The past few years our family has scattered from Texas to Florida, so it has been tough getting everyone together. Even at Thanksgiving or Christmas, someone has been missing. So this year for our parent’s anniversary, we hatched a plan to get all of us to one spot! We decided a Redington Beach family vacation was the ticket for a reunion. Being back in Texas for six months has made us long for the beach and Brad, and I didn’t need much convincing to go back to Florida. 
Mom was thrilled that everyone was coming – we had kids, grandkids and even great-grandkids! Visiting at the holidays is great, but this time we could relax without any stress. No scrambling to finish last minute shopping or endless hours in the kitchen cooking. Just seven days of pool, beach, and margaritas!
Getting There!
With the trusty Prius loaded up, we headed out for Florida! Daughter had to work, so we were in charge of the two grand-kids for the trip! It’s been a while since we traveled with kids and decided it would be best to take our time and break up the journey into three days.
First night in Little Rock, AR we stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton. It was the perfect place to unwind after 8 hours in the car.
After hours the pool lights made the pool look magical by changing colors, going from pink to green to purple. And thanks to a lovely man at the front desk, our room opened up to an awesome patio right outside our door, so we could enjoy the lights and keep an eye on the kids.
Next stop Atlanta GA. These two were up early, rested and ready to rock!! Buckle up guys; we got eight hours to go!
Georgia at last!!
After a quick sleep-over in Atlanta, we were finally on the road to Florida!! We felt like Florida was saying “Welcome back Brad and Maggie, we missed you”.
Redington Beach, FL
Pulling up to the Ram Sea condos in Redington Beach, I could feel the stress of the last three days of travel start to melt. We were here!
If you ever stay at the Ram Sea II – pick condo 210. It was amazing!! Our condo was better than the online pictures. We chose a three bedroom, two bath for us, our two kids and the grands. The first thing I saw was this gorgeous view from the living room and master bedroom balcony. And yes, since we are the mom and dad, we claimed the master! I could imagine drinking coffee here in the morning and sipping wine at night watching the sunset over the ocean. Heaven!
The next couple of days were full of relaxation and soaking up the excellent Florida weather. Mornings were spent walking the beach together and checking out some of the locals.
Beach days were for taking it easy. We love lounging under the umbrellas and digging our toes in the soft, white sand. The gulf waters were warm, and the waves were small, perfect for all the kiddos and those of us who tend to get a little queasy in the waves. And thank goodness the jellyfish decided to stay far away!
Brad and I did manage to sneak away for a little “couple” time. We found this quaint bar at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk. It was the perfect spot to grab a beer and watch dolphins and pelicans playing in the bay.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Beaches weren’t the only thing on the agenda. Erica and the kids wanted to go to Clearwater and check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see Winter and Hope! These were the dolphins that inspired the movies Dolphin Tales 1 & 2. We also learned about other fish that live in the waters off the Florida Gulf.
Alyssa is trying to pet the stingrays! Being an animal lover, she was definitely in her element.
Winter would not get close enough to the viewing window for a picture – but Hope had no problem posing for a close-up!
Isaac has a little more growing to do to catch up with this pelican!
Give Kids the World
We also took a day to go to Orlando and visit Give Kids the World! Ben made this star 15 years ago during his Make-A-Wish trip! That day was so incredible that it deserves it’s very own post. Read more about it HERE!
Every evening, after dinner with the family, we tried to make it out to see the sunset. I loved watching families gather to wind down after the day or get together to get a sunset photo opp.
Our Redington Beach family vacation was fabulous, and the memories we made were priceless.
Do you have a favorite family vacation destination? I would love to hear about it!
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