Amelia Island in June

We are so fortunate to do an extended family vacation every year.  My parents have made it a priority for as long as I can remember, and I am truly grateful for the memories we all get to make together.  Typically these vacations take place during the winter or spring break, but this year, Kaeden and Bennett's Spring Breaks did not fall on the same week.  Therefore, we opted to do a shorter Chong Family Vacation over Spring Break (which was magical), while taking our extended vacation in June.  Minnesota is gorgeous in June, but it's always fun for everyone to actually get away, and our family loves the wonder of the ocean. (Plus, as we were already pros at traveling with four children, we wanted to stay in-practice 😉)

Enter Amelia Island.  We have been so many times to the Gulf Coast of Florida, which is a bit further South.  Knowing we were going in June, we opted for this new location of Amelia Island, which is slightly more North in hopes of 1. trying something new and 2. not being suffocated by heat.  Well, the new part was spot-on.  The beach was unlike anything we had seen on the Gulf Coast with beautiful Sand Dunes and these deep, golden-sand beaches.  The part about not being suffocated by heat, however, was unfortunately untrue.  It was so sweltering that, at times during mid-day, we wanted nothing more than to hang out in the air-conditioning.  That said for a family with some younger kids in the mix, worked out beautifully.  Kai and Mila frequently took naps, we enjoyed our lunches indoors, and then were ready to come back out for more fun in the late afternoon/early evening.  

(Gorgeous Sand Dunes of Amelia Island)

(Smiley Kai Guy)

(Super Jae apparently has super strength)

(Kai appreciated eating his sand toys)

(Kai and I cooling off in the pool)

(Running as fast as they can toward the water)

(Searching for shells)

(Every time we come to the ocean, we absolutely have to go jet-skiing with Kaeden)

Despite the immense heat, everyone enjoyed the little things: time with the whole family, the walks down the beach, playing in the sand, and even the family games right before bed.  While I don't think any of us would opt to go again in June, we would all love to return and make more memories.