Summer Vaca 2017: Anna Maria Island

We had the BEST lil summer getaway in early June. We knew it was going to be our last chance to get away, with baby coming soon and a move pending... so we scheduled an early summer vaca around a conference the hubs was attending.

We engaged some of our great friends who also have a daughter Annalee's age to join us on the trip, and it was the best idea yet! Built in play-dates and lots of fun 'afternoon adulting' to be had during nap time. Tim also happened to be at the same conference as Jesse, so it was a perfect reason to all go!

My mom also changed her flight last minute and joined us for the 5 day getaway to Anna Maria Island. I think she had a great time and an extra set of hands for the girls was a huge bonus!!

The weather was iffy at best, but we managed to grab a little beach time, lots of pool time, a trip to the playground, one long walk/run {in the rain} to do some island exploring and even a dinner out.

First of all, Anna Maria Island is very quaint. It's old Florida for sure. Small beach cottages, no high-rises, lots of beach, public parks, walking, trolley's and good seafood.

We rented a fabulous house, called Starfish Cove. Bonus points for the outdoor set-up that was AMAZING with babies. {and did I mention even better for adulting during nap time}.

We cooked three of the four nights we were there and grabbed dinner out one evening at The Ugly Grouper, which I would highly recommend for kiddos. They had a 'one-man band' that the girls loved, giant Jenga, corn hole boards and lots of sand to play in. The food was also pretty tasty!

Thanks for such a great trip Braddick fam. We can't wait for our next family getaway!!