Family Fun for Fall Break

 
 
 
 

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We spent Fall Break in Panama City Beach. It was my first trip to Panama City since I was in high school and boy, have things changed in the past 15 years! We had originally planned to stay somewhere on 30A, as usual, but because we waited until the very last minute to book anything, our plans changed. I heard about Splash Resort at the grocery store on Wednesday, came home and booked it and we left on Friday. We kicked off our trip with dinner at Boon Docks on our way in. We got to the resort kind of late, so we only had time to explore Friday night. It was our first time to stay in a high rise (at the beach), so the kids were thrilled with the elevator rides & thought being on the 21st floor was the coolest thing ever. While the view was extraordinary, it made Dan & me a nervous wreck with the kids. I even blockaded the doors with furniture at night......like I said, I'm not used used to high rises and kids!:) We hit the beach bright and early Saturday morning and rotated between the beach, pool, and splash pad all day- only taking a break for lunch and a short rest time in our room. Sad to say that Dan didn't have near as much fun in the room watching the game Saturday afternoon as we did at the splash pad. The Tide finally ended it's winning streak with a loss to South Carolina.:( This didn't get the James family down though, we headed straight to Pier Park after the game and enjoyed dinner at The Back Porch and dessert at Kilwin's. We pretty much repeated the same thing on Sunday, but added the Miracle Strip at Pier Park after dinner, which was a HUGE hit with Daniel and Laura Ann. It turns out that the Miracle Strip Amusement Park that I visited every summer of my childhood closed in 2003, but a handful of the rides have reopened at Pier Park, mainly the Ferris wheel & carousel. Laura Ann spotted the 'carnival' while we were parking to go to dinner and there was no turning back! Although it was quick, we had a GREAT trip! The weather was absolutely fabulous and Splash Resort was super fun for the kids. I'm sure Daniel and Laura Ann would vote the splash pad and 'carnival' as their favorite parts. Dan would say the carmel/pecan coated rice crispy treat from Kilwin's. As for me, it would be falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.......there's nothing else like it......... for this beach lover, anyway!

*Laura Ann keeps us laughing all the time and this trip was no different. Here's just a couple:
-On Ferris wheel Dan said that she got quiet and he asked her if she was afraid. She said, "No, Jesus is with me so I don't ever have to be afraid." So sweet! She reminds us of this often!

-About a week ago, Dan made a joke about his hair loss, being bald, etc. & she heard him. She has been really bothered by it & keeps asking if his hair will grow back. I explained that it wouldn't, but that it is ok, a natural part of aging, etc. I have also pointed out other men who are completely bald. Anyway, one night on our trip, the subject came up again. She confidently told Dan, "It's ok Daddy, I sing a song about 'My God has Power' and He can make your hair grow back with His power." Now that is some FAITH!! :)