Three children standing together on pristine white beach.
Playful beach moment captured during sunset with white sand background.
Three children sitting in white sand with ocean waves behind them.
Happy group enjoying a sunny day at the white sandy beach with ocean backdrop.

Our First Family Vacation as Five – Hallie’s House, Santa Rosa Beach


There’s something sacred about a “first.” And this trip was full of them. Our first vacation as a family of five. Our first time experiencing the beach together. Our first real break from the hustle of everyday life—and a chance to just be.


We spent the week at a place called Hallie’s House in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It’s hard to describe this place without getting emotional because it wasn’t just a house—it was peace. It was warmth. It was exactly where we were meant to be.


This beach has always been special to us. Years ago, in nearby Destin, Michael and I stood barefoot in the sand and promised forever. That memory was tucked into every grain of white sand we walked across with our boys this time. And the most magical part? We actually ran into our wedding coordinator while we were there—she even snapped a few photos for us with my camera. It felt like time came full circle.


But what truly made this trip unforgettable was Hallie. I work with her mom, Angie, at WWT, and I’ve heard about Hallie’s House before. I knew it was built in honor of Hallie—a beautiful soul whose life was tragically taken too soon by senseless gun violence. What I didn’t know was how deeply I’d feel her presence there.


The moment we walked through the door, a calm washed over me. A sense of peace that I can’t quite explain. Even in the chaos of three busy boys, I felt grounded. I took a million mental snapshots of those moments. It wasn’t just a house—it was a space full of spirit, love, and connection. Not only to Hallie, but to my mom, and to Jaisen. I know, without a doubt, they had a hand in making this trip what it was.


We laughed, we played, we made messes, and memories. We filled the bunk room with giggles, the kitchen with crumbs, and the porches with quiet late-night conversations. It was the kind of trip that makes you say this is what it’s all about.


And as I watched my boys run across the same sand where Michael and I once stood and said “I do,” I knew this wasn’t just a vacation. This was a tradition in the making.

Modern living room with grey sectional sofa and white area rug on wooden floors.
Cozy reading nook with navy blue chair and wooden floors in bright sunlit hallway with white walls.
Wooden staircase with white walls and natural light from windows.
Modern white bunk beds with blue and gray bedding in a bright coastal-themed bedroom.
Elegant master bedroom with navy headboard, hardwood floors, and coastal decor in white room.
Minimalist dining nook with beige upholstered seating and rustic wooden table set for a meal.
Classic wooden fireplace mantel with white wingback chairs in bright room with pine flooring.
Cheerful group portrait on white sandy beach during sunset with ocean background.
Scenic family beach portrait at sunset with turquoise ocean and white sand background.