Splash Pad @ Alys Beach

Up and down Okay. Okay. It HAS been a while. This week I wanted to change things up a bit (from the pool, the beach, etc) and try the splash pad over at Alys Beach. It's on a very open green space for the kiddos to run free as a bird and stay cool in this Florida heat. 

So we packed a lunch and drove over. We spent almost 2 hours there and had a quick and easy lunch. You can't beat the view and the kids were tired just from running in circles and up and down the hills. What fun! There was a donut truck nearby that just started serving frozen yogurt too. We didn't try it, but I'm sure we will soon. 

Would I recommend this place? Um, yes!!! It's so cute and a great place to picnic in the summer! We love how family friendly , and how very well manicured, Alys Beach is. It's one of our absolute favorite spots and we've even been known to take family pictures there. 

There is also a little playground nearby (I need to post about). That's cute.

Entering Alys Beach

Such a cute area

Let's all sit on top of this thing...

Chase!

My little Layne took a bit to warm up to the idea 

Up and down. Up and down. 

Silly Camden

Wrapped up for the road

No bro didn't want to join in...

So obsessed with the cement and the little details

Love all of the little spaces in the area 

Jessica 

Carillon Beach Town Center (it was freezing!)

It has been super cold here in North Florida the past week!!! There is only a week or two in Florida that you actually have to wear a winter coat, and this was one. 

We ventured out to walk around Carillon. I have never actually taken the time to walk around there at see what it had to offer. It was adorable and small, but EVERYONE was closed. EVERYONE except the gym!!!! What a let down! 

The one saving grace for us to have gotten our little family dressed and in the car were the ducks. Yes, the ducks, it appears as though they are fed because as soon as they noticed us on the dock they swam right over and my little guys was entertained for a few minutes. 

Carillon does have beautiful view. BUT clearly not a family place in the winter. Hopefully it's more lively in the summer and we can make a point to visit then. 

Jessica 

Cottages for Kids, Rosemary Beach

I'm so excited for out family to visit Cottages for Kids in Rosemary Beach this weekend! They are open every weekend in November and proceeds benefit underinsured children. Visit the website to learn more: http://www.cottagesforkids.org/main/. 

Pictures will come!

Jessica

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna, Florida

So the Saturday before last we decided to make the trek to Florida caverns State Park in Marianna. I visited the caverns as a child, but it had been way to long. So, off we went with our little family of four (with our 4 year old and 11 month old) with friends and their three little ones (2 -year-olds and a 2 month old). 

We arrived shortly before 1 and the 1:30 tour was already sold out. So, we hung around and took our time eating lunch (misquotes were Everywhere!!) and walk around in the museum and gift shop(mostly because of the AC). They did have picnic tables available thank goodness. The museum, however, was NOT kid friendly and really lacked in history catered to children. Thankfully, that Saturday a park volunteer had turtles for the kids to watch! And, well, don't expect much from the gift shop. If you would like something as a park favor, forget it. It was awful for kids and grown-ups. 

So, after an hour of waiting and waiting and changing diapers (NO diaper changing table- BIG Disappointment) we were off on the tour trail. The guide was very educated and GREAT. The tour was 45 minutes and the kids did ok-even the littlest ones. The entrance to the caverns was SWARMING with mosquitos! Bring spray!!!! The guide gives you an option to exit I you need to. The embarrassing part? Our 11 month old pooped at the beginning of the tour and there was no where to change him!! Haha. There isn't a diaper changing table in caverns.

There was a short walk back from the tour to the main entrance, the kids were tired by then.

Walking up to the caverns your entrance 

Inside the Caverns

Inside 

Our family after the tour. 

Review of Stuffy's downtown Panama City

Review coming! Our little family visited Stuffy's downtown Panama City for lunch and the review is coming! 

Jessica

Low key in Panama City

We've certainly been low key the last few weeks with new news in our family. Hectic doesn't even begin to describe what the last weeks have been. 

We did start another round of swim lessons at a local place here in Panama City at a new place. Review to come!

Meanwhile, enjoy the sunshine.

Jessica

Happy Daze: relaxed spot on Thomas Drive

Happy Daze. Who knew? A friend of ours let us know that new play houses were being built on Thomas Drive in Panama City. So one afternoon we decided to venture out and see what was happening nearby. 

Happy Daze is a neat concept for the area. It has an eating & snacking area (we didn't eat) and a fenced in, grassed area with 5 different play houses. Our son was SO excited. He played on everyone of them. There was one that was really high-more for a child much older than 4. But, with a parent nearby most ages will live the area and it's perfect to release energy and change things up a bit near the beach!!

I can't speak to the food on this one, but I would recommend it for a relaxed lunch spot or to break up a summer day while the kids are home.