last updated June 26, 2003
The year 2002 was a very busy one - James was 14 and Joshua was 11 and we had all been going in a hundred different directions. That summer, Jerry and I went on a Cruise, James went on a beach trip with our church youth group and spent alot of times with his friends and Joshua had gone to kids camp and a kids crusade in Thomasville with our church puppet team. So, we were like ships passing in the night. So, when Thanksgiving rolled around we knew we needed some family time and we had great family time when we went to Destin in for Thanksgiving 2000 we decided to go again.
We left early Wednesday, November 27 and made the 3 - 4 hour drive to Destin. We checked in to our condo sometime around 3 that afternoon. We settled in and enjoyed the view from our balcony and took that opportunity to relax. The kids fell asleep and Jerry and I went to the grocery store to get some stuff to cook. We bought some steaks and hamburger to cook on the grill. Plus, cereal and some snacks so we had plenty to eat. Of course, we walked around on the beach too. We had steaks for dinner that night and actually sat at the table like a family - that was worth the whole trip.
Thursday, November 28 was Thanksgiving and we decided to sleep in. It was not too cold this time so we spent more time in the pool and at the ocean. Jerry and the boys went to Walmart (I was surprised it was open) and James got a model and Joshua got some toys to play with in the sand. We drove down to Seaside (where they filmed the Truman Show) and walked around a little. I really liked it but it wasn't the guys thing so we didn't stay too long. We drove around looking at houses on the way back which was fun. We decided to eat out for Thanksgiving instead of cooking at the condo so we went to the Cracker Barrell. Then we all went walking on the beach that night.
Friday, November 29 - the day after Thanksgiving is usually my day to shop and this trip I decided to hit the sales anyway. First I went to Walmart, then I went to the Outlet Mall. I was able to finish some of the Christmas shopping and hid it all in the trunk of the car. I really enjoy shopping - it is one of my favorite pasttimes. Jerry, Josh and James hung out on the beach most of the day. When James got tired of the beach he went to the room and worked on his model. They were able to really catch up on some much needed rest, relaxation and family time.
Saturday, November 30 - we had to go home. We decided to take the scenic route home through Panama City beach. We just drove along the coast as long as we could then headed back to the mainland a little refreshed and sad the vacation was over but glad to get home.