We went to the beach Memorial Day week. That's our typical week to go on family vacation. Weather is nice, Jordan gets Memorial Day off so it's less vacation time to take and it just works for us.
This year we returned to Destin. We haven't been there in several years as we try a new place every year. We actually stayed on Okaloosa Island, but it is so close to Destin we enjoyed all that both have to offer.
We go on these yearly family vacations with Nana and Paw Paw, and we have such fun and make special memories. Get ready for a picture overload...
On our way to the beach, we stopped in Dothan, AL to visit my mom's family. We also visited my grandmother's (Gram) grave. This is the grandmother Mac is named after- McKinney (Mac) Graham.
First day
Paw Paw loves taking them out in the ocean
Meal time!
Then we discovered the pool. The kids liked the beach for a max of 30 minutes, then they were ready for sand free fun.
I LOVE this view when I am on the board walk. It reminds me I'm on vacation.
One of our absolute favorite places to eat in Destin.
Riding go carts and put put are a must on family vacations. Especially beach vacations when Jordan has had his fill of sand, ocean and sun.
Last family picture before going home the next day.
My 'babies' are officially toddlers. Where is the pause button? I so love this age, though. I went through their preemie and newborn clothes Labor Day weekend, and I'm amazed how small Mac and Paisley were. Little miraculous blessings. Aren't they all?!
We celebrated their second birthday with none other than their current favorite, Mickey and Minnie. This party was much lower scale than last year, and I'm happy with how everything turned out. My sweet friend Tedra took pictures of the party memories for us. We had our closest family and friends there to celebrate and play with us. We are so blessed.
Here's a photo flashback for fun...
Newborns (4 days old):
4 month olds:
One year olds:
19 month olds:
And look at them now:
Mac and his 'cheese' face. Stinking cute, I tell ya.
We had two weekends of celebrations. The weekend before their birthday Mimi and Geep came for the day. Mimi and Lilly Scott made cupcakes while M and P took a nap. Here's a video. Mac loves sweets (cupcakes have become his new favorite), but Paisley could care less. She actually continued to turn up her nose and ate 2 cups of mandarin oranges instead.
Thanks to Mimi and Geep for coming to celebrate with us!
A week later we had their birthday party. The venue wasn't available the weekend before their actual birthday so we went with the Saturday after their birthday.
Here are birthday party pics for memory lane
:)
These treats were in cellophane bags for party favors. Yum.
I mean, who doesn't love a hot dog bar?
Invitation
The inflatable playground entrance
Paisley gets a cake, but she acts disgusted with it. The girl would rather eat her weight in mandarin oranges. Mac always looks to her dessert while signing and saying 'more'.
Dad was worried about Mac's outfit so he took it off. Mac wasn't a fan :(
This is the most interaction Paisley showed with the cake. :-/
Mac found a new love: juice boxes. His birthday right. First juice box.
The Walkers brought M and P these balloons, and they are still floating around the house. Well, body parts anyway. Both were decapitated at the party, haha.
Caitlin and Lilly Scott. Cousins, besties.
I owe a huge thanks to all those who helped me: Ashley made the incredible signs and banner, Piece A Cake Bakery made the cakes and thumbprint cookies, Tedra captured the moments, Kyle and Courtney came into town and jumped in to help wherever needed and of course my groom, Jordan, who is a champion at all things dad. We are so lucky to have him as our HOH (big brother lingo).
Thanks to the family and friends who traveled across state lines, within the state and down the road to join in celebrating Mac and Paisley.
