I can't imagine living in such tight quarters.
Then to the battleship. Liam loves battleships and couldn't wait to check it out.
We wished we had more time but had to get to the airport and get food before we boarded. It was such a fun trip and the tiredness was well earned. We flew out of Florida again and it didn't take long for Liam to get settled. In we were grateful the flight wasn't more full.
What an amazing trip. I would totally do it again maybe choosing a different time of year so it was slightly warmer. Matt and I even looked at real estate$$$ maybe someday. Until next time
