Birthday getaway

Almost a year ago, some of the pilots Neal works with were incredibly generous with those that don't get to fly around the country all the time like they get to (and let's be honest, like we used to get to when we both had flight benefits!) and gave several of the people in his office passes to fly!  We kept trying to plan a vacation for the family and nothing ever came of it.  As we approached the 1 year date, these things were going to expire, so Neal planned a get-away for my birthday for just the two of us! So on a Saturday morning, we headed to the airport early, and flew to Panama City Beach, FL.  This guy knows me well - take me to the beach and I am a happy girl!

Out for a walk on the beach at sunset

What a view!

After our sunset walk, we got dressed and went to what seemed to be the only "nice" restaurant in the town (and our criteria was not stringent - we were just hoping to not end up at Coconut Joe's Beach Hut or something!) I still say this was the best meal I have EVER eaten.  The restaurant, Firefly, was in just a strip shopping center (walking distance to a Cici's Pizza, no less) but it was beautiful inside!  And when we saw the menu, we noticed Olympic Rings next to one dish - we asked about this and learned that the chef had actually been at the Summer Olympics as one of the chefs for the athletes and that was one of the signature dishes!  I ordered this amazing salad and delicious pork chops.  Neal had a steak and I am sure his was good, but I am not even sure I asked because I was so enjoying mine!

A pre-dinner drink

The next morning, I hit the beach for a 1/2 marathon training run.  I took a picture to send to my running group.  It was actually a pretty terrible run because of the sun, the sand, and it heated up really quickly, but I enjoyed getting out there anyway!

On Sunday morning, we found a great brunch restaurant and then did some shopping in town.  And of course, we made one more stop at the beach!