Greetings from Panama City Beach, FL! We've been here since Saturday afternoon and we're having a wonderful time. The beach has to be one of number one favorite things that God created. There is just something about sitting by the ocean and watching the waves roll that rejuvenates my spirit like few things can. I simply love it.

So far, Bryant seems to be enjoying it too. He's not so sure about the sand, and particularly doesn't like the way it tastes. But after a tutorial by Daddy and Poppa G, he has learned to like the waves. He likes to sit on the sand right at the water's edge and let the waves rush over his legs. It's been so fun to listen to him squeal each time.

This year Bradley has learned how to boogy board. He had a ton of fun and spent over an hour doing it a few days ago. His Aunt Gigi was out there with him for part of the time. I was impressed! The problem is that the sand and salt between his belly and the board rubbed his little stomach raw. He tried doing it the next day with a shirt on, but it didn't help much. It's apparently a rougher sport than it looks. But he really loved riding the waves and I'm sure he'll be back at it before the week's over.

Yesterday the men rented a pontoon boat for the day and spent the morning fishing. We met them at St. Andrew's Park around 11:30 and rode out to Shell Island. The guys grilled some amazing kabobs, and the kids had fun searching for shells and feeding the seagulls. It was a pretty fun way to spend my 34th birthday!

Bryant LOVED his life jacket. Whenever we tried to take it off of him he would start screaming and running away from us. Who knew?

On the way back to the park, we stopped in the bay so the kids could fish. Brad and Bailey caught something right off the bat. Here Bradley is using Carrie Beth's princess fishing pole. He ended up staying the rest of the afternoon with his daddy, uncle and granddaddy and got to use a more manly pole. He told me that at one point they were almost out of bait, and he saved the day by catching a sandcat. He felt like the king of the world!

Last night Jeff took me to Bonefish with my brother and sister-in-law and we had a great time. Bryant is such a pill to take out to dinner these days, getting to eat out with only adults is heaven! The waiter bought me dessert since it was my birthday. (So, Cheryl, I DID have some key lime pie for you!) We topped off the evening with a trip to Alvin's Island, the big one with the alligators and sharks.

After we got home, Jeff and I walked down to the beach and spent some time talking by the water's edge. It was a really great day. If I have to turn 34, I guess the beach is a pretty good consolation prize. :)

Hear it's pretty hot at home. Sorry friends! I'd have brought you all with me if I could have, really!