Really good things, and really bad things

We went to eat at one of my favorite places-A.J.'s. It's right on the marina, and I love looking out at the boats coming in as I eat my fried crab claws and steamed crab legs. We were surprised to learn that Laney loves crab claws too, and chose shrimp to eat! She actually ate it all week! I have a fellow sea food lover! Allen took Zane for a walk while I finished my dinner, and then we all went on a boat tour, walking around the docks at the marina. I love looking at the boats, and dreaming of the day when we can go deep sea fishing. I'd love that. The kids loved looking at the boats too. They thought they were cool. As we were walking back to the van, we saw a "real life" pirate.It was actually a little old man, but it was just so "this summer" to see him appear right in front of us. We were laughing so hard, and I tried to take a picture, but I was going up the hill, and I was laughing, so it's blurry. But you get the idea. It was a good night...Until we got back to the condo. The older kids went down fine, but Zane cried, and screamed, for hours. I really thought they were going to call up from the front desk and kick us out! I mean it was one of those pray out loud situations. I walked him on the beach, trying anything to calm him down. He just felt awful. Finally, he fell asleep about 1 am, but woke up every 2o to 30 minutes crying. Eventually, the sun came up.

Allen and Laney had plans to go to the water park the next day, and that was fine with us. Jude had spiked a huge fever during the night, and even with Motrin, he was just laying on the couch. We sat around for awhile, listening to what seemed like the rest of the world having fun on the beach, and finally I decided we needed some retail therapy. That's not something I advocate normally, but desperate times call for desperate measures. There was a Target right across the street, so we zipped over there, I put Zane in the carrier, and Jude in the buggy. I got two movies for me, and a Spider Man car for Jude. After a quick consultation with my super sweet and very patient friend, Shannan, I bought some cold medicine for Zane. She assured me it wouldn't kill him, and may even allow us some sleep. I was encouraged for the first time in days. I was also amazed at how the Lord cares for us. He just told me to call her, out of the blue, and she was such a life saver. After getting the "necessities, " we wandered the isles for awhile, since everyone was moderately happy. We finally made our way back to the condo, and waited for Laney and Allen to come back.

When they walked in the door, they were both grinning from ear to ear. They had a blast. Laney was fearless, going on every single side and ride that she was tall enough for. Allen loves water parks, so they were both in their element. They recounted the day, happy and exhausted. Allen took Zane, and I grabbed my Ipod, and hit the beach by myself. I love to walk on the beach, and I cranked my "Elizabethtown" soundtrack, which is fabulous, and did some serious praying and praising. By the time I got back to the condo, my spirits were lifted, which always happens when I make the sacrifice of praise, and told Allen we were headed to yet another favorite eating destination. This is why we love Destin!

The Back Porch is my very favorite. You can wear your bathing suit and cover up, which I did, and you eat in a restaurant right on the beach, with all the windows open, and the wind blowing your hair. They have a kids' playground, so after we ate, the kids played. It was so nice to have a happy time after the hard night and day. We got key lime pie to go, and headed back to the condo to watch a movie. It was a good evening.