We had so much fun on Destin, Florida's white sandy beach over Memorial Weekend. We did so many fun things all in one day on the beach and had a BLAST. Wave jumping, swimming, bodyboarding, sandcastles, kite flying, seashell collecting, child chasing, sand eating (Isaac got a surprise faceful from one of the girls shoes which was being excitedly kicked off in order to hit the waves) , saltwater tasting, and sunbathing (especially Isaac--see below). And we realized once again that we are not those perfect parents you see around. We thought we were so smart to keep Isaac shaded all day under an umbrella with a blanket around him. What we didn't know is that Florida's white sand is like a mirror,  reflecting the suns rays back up at you. This can be wonderful if you are hoping for a golden brown tan on the under side of your chin, but not so much if you are trying to shade a baby. The short version--even in the shade, Isaac got a bad burn around his eyes, nose and forehead where he was not covered by his blanket. He developed some blisters and drainagethat night. Our hearts were torn apart watching him, even though it really didn't seem to bother him. He became swollen and his eyes looked like he had just descended through the birth canal all over again. Again, he just smiled through it all. What a tough kid! (he must be mine -- ha!ha!) I've struggled over whether to include a picture or not (due to the gruesome nature of it), but I think I will just to show what he's made of. I'm so happy to report that he is now healed, and hardly has any redness left in his face. 

A perfect day for flying kites.  A light breeze...

Look at my foot under 5 feet of water...yeah, it was that beautiful and clear!

If you look really hard straight above Lainie's head there are two dolphins swimming (we hope they were dolphins!)

The sand was so soft and fine! The girls couldn't get enough of playing with it, even after 7 hours!

Cap'n Lainiebugs turns the ship gently toward the portside and free of impending obstacles! With red splotches on our skin to show each spot that was missed by our spf-1000 sunblock (Lainie blocked her eyes with each application and had red raccoon-like circles around her eyes to prove it), we forwent the beach on our last day and went on a "dolphin cruise." The girls were so excited to see the dolphins that swim back and forth along the beaches. Turns out there is a literal swarm of boaters over memorial day weekend who like to throw anchor and drink various mood altering beverages on the very waters that we were to for dolphins on. We saw some sites, just no dolphins. The girls were disappointed, but loved driving the boat, and being out on the water.  Dolphins would've been fun, but I prefer watching our little sea monkeys anytime!!

Ai, Ai matey! Brinley grabbed the steering wheel and immediately began cranking counterclockwise on it, and fast! I saw the captain's nervous look, and instantly knew that Brinley would not be as long in his seat as the other children.  

The most stunning creatures on the seven seas! Who needs dolphins?! 

Our accomodations....we wish. Beachfront hotels in Destin, FL

Building the Higbee empire.  They always end up smaller and much simpler than my original plans call for. I was hoping to make it strong enough so that next time we visit we would have an inexpensive place to stay. I have never claimed to be the "wise man." 

We built three large towers. The largest, is Maren's so she can see over the entire castle and run the place efficiently. The wide one on the left is Isaacs and is seperated just a little so that when he is participating in knightly activities and rough housing it won't disturb the rest of the palace. The two adjacent towers to the right are Lainie's and Brin's. They are close together since they will have to share their collection of polly-pockets and other dolls in the middle (that room is off limits to Isaac). Not, to mention that they preferred it that way because "they are the best buddies in the whole world," according to both.  I have my own little blacksmith shop in the back (not pictured) where I can create all kinds of innovative orthopedic implants and devices that will pay for such a grand (and pricey) stretch of beachfront property

Soaking in the salt

 A view of Destin Beach

I look at this picture and just wish I was on there with him! I wish I was still that gifted at power relaxation!

Well, here it is. Cause of tears shed by us (definitely more than by him). Looks completely healed now. Please don't report us to child protective services!!