Half a Shade Tanner
We’re back and sporting a very very slight change in skin color thanks to the warm weather in Port St. Lucie.
Thank you to everyone who suggested places to eat and things to do – we had budgeted about $40 a day for fun activities and food so we were glad that so many hot spots were not too too expensive and delicious (even if they didn’t have bacon with every dish!). Oh – and yes, most of the places we hit were toddler-friendly (uber-important with three in tow!). I’ll tell ya all about the ups & downs when the final vacationing post is all wrapped up.
I do want to apologize to those folks out there that expressed concern about our house-poorness status and vacationing. If I gave the impression that we don’t budget for gifts or holidays or lower-budget vacations - I was wrong. We do. It’s really important to us. Like right up there with the ‘food’ category. Taking breaks from work and investing time with family and friends make our lives richer…even if it costs us on normal days. But to us, it’s worth the measly little sacrifices.
And when I sit back and remember how rich we really are – especially in comparison to the rest of the world, I can’t really complain about my financial situation. Will you forgive me for past complaining? I’d appreciate it if you would. It’s kinda obnoxious to complain anyway…and as much as I know I am flawed…I don’t wanna make that a habit. I try to share some glimpses into our money-world because 1. my mouth is so big that it’ll pop out anyway and 2. it keeps me accountable – like I sometimes have to remind myself that even if I want something (like a new sectional) – I don’t need it - and 3. with such a big house, it’s easy to give the appearance that we are rolling in the dough…which we aren’t…we are not hurting to eat each month…but we definitely aren’t struggling. We are just normal folks doing everything we can to stretch a small budget to live life to the fullest…just like the rest of you.
Oh and a big smoochy hug to our hosts – our friends Austin & Luke. They let us crash with them for the entire vacation and fed us most of the time. We owe you guys big time. How about we send you Bananagrams and we’ll call it even 
So when I go through our 24.567 million photos (hey three toddlers means too many photo opportunities for someone who is camera happy), I’ll come back and give ya the full blow-by-blow of how we enjoyed Florida. In the mean time, let’s talk beaches. Where’s your favorite one?
p.s. I could lick my husbands muscles. I won’t. But I could. And you can see how he gets em here
More Florida lovin’ — my favorite beach is Captiva Island, on the gulf coast . Sooo beautiful, relaxing and “Old Florida.”
Looks like a super fun trip Katie! Happy you guys got away.
And no need to apologize about anything financial you’ve said in the past. We should all have a little common sense when reading and realize that everyone’s budget is personal, and therefore, doesn’t require the ridicule or approval of others who voluntarily choose to read your blog or not. As I’ve said in the past, we’re all so grateful for the awesome blogger you are. Keep up the great work and keep being yourself! Can’t wait to see the vacation photos!
Oh go ahead and lick. You are already preggo, whats the worst thing that could happen? Just don’t blog about it. We love you guys but that might be TMI. He does look very nice with no shirt on. Can you feature more of that this summer?
Cape San Blas, Florida! There is nothing to do there but enjoy the crystal clear waters and hang out with family – just my kinda beach!
I know what you mean by saying things are tighter, and when you bring up an upcoming trip or vacation everyone looks at you and says “But I thought you were broke? How can you afford to do that?”
Well we can because we are sensible with our money and spending and take that little extra we save every month and squirrel it away for a vacation, or a house. If I have spent my limit for the month, I will not spend more. I do not like jeopardizing those future trips, or how soon we can get into our own home.
I love this blog, and following your adorable family. Thanks for keeping it real…always.
I see no reason why you shouldn’t lick your husband. He’s YOUR husband after all. I just don’t want to hear that you rolled him in bacon first…
My favorite beach is Siesta Key beach off of Sarasota. I was just telling my hubs that he could take me there next month for my big 3-0.
That’s where I live! Rated #1 in the country by Dr. Beach. Love living in paradise.
Glad you you guys had a great time!!!
I think its really sad that you have to justify your holiday / money to anyone because of peoples nasty comments.
Holidays are amazing & should be in everyones budgets… Even if they are small holidays
Keep up blogging & dont let anyones negative comments / opinions get you down
What a fun trip!!
My favorite beach is the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore in Michigan. And the best part is we live only 30 minutes from there. Although this time of year there is not much swimming going on
So my second favorite beach is out the backyard of the house we rented last spring in the Bahamas. AMAZING!!!
That last picture of all of the boys running into the water is the most adorable thing ever.
Good for you, katie. Enjoy your time with your lil guy, just as I am doing with mine, 28 months old. Time flies. Today I looked at him out in Our yard and thought, who is this boy chatting up a storm, and bossing me around lol! I too am looking forward to baby #2, as I sadly miscarried two weeks ago, at 7 weeks. I am dying for my aunt flo, so we can try again. Some people are just haters, and wish other people bad. Must be real fun to be them (insert sarcasm now).
I love that first picture of you guys! It looks like y’all had so much fun! I’m totally jealous…I can’t wait for vacation!
Something about little boys with the shirts off- adorable!
Glad you’re back…glad you had a nice vacation. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is the best.beach.ever. There’s no where else to go.
If you ever wanna travel a little further and hit up Ontario, Canada… Here’s a little guide of some fun things to do in my small town.. and you could even make some money because Id hire you to take my sons picture ;p
http://ktdlzll.blogspot.ca/2012/01/small-town-charm.html
PS- and please dont ever stop ‘complaining’ about being house poor… its what keeps you and your blog real and sets you apart from the million of other blogs out there! I envy your honesty!
Awesome pics. I’m glad you all had a great time.
Ignore the concern trolls!
Can I just say shame on those poeple giving you a hard time for going on a cheap little vacation. It can’t be all work and no play all the time. And it’s not like you are taking this big extravagent European vacay (and if you did, so what!). You drove to Florida and stayed with friends. They need to get the h over it. Thanks for keeping it real!!!!
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this comment. I am three weeks into a six-month trip to Europe for which we have been saving for twenty years. Twenty years of used furniture and shopping at Goodwill and decorating in “Early Hand-Me-Down” style and rarely going out and being as frugal as we know how, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience… and I’ve heard a lot of “Oh, it must be nice!”
It IS nice, but we had a whole bunch of not-so-nice while those same people lived it up in little ways that added up over the months and years.
It looks like there are two Wills in the second picture…the littlest one looks so much like him!
Port St Lucie looks awesome. If you ever get the chance you should head over to the gulf side next time and visit St Pete Beach, FL. I live in St Petersburg and our beaches are the best! St Pete Beach was voted number 1 in the US this year. Downtown St Petersburg is great too and has a lot of great restaurants.
So glad you guys had a great trip! Don’t ever stop complaining or keeping it real. We all need to vent sometimes and it doesn’t imply ingratitude. In fact, I think it helps us grow, learn and be better people. And every time you share a frustration or struggle, you never know who you are going to reach or impact for the better. I believe God is always using us, even when we’re struggling, complaining or going through hardships. You are human, a great one at that, and we all love how openly you share your life! I think you are really making a difference in other people’s lives…yes, just through blogging and the dear ole internet!