Thoughtful Thursday

Summer To-Do List: Go To The Splash Park

Today we checked off a box on our summer to-do list: go to the splash park. We have a few free splash parks here in the Memphis area and even though Sally isn't fully walking yet, she had a blast! There were a lot of kids but they were pretty careful around the little ones. Next time we will get there earlier to get a shady spot and we will bring a picnic.

WILW: Recent Purchases Edition

Here are some recent purchases that I am loving and wanted to share.

{one}

My NEW CAR!!!

It's used but new to me...a black Lexus GX 470 

Its pretty much my dream car and I feel like hot stuff whenever I drive it!!

{two}

I was in the market for some new running shoes and was quite excited when I saw these cuties online at DSW.com. I also had a $20 reward to spend so the price was right! I cannot wait until they come in the mail. I just literally went to the front porch to see if the mail guy had come yet.

{three}

Shrimp and Grits had a sale a few weeks ago and I snagged up this adorable bubble for Sally to wear next summer!

{four}

A local girl was selling her daughter's smart trike. I had wanted to get one for Sally but hadn't yet. I was so excited when she wold it to me for $40!! Sally loves it and I love that it can grow with her!

{five}

On the way home from the beach, we stopped at World Market just outside of Mobile. I just had to get a set of these plastic plates for eating on the patio.

I also needed this rope door stop...love how I'm not using it on a door. I like it stacked on some old books. I'm crazy like that!

Summer To-Do List: Go to the Beach!

We went down to the Destin area (30a) the last week of May. We were so excited to take you back to the beach this year! You did an amazing job in the car on the way down. The drive may have gone so well since a sweet friend has let us borrow their car DVD player. We stopped in Mobile for lunch at Wintzell's Oyster House. It's become our go-to lunch spot when driving to the beach.

In just a few more hours, we were in our home for the week. We found it through VRBO. It is in the same section is 30a that we have stayed in the last several times. While, this house was nice, it was not the best we have stayed in. The price was right though! We had 4 bedrooms and filled them all up...making the price $50/per night/per couple!! You cannot beat that for summer in Destin!

After getting settled, we walked to the beach. 





After getting cleaned up we went to dinner down the street at Stinky's Fish Camp. 

This has become one of the restaurants on our list of favorites. We usually go to the beach in the fall....so we knew the crowds would be worse in the summer. We were not prepared for a 3 hour wait...yup....3 hours people! Miss Sally was not amused.

After we finally got seated, the food was great...but this ended up being one of the most expensive meals of the trip...boo!

The next morning we got up bright and early and hit the beach. We tried to keep sunscreen on you but you got a little pink. You just loved the ocean, sand...no fears!! You would have crawled into the ocean if we would have let you :)

For dinner we hit up our favorite "splurge" restaurant in Destin, Louisiana Lagniappe.

 This place is in the middle of a neighborhood but backs up to some docks, has free hush puppies and delicious food!!

We like to sit outside...the view is beautiful!

After dinner we drove over to Baytowne Wharf. Sally was still too small to do any of the activities but we walked around a bit....

  

and ate a bunch of free samples at the self serve yogurt store...whoops!

The next day we were determined to keep you covered up and out of the sun as much as possible...but you were not having it!

After getting cleaned up for the day we went to the Destin harbor and did a Dolphin Cruise with Destin Snorkel. Joe and I did this last September with a Groupon and loved it. They also give free wine and beer so we were excited.

Kristy and I before the cruise

Sally got to drive the boat!! She got to drive it last year too!

After the doplhin cruise we went to dinner at Dewey Destin...the old location, right on the water. You literally walk into a shack and order your food and then they bring it out to you...a dive...but oh so good fried shrimp!!

The next day, the boys went to fish and play disc golf so the girls went to the pool and outlet mall. 

For dinner we went to The Back Porch. I love their grilled blackened shrimp and the views are incredible! We did a little photo shoot while waiting for our food.

 After dinner we got a movie from Redbox and relaxed!

The next day, Kristy and Matt left...and we went back to the beach! Later we went to a new place for dinner that I had heard great things about, Bayou Bills Crab House...a little off the beaten path...the location was nothing special. The food however was wonderful!

The next day, we sadly had to pack everything up and come home.  We had a wonderful trip with good friends and I cannot wait to go back...hopefully this fall! If you are headed down to the Destin area, please check out all of the places we ate. We have been to a lot of places and these continue to be our favorites!! The links are in the names of the restaurants.