Deric & I were so thankful to be able to celebrate our wedding anniversary on the beautiful beaches of northwestern Florida! What made it even more special is that we met up with my siblings (since they're all living in Ft. Rucker, AL, only a couple hours from the beach). We enjoyed talking, laughing, camping, and fellowshipping with Jonathan, Jessica, and Daniel. My only complaint was that it wasn't long enough! We hope you enjoy the photos of our vacation!
We flew into Pensacola on Friday, June 5th, and Jon and Jess met us at the airport. We explored the Naval Air Station and its beach.
That first night, we stayed at at KOA "Kottage", which was very nice. We made a delicious dinner of BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, and salad.
Saturday morning we caravanned to Destin, FL. It was about a one-hour drive. Jon and Jess brought both of their cars so that we could use one. It was sweet to drive Jon's Acura RSX, and fun to follow Jess in her new Mini.
Destin has such a beautiful beach: sugar-like sand and crystal clear water. It was breath-taking!
Daniel had to fly a helicopter on Friday evening, so he met up with us Saturday around noon. 
The water was perfect for floating!
We camped at Henderson Beach National Park, which I highly recommend if you're ever in the area. It was lovely to be so close to the beach (about a 1/4 mile walk) and yet be able to take a hot shower when needed.
Saturday night we enjoyed a seafood feast at local favorite: The Crap Trap.
Deric tried (and liked!) raw oysters for the first time.
After dinner, we enjoyed a walk along the boardwalk and pier, just in time for the changing skies of sunset...
...and a beautiful moon rise.
We made the mistake of stopping by Wal-Mart for some groceries. Apparently, Saturday night around 9:30pm is when all the tourists hit up the Wal-Mart. I've never seen a store so crowded (of course, I avoid shopping on Black Friday)!
Breakfast on Sunday: pancakes, fruit, and French-pressed coffee.
My make-shift sun shelter, made from part of our tent. :)
Sunday afternoon we went to a local "Fun Land" for go-karting and putt putt. We found this fake 'stache stuck to a sign. I think it looks pretty real on Jon and Deric.
Deric beat me at go-karting, but only by a couple of seconds!
Group shot!
Dan had to head back to Rucker on Sunday evening. Jon, Jess, Deric and I headed back to the beach.
Jon caught a big crab with the net, but it crawled out before I could get a picture.
A perk of staying at a National Park is that it isn't commercialized. Instead of being surrounded by tall hotel buildings, we had these beautiful dunes.
On our walk back to the campsite, we ran into this little guy.
We have the same taste in tents. :) 
Jon and Jess took off Monday morning. Deric and I enjoyed Destin's beach one last time.
Monday afternoon we drove to our next destination: the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. After we checked into our cottage, we headed to the downtown area to explore and have dinner.
We ate here, a cute Italian place.
In honor of Pensacola's 450th anniversary, this old Spanish ship was docked in the harbor.
In honor of Pensacola's 450th anniversary, this old Spanish ship was docked in the harbor.
Deric loves those classic cars!
Here's where we stayed on the Naval base--very utilitarian, but very comfortable and affordable!
We were only about 200 yards from the beach!
And about 1/8 mile from this lighthouse, built in the mid 1800's.
Tuesday afternoon we explored the infamous Naval Air and Space Museum. It was well worth the visit!
It was hard to leave this place, but once we were back in our home in Alamosa, it felt good to be back. What a perfect vacation! :)
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