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We, the extended Johnson families- just spent the week in Panama City. We stayed at the Marriott Bay Point resort and had a great time.
The Johnson ladies decided on a morning of pampering that turned into an entire day's event. Their Serenity Spa was amazing. We started our day Wednesday with a trip to the spa, and decided after a short break to their hotel restaurant to return to the spa for more pampering.
We started with a mixture of hot tub, steam room, sauna and then moved on to massages. Aubrey was assigned to me. She was very good and even gave me some pointers when I explained that I'd really like to help my husband with his neck problems.
We had mimosas, Amy and Judy (aka- Mom) had pedicures and Amy topped off her day with a haircut and style.
The Johnson family used the public beach, St. Andrews state park. The sand was the softest I have ever felt. The water was a warm 86 degrees and the waves were gentle enough for a few days. We had enough time to get some usage out of the new boogie boards we just purchased at Alvin's, a touristy place to shop along the beach.
Then the hurricane Alex threatened our vacation. We watched as the weatherman showed us possible paths. It went west to Texas, but the beaches were still affected. The waves were big, the rip current was strong and a double red flag meant only ankle deep wading along the beaches was allowed. However, they had a nice lagoon beach and it was a lovely place to go to snorkel and even play in some baby waves. Three rays swam past us and it was amazing how one ray flipped up it's (fin?) and it looked like a shark. Scared Rachel, the almost teenager in our group.
The adults volunteered to watch our kids and Jeff and I had a date night. We had not yet celebrated our ten year anniversary (June 17.) So we decided on Sharkies, a fabulous restaurant on the beach in Panama City. The Oysters were fantastic and it was a fun evening.
So I think Panama City is a great place to visit, especially if you can find a place not so near the tall hotel towers, a little quieter area for some family fun.
And the summertime is great because the place is not swarming with spring breakers.
That is a party atmosphere I prefer to stay away from.
And staying in a hotel suite with two bedrooms gave this extended family of 11 some tight but cozy time together. It was great. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
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