The Fab Five (and a wiener dog): June 2009

The View from our Deck

Some of our many friends we found right out our door

This summer we took our first "summer" vacation in years! Normally because of Jason's work schedule, we take our vaca during Fall Break. It was a great time because places weren't as crowded and the beach was a lot cooler.....with water still being warm and......it was ALOT more feesible. Well, our Fall Break has also been limited to two days instead of five....so I need to not complain.

We now have a High School football player.....vaca time is limited.....and now so is the money being forked out for the vaca.......UGH!!! Oh well, we have all year to plan for it considering the fact that as long as Jake is playing FHS football, his only two weeks off is scheduled.

This year we found a jewel of a place called Watersound. After weeks and weeks of VRBO and researching the East and Gulf Coast, I finally found a place that felt right....and that was available. I was astounded by the fact that people were vacationing considering the recession. Places were booking up like CRAZY. Of course I didn't mention the fact that we waited until maybe April to plan the whole thing.......with 3 to 4 other families involved.

The Davis Family minus Nolan

Watersound has never been open to "renters".....owners only. Because of the recession and the low number of people investing in vacation properties, the decision was made to open their gates to us lowly renters.....and we are very happy. Wait a sec.......um ok........ I am back......just booked the same place for next summer! Loved it that much!

Jamesen ....."nothing beats the Beach!"

We did vacation a bit different this year. We vacationed and met up with a multitude of other families. As the kids have gotten older, they have decided (mainly the teenager Jake) that our company is not enough for him.....in other words, we are lame. So we made a point of making sure we were at the beach in and around the same time as one of his best friends, Jackson. It did make life quite a bit easier I do admit.

During our time at the beach, we celebrated our wonderful gift of financial security......DAD! The little boys made him breakfast while mom oversaw the whole ordeal.....and they did a mighty fine job.....all while the teenager slept. I do have to mention how lucky we are to have the DAD we do. He is not only our financial security, he is a precious, giving, gentle, hard working and kind person. I dare say he loves and appreciates his family more than most I know. He hardly ever takes the time for himself because of the enjoyment he gets from just being with us. Did I ever tell you that he used to be a Cowboy......yep.....that's why I married the man......so he could train my horses. Guess what.....we don't own a one! I do have him dress up in his cowboy finest to remind me of the days we were courtin' That way when I say to myself, "now just why did I marry this RV sellin' man of mine?" He could sell ice to an Eskimo!

Our week was full of fun and sun and included a trip over to Shell Island off the shores of Panama City. It was a gorgeous place . Jason informed me that as he could live on the island forever, as long as he had his meds and hand sanitizer. That's my man.....always thinkin'!

Cap'n Fain and First Mate Tina

Shell Island Kite flying.....

Little boys goofing off

Jamesen Nolan Christian

Big boys goofing off...

Taylor Jackson Jake

Our snorkling catch.....but we let them go....

Christian ready to go!

Dolphins

Macy and Christian

We made sure to also do a night in Seaside with the kids.....fried pickles, gelato, shopping excursion for kites, etc.....

Macy enjoying her fried pickle

Jake and Jackson

choices choices.......

Harrison Jamesen Christian Nolan

A few of us adults even got out on our own. We traveled all the way over to Grayton Beach and had our first experience at The Red Bar. This place was fabulous! Minus the heat.....did I mention that the temps were record for the month of June.....it felt like AUGUST! Whew!!! We sat at the first available table.....outside. It was well worth it ! Wonderful food, (they give you about 6 choices on the chaulkboard menu.......love the simplicity!) great drinks, wonderful friends.......good times. AND it was the cheapest meal we had the whole trip......VERY reasonable!

Adults only night!
Men playing Bocce Ball....can't sit still......

I think the best time had by all was the homemade rapids made by the men folk......who were used to keeping busy 8 to 10 hours out of their regular day, and had to find something to occupy their time. Heaven forbid one relax in the beauty of God's creation with a drinky and good book.

making of the dam.....patience.....

RAPIDS!!!!

Watersound is not only boardered by the pristine waters of the Gulf, but also Coastal Dune Lakes. These lakes were formed thousands of years ago by the wind activity that redistrubuted the sand forming the dunes that surround the lakes. They are rare and almost exclusively found the the Gulf Coast Region of the United States. Lake Powell and Camp Creek Lake are the two lakes that border Watersound. Powell is fed by rainwater and meandering tides. Camp Creek Lake , the lake that aided us in forming the rapids, is a mixture of fresh and brackish water. The amber color of the water may seem dirty at first glance, but is formed by decaying vegetation up river and is actually very good for the skin......what is the word for that? The main vegetation is the large pines that grow along the banks of Camp Creek. These types of rivers and creeks are known only the the Amazon river basin and the Southeastern US. Enough geography for today.

Christian in the natural spa!

After two days of creating these rapids, and the horrible looks from the upper echelon of Watersound (probably the ones who bought BEFORE lowly renters were allowed) , we had to sadly depart back to the world of reality. None of us was ready to leave and if we could have swung it, probably could have stayed another week. For Jason to take off the the dead of summer for a week is one thing, but two????? I am afraid Roger would give away the whole dealership and Jason would have to spend two months getting everything back in order again. Can you scream job security?

Oh well, as I mentioned before, I have already contacted the owner of our townhome and reserved it same time next year. Hopefully the upper echelon won't remember us.......