Catch up on the first few days here:
Friday, October 17th: By far the nicest day we had there weather-wise, the skies and water were completely calm. The temp was back into the 80s. This was the first day that we could go far out into the water, still see our toes, and feel comfortable letting the boys go out of our reach without being afraid that a wave would go over their heads. Crystal clear water that the Destin area is known for – ahhhh.
Beach, pool, beach, pool, back and forth. We packed a picnic so we could eat by the pool and spend more of our last full day out in the sun and sand. We were almost always the only ones in the pool or on the pool deck.
Since we didn’t make it to the dolphin cruise in time the night before, we had gone ahead and reserved our spot for Friday night ahead of time. The cruise was at 5 and we were to arrive 30+ minutes early so that meant we had to end our time on the beach sooner than we wanted in order to be on time. We were excited for the cruise but already missing the beach and since it was our nicest day all week, we briefly thought about skipping the cruise. So glad we didn’t – turned out to be some of the best memories we made on the entire vacation!
There were unlimited drinks – wine, beer, soda, and water – on the sunset dolphin cruise. So we let the boys try Sprite for the first time. This was Dexter’s reaction: 
They both got to captain the boat!
I didn’t take any pictures of the dolphins we saw – we were so relaxed, just enjoying the wind and the water – and okay, the drinks too. It was such a fun cruise. Afterwards, we had a fantastic dinner at LaFamiglia at HarborWalk Village.
Back to the condo to pack and lament over the sad end of a wonderful week.
Saturday, October 18th: Departure Day. “October 11th through the 18th.” I had said those dates a hundred times when talking to friends, family, and acquaintances about our vacation as it approached. Now, checkout day was here and I didn’t like the sound of October 18th anymore. The only picture I took was of the condo before we pulled away.
The boys were great in the car – Dexter actually took a long 2 or 3 hour nap. We drove to my friends’ house in Nashville, TN and crashed for the night.
Sunday, October 19th. We hit the road early but weren’t quite ready for vacation to end just yet. I got that “I don’t wanna go home…I wanna DO somethin'” feeling. The next sign on the side of the interstate as we were approaching Bowling Green, Kentucky said “Lost River Cave & Valley.” I was driving so I told Ryan to look it up on TripAdvisor. I was an easy sell and quickly pulled off the interstate, changing the destination on our GPS. What a gem for the people of Bowling Green. I loved the town of BG as we drove through, but this place was so neat. Such a great outdoor space for kids with an all natural playground, fossil and gem mining, trails, cave (with an underground boat tour), and an adorable and impressive gift shop.
Don’t mind the tantrum…typical.
Theo did have a massive meltdown at this place over me wanting to take a picture or two…he was beyond tired and not wanting to do anything we asked of him. FUN note to end the vacation on….except not really. We had a heart to heart in the car afterwards, kissed and made up, and made it home in the late afternoon. With hearts and minds bursting with memories and love and happiness that it happened and sadness that it was over. Just like every vacation. The end of a week spent as an isolated little unit of 4 people. If only vacations happened more than once or twice a year. Work shmerk!
So that’s the end of our Okaloosa Island 2014 series – I hope you have enjoyed and that I’ve talked you into taking a trip there (and to Bowling Green!)…it really was amazing!
xo,
~C~