It's My Intention: Vacation!

We made it. We actually made it like 5 weeks ago...but better late than never huh?

So we took our 5 week old baby and boarded a plane to Panama City Beach. We spent the first three days in Destin with our dear friends Jacqueline and Derek Garcia, then a week in Panama City (Inlet Beach to be exact). It really was a blast...but completely different taking a beach vaca with a baby. But, when I say "we made it", I mean, "Foster did awesome on the flights!".

Fosters first time seeing the ocean, clearly he loves it.

Andrew and Foster walking out to the water!

Derek and Jacqueline cuddling Foster at Starbucks.

A few words on Derek and Jacqueline: I love this couple! They are our twin couple. We go months without talking and only see each other once a year and we pick up right where we left off and dig into the deep things in life; our Faith, work, marriage, love, hopes, dreams, family, kids.... We are always so blessed and refreshed by their company. We pray that the Lord calls us to serve in the same place someday! Two things. 1. Jacqueline is pregnant with twins. A boy and a girl. YEEEEEE!!!! 2. Derek is one of the funniest people I have ever met. We laugh a lot when we are with them.

When we were there Foster was in a growth spurt, eating all the time...like at the breakfast table. Derek was such a good friend that he didn't want me to feel alone.

This is Derek with an apron, pretending to multitask.

The time with my family is always a trip, especially now that there are 3 little boys! Here are a few snapshots of the rest of the trip!

Charlie doesn't speak yet, but he is a funny, sweet, and charming little boy! I could squeeze the heck out of him! Couldn't you just eat him up?!?!

Charlie! I can't handle the cuteness!

Charlie playing in the sand.

We spent an afternoon at Seaside with the fam.

My view for most of the week.

The weather was not ideal beach weather...for most people...but, for me it was amazing. It never got into the 90's, it rained at least a little every day, and the cloud coverage was pretty much constant. For me, it meant that I got to sit outside on the covered porch for hours each day. It was awesome! My mom also chooses to sit on the porch as opposed to the beach so we got to spend lots of time talking.

We had an amazing time with my brother and sister-in-law. As I told my brother, it was so good to be a parent so I could actually understand what that is like and allowed us a chance to commiserate. I have always loved being around Josh and Michelle, but being in a new similar life stage as them made it extra special. Plus, I just LOVE those boys...and the one on the way.

Fred, Michelle and baby on the way.

Fred holding Foster. I love Fred's face in this pic...hilarious.

Fred has a special place in my heart - he stole my heart the second I laid eyes on him! He is turning 5 this week!!! HOLY COW! He is as rambunctious as ever and is so smart and funny. And seriously, sooo handsome. It was strange always having Foster and not being able to play with the Welker boys, but Fred and I got to play in the ocean a bit, in the waves...he said it felt like a giant bounce house...Loved it!