Sage's First Beach Vacation on St. George Island!!!! (August 29 through September 5, 2009)

Sage had her first beach vacation starting on Saturday, August 29 through Saturday, September 5, 2009. She really enjoyed herself and the beach!!! We went to one of our favorite places, St. George Island, FL. St. George Island is very unique in that it is situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay. It is also atypical for a FL beach as there are no high rise condos, no fast food places, etc. St. George has a dog friendly beach and we stayed in the same dog friendly home we have stayed for 2 yrs so Max was able to join us. With our and Sage's gear, Landon's Expedition was packed so full...there was no room for anything else when we finished packing the car. Sage was such a good girl on the (7 hour) rides to and from the beach....she did not cry once either way. We had to make many stops for Sage and Max but we made both trips in pretty good time. Sage seemed to love playing in the sand and water and just sitting on the beach with us. We have a canopy that we put up for the week so we have a lot of shade in which to sit. Sage also enjoyed sitting on the large back porch facing the beach and ocean....she adapted quickly and quite nicely to the laid back beach lifestyle. Sage and I went on a lot of morning walks where we went about 2 miles on a paved trail and then turned around and walked 2 miles on the beach. This was done pushing her stroller on the beach....quite a workout! With Landon's help, I was also able to enjoy some morning walks and runs on my own.

Most of the time, we relaxed, read a lot of books and played on the beach with Sage and Max. Max loves the sand ~ not the water, so much. We spent a lot of time applying sunscreen and bug spray...especially to Sage!!! We went boogie boarding a few days. We went on a picnic and some days, Landon and I biked and kayaked separately so the other could watch Sage. This is so different from our past vacations ~ we cannot wait for the day Sage is old and big enough to join us in these activites. On Friday, we visited Apalachicola (famous for their oysters) and spent the day walking around the town and had lunch. Apalachicola is a unique and historical town with lots of interesting characters.

On Friday evening, we had our last family time on the beach. Sage was playing in the sand and seemed to be holding up herself. I let go of her and she sat up....on her own! She continued sitting on her own for quite awhile then started to "plop" over. We were able to capture this "first" with our camera.

This was the BEST vacation we have ever been on because our little sweetie was on it with us. We are so glad she enjoys and loves the beach as much as we do. We cannot wait for our next excursion with Sage! Ready to go with kayak & bikes...

One shot of the PACKED car...

Sage smiling as we stop for lunch...

Our "redneck" sunshade for Sage...

Our smiling girl after an improvised diaper change in the front seat...

Max keeping an eye out for Landon during our lunch stop... WELCOME to St. George Island!!!!

View of the bay as you enter the island...

Sage's days at the beach...

Sage on our boogie board...

Worn out from all her boogie boarding!

Sage & Max on the beach...

Max snoozing on the beach with the wind in his fur (after he dug a hole using his face!)

Sage and Daddy having A LOT of fun in the surf...

Sage & Mommy in their funny floppy beach hats...

Sage & Mommy after a morning walk on the trail and beach...as you can see, Sage is a little tired!

Sage & Mommy after an evening walk on the beach...

Landon heading out in his kayak...

Sage really enjoyed resting, reading and playing in her pack n'play...

Sage had the best view from our back porch!

Max relaxing on his fish dog bed by the fireplace... Sage heading out for a picnic with Mommy & Daddy...

Sage and Mommy after dinner at the Blue Parrott...

Sage & Daddy after dinner at the Blue Parrott...

Sage in Apalachicola...she was a BIG hit with everyone she passed on the streets!

Shrimp boat on Apalachicola Bay...

We "heart" Sage!

Sage's heart on the beach...

Or little rock star! I discovered her sunglasses and shoes the last day of vacation. I packed them in a very "safe" (meaning forgotten!) place....to be found too late for the beach. Oh well, at least we got these shots!

Our last night at the beach ~ Sage playing in the sand and sitting ON HER OWN!

Sage and Mommy on their last night on the beach...

Our beach house and its views...

Sunrise from our back porch...

Sunset on the island...

Gorgeous full moon rising...