Destin [Part Deux]: Day 1

With an 100% chance of rain, we thought today would’ve been a wash (no pun). But around 1:00, the clouds parted, and we got a ridiculously beautiful day! Nothing makes me happier than playing with my boys!

Brannon and I especially had fun today. We buried each other in the sand...played paddle ball...jumped waves. After we’d jump waves for a while, he’d want me to hold him in the water and jump. When the wave was coming, he’d pretend to be scared and bury his head in my chest, and then squeal when the water hit us. It’s one of those things that I hope I remember forever.

Later we were talking about Peter Pan, and debating which we’d rather be - a pirate or a lost boy. I said that I wanted to be a lost boy, because I never wanted to grow up. Then he looked at me with all seriousness and said, “But then you’d never get to see your mommy and daddy again.” It was...adorable.

Destin: Day 7

Today the boys had two new friends to play with! They were super cute and super sweet boys, and it was nice to see them running around together. It was another warm day, so we got to play on the beach a lot. Even the grown ups! I was also pumped to get a little sun on my pasty NY face before I head home!

Will was a doll. Such a sweet and happy kid!

Later that night, we got to take a special bubble bath in MeMe’s tub. When you turn on the jets, it makes so many bubbles! The boys had a great time playing together. Brannon’s antics had Taylor laughing the whole time. It was a perfect end to a perfect week.

Tomorrow everybody heads home to their respective cities. I’m going to miss my family, but I’ll be happy to see my husband! Hopefully he hasn’t forgotten what I look like...

Destin: Day 6

Ok...muuuuch better. After last night’s crazy meter being cranked up to an 11, things were much calmer today. Brannon took a tennis lesson this morning with Miss Renee, and aside from him needing to work on his “hardheadedness”, the actual tennis playing went great! She switched Brannon to a one handed forehand since he’s getting bigger. He didn’t like that the ball didn’t go as far, but he did like the fact that “this is how big boys hit.”

I tell ya. I have always been impressed with Brannon’s natural athleticism. Just check out these moves! The kid’s just a few months over 4 and he can already chase down balls!

This was also the warmest day of my trip so far [thank God for it]. In fact, it’s been freezing the entire time that I’ve been here! But today was awesome. Granted, I was wearing sweats, but I went and laid on the beach and let the sun warm my bones. Then the boys took turns coming down to play and got to enjoy it too.

And yes, the water was really that clear and beautiful. I am so grateful that the BP oil spill didn’t damage the beaches here!

Destin: Day 5

Today was the BEST DAY EVER! MeMe had a tennis match in another town, so Taylor and I got to spend the whole morning and afternoon together! We had so much fun playing together, that the time just flew by! I kept trying to hop into the shower, but Taylor wasn’t having it. So, I said the magic words...“Do you wanna get in too?” All of a sudden a shower seemed like the best idea in the world!

Since MeMe’s shower has two shower heads, we each got our own and it felt like our very own water park! After about 20 minutes of playing in the water (sorry, Captain Planet), we both sat down indian style under our shower streams and sang songs together. When Taylor knew the words, he’d sing along. Otherwise he’d just sit there and watch me. He must’ve been mesmerized by my amazing singing voice. (Ok...maybe not.)

When MeMe got back from her match, we took Taylor to play at the tennis courts. Miss Renee said that since he’s too young to hit the ball out of the air, we should have him swing at one on the ground with his racquet. Today he finally did it! We’d roll the ball back and forth with our racquets. It’s a good start! I tried to sneak off and grab my camera, but every time I’d step towards the door Taylor would yell “Waiiiiittttttt!!!”, like I was going to leave. Ohs wells.

Later that night, the rest of the Spencer family arrived from their Disney trip. I would love to report that it was all hugs and kisses, but after many days of both boys getting all the attention, this reunion was pure chaos. As the boys cried or screamed, Mom and I looked at each other with panic in our eyes. These kids...are nuts.

Destin: Day 4

This morning I took a fitness drills/tennis clinic at 8:30am! That’s dedication for me! I’m not what one would call an “early riser”, but it was totally worth it. I haven’t picked up a racquet but a few times over this past year, so it was nice to hit some balls again. Taylor came to cheer me on and all the ladies thought he was adorable - because he is. It was also the first time this trip that he ran to me with his arms out and a big smile on his face, which of course turns me into a big pile of mush.

When we got back to the condo, we had so much fun with a new game that we invented. It goes a little something like this:
• Swing him between my legs and throw him up in the air several times.
• Swing him around in circles.
• Tuck him under my arm like a football.
• Carry him around the room singing a song. (This was actually his favorite part, and he’d laugh the entire time.)
• Plop him on the couch [with a farting noise - yes, I’m a child].
• Repeat over and over and over...

Then we played “Buckin’ Bronco” on the bed. He’d climb on my back, and I’d let him ride for a bit...but then he gets bucked off, which usually resulted in his legs flying up over his head before he crashes down on the pillows. This would’ve made the best photo yet...but a buckin’ bronco can’t buck and take pictures at the same time!

Here’s a shot for Nana. Taylor enjoying his snack in his rocking chair.

Destin: Day 3

SOMEBODY was a little CRANKY today, so there aren’t many pictures to share. It wasn’t all bad though. We went to the playground, played around the tennis courts, and had a great time opening and shutting the balcony door [over and over and over]. I kept waiting for Poppy to yell “We aren’t trying to heat the whole beach, are we?!?”, but he never did. I think he knows the value of a happy boy.

Destin: Day 2

Another awesome day in the Pittman house! I love when the boys wake me up, so when I was finally ready to get out of bed (I AM on vacation after all), I yelled for him and MeMe to come play with me. He brought his xylophone, and we sang songs in bed. Taylor has amazing rhythm, and always pauses playing at the correct parts of the song. For instance, “Black sheep. Black sheep. Have you any wool? *pause* Yes, sir. Yes, sir...”

Because it was raining this morning, we wanted to go play somewhere indoors. So, when it was close enough to lunch we went to CHIK-FIL-A!!! Woot! However, when we pulled up we saw that the playground was outside and soaking wet. Oh well. On a good note, I got to try the spicy chicken sandwich for the first time! It was good, but I think the original is still my favorite.

After nap time we walked down to the tennis courts. MeMe and I played around with the child-sized racquets...and Taylor stacked rocks on the picnic table. He played a bit later, but I don’t think that he has developed his love of the game yet. He spent more time riding the racquet like a horsey, than he did hitting balls with it.

I never get tired of the sunsets here. They’re beautiful!

Don’t judge. The kid’s had a rough day...

Destin: Day 1

I arrived in Destin, FL a mere 6 hours ago, but have already had a blast with my mom, stepdad, and nephew, Taylor! We cooked dinner, in which Taylor INSISTED on doing most of the work. He and Brannon both love to cook, which I think is fantastic.

Then we took a stroll on the beach. It was freezing but had beautiful sunset. The rest of the night was spent playing, doing puzzles, and reading stories. Then bath time, snuggle time, (hot tub time for Aunt Angie) and sleep. It’s been a great first day!

Aunt Angie Invades Ocean Springs

This past weekend I went to visit my family in Mississippi. The boys were as cute as ever, and I loved seeing how big Taylor had gotten! Within the few months since I’ve seen him, he’s gone from crawling to running all over the place. He can even dribble a soccer ball! Here’s a few fun things we did during my visit:

We rode bikes!
Had dance parties!

Had picnics! (Brannon, you’re such a cheeseball...)
Played in the water!

Celebrated Brannon’s 4th Birthday!
Swang on a swing!

And carved a scaaaarrrRrRrrrRy pumpkin!
I love my little buddies so much!!! See you again soon!