Homeward Bound - Day 30

I was pretty frazzled about the bike rack being stolen so I didn't get to bed early.  Instead I decided to sleep in.  We always take two days to drive home anyway so its not so urgent that we get an early start.

We were up and out of the condo around 7:15 am, stopping to say goodbye to the ocean on the balcony and taking our signature selfie on the balcony.  We were especially careful to move quietly so as not to wake the Rynbrandts.

We grabbed McDonalds and Starbucks for breakfast and then were officially on the road by 8:00 am. It was a pretty pleasant drive this morning although we do make lots of stops for 2 kids and a puppy to go to the bathroom.  Mid-afternoon Sammy got pretty upset saying her stomach hurt so we stopped  at a rest stop for her to get out and walk.  Afterwards she moved to the front seat and tried to rest.  Tyler didn't mind a chance in the back seat to watch a movie with Coco.

Tyler has been asking all day if we can just drive straight through.  My immediate reaction was "there's just no way..." but as I did the math a twinkling started to form... maybe we could!

We were making great time.  Stopping lots but only for quick run ins, we were aimed to make the entire trip in 16 hours.  That means we would make it to Michigan (Toledo area) around 9 pm.  Since I didn't want to stop in Michigan for the night, I asked the kids if they were up for a few more hours and they agreed.  So we pushed on!

It was 11:45 pm when we were driving through Grand Rapids.  The kids had both fallen asleep around the airport and we were running low on fuel.  I REALLY wanted to make it but decided it wasn't worth the risk of running out of gas.  So, reluctantly, I pulled off the highway near the hospital and filled up.  Thank goodness both kids remained asleep

As we pulled onto Canterbury Lane, I soothingly tried to wake the kids.  Tyler stirred just enough to see where we were and lifted his head in time to see Scott waiting in the driveway.  

I got out of the truck and lifted my arms in victory.  We did it!  WE WERE HOME!

Back to the Beach... with Friends - Day 29

The Rynbrandt's had an early flight so we picked them up mid-morning.  We got them back to the condo and settled (kinda) and decided to head out for some lunch.  We visited Joe's Crab Shack at Barefoot Landing for a quick bite.  It was fun to watch the kids interact and catch up.

After lunch we decided to spend the afternoon at the beach.  The kids played in the waves and tide pools and sand.  It was very clear my kids had missed the interaction with their peers.

We decided on pizza for supper so we got cleaned up and headed over to Pizza Chef for a quick meal.  Then we wanted to bring Jamie, Jaxson and Elise to WonderWorks to enjoy the upside building one last time.  When we arrived, they told us that they were closing early.  Ugh.  Then we opted to visit the aquarium.  They were closing early as well.  Ugh.  So instead of all our best made plans, we walked around Broadway at the Beach and got a snack on the way home.

Once we got home, we got the kids settled and Jamie offered to help get the bike rack on the truck.  It was the ONLY piece we were missing from being able to depart early tomorrow morning.

As we came around the corner of the parking garage where the bike rack was stored, I noticed it was missing.  Uh Oh!  We looked everywhere, we asked Kay for help, she looked in storage, she called the staff and maintenance.  The best we can tell it was there as of 5 pm today but now at 9 pm, its gone.

I was so disgusted.  How will I get the bikes home now?  I'm so glad Jamie was there to offer some comedic relief to it all.  We laughed so much!

Luckily Kaye offered us space in the owners' bike room.  So Jamie twisted to get to the back of the room and found a spot for all 4 of our bikes.  (Realistically the kids will outgrow their bikes before we return, so I will plan to sell the bikes when we are back in 2017)

Well, OK then, I guess that takes care of that!  We are ready to head out in the morning!

Prepping for Guests - Day 28

I was so grateful to catch this beautiful sunrise this morning.  God is good!

We just found out that the Rynbrandt family will be coming down to use the condo for the extra week after we leave.  Barb extended our reservation since we had to evacuate for the hurricane.  Jamie and 2 kids will be flying in tomorrow while Amy and Tyler will join them later in the week.  So, instead of heading home, we are going to wait an extra day to welcome them and get them settled.

So today was a huge day.  No pictures to share but imagine a lot of laundry, packing, etc.  Honestly, we have everything ready for our departure... the truck is even loaded.

I am secretly glad to be staying an extra day.  I've so enjoyed the trip this year and although I miss Scott terribly, I am content to spend one more day here.

Showing our Appreciation - Day 27

As the days are winding down, there's lots to be done.  I talked with the kids today and we decided to wait and do most of the work of packing tomorrow so we made a plan for each day for the rest of our trip.  

First thing today, was to head down to the pool.  Sammy was desperate to splash some more while Tyler was content just to sit on the lounge chairs with me.  It was good though because I needed some extra time to work on his tooth.  The dentist has told us for more than 6 months now that its ready to come out but it just won't budge.  Its very clear its no longer attached and is actually hollow in the middle but yet, it seems quite firmly stuck in there.  After a few tears and some gentle tugging, it finally came out, right there in the poolside lounge chairs.  Tyler was so relieved it was over!

We grabbed some lunch while I was out running errands.  After that we decided to deliver a few gifts to the police and fire stations.  We wanted to say thank you for all the extra time they had put in for the last week following the hurricane. 

First we visited the fire station just down the road from our condo.  There were several guys outside doing chores... washing the fire trucks and cleaning gear.  As we approached, they all stopped and turned to look at us.  Sure it was a little awkward but as soon as they realized why we had come, they were so gracious and inviting.  After saying thanks and sharing the bucket of candy, Sammy shouted back "Don't eat it all at once!"  The entire group started laughing and assured her it would in fact be finished quickly.

We jumped in the car to find directions to our next stop when one of the firemen approached and invited us to check out the trucks.  This was awesome!  Tyler literally just yesterday had asked me what type of equipment can be found in an ambulance... and here he was standing in one, asking all the questions he could think of.

Next we got to get in the ladder truck.  It is fairly new and quite an expensive piece of equipment.  They shared stats and answered an avalanche of questions.  They chuckled and answered every one with patience and grace.  My kids were excited!

Once we finished there, we went to the police station in North Myrtle Beach.  This visit was less exciting but Sammy did let herself into the jail portion of the building and the large stern police officer asked if she wanted to stay.  We quickly shared our appreciation, collected the children, and headed out.

We went back to Barefoot Landing as well today.  We spent some time checking out the big fish, enjoyed a walk on the boardwalks and visited the rock store.

Despite the busy-ness of the day and the number of errands we had to do, it was a great day!  Something about the simplicity of life here on vacation makes it so easy to enjoy each and every moment spent together.

Mayday Golf and WonderWorks - Day 26

You know our time in Myrtle Beach is dwindling down when we begin to make a list of the things we haven't done or need to do before we leave.  Mini-golf was on the list... and we all voted it was an important one.  So this morning, we headed out right away for Krispy Kremes and Starbucks and then a round of mini-golf at the Mayday Adventure Golf.

We were lucky enough to arrive at the donut shop JUST as a batch of donuts were being started so we watched them through the entire assembly line... flipping, dripping and bathing in frosting.  Yum.

We had a great time at the golf course... Sammy got a hole in one (actually two but one was after she went out of bounds)... Tyler got a hole in one... and I actually got a hole in one.  We had a great time.

Afterwards we headed home to pick up Coco to bring her to the groomers... she had a 1:00 pm appt.  Once she was settled, we stopped by Logan's for lunch.  After we ordered, Sammy announces "Uh oh!  I think I feel something"  She reached in to wiggle her tooth and it came right out.  Very matter of factly, no tears, no complaints, no rush to the bathroom.  We took pictures and congratulated her.  She was so proud of herself.  When the food came, it was as if it never happened!  It was; however, a great meal and we all filled up!

Next on our list of things to do before we leave... the upside down building (aka WonderWorks).  I'll be honest, I wasn't looking forward to it, but knew the kids really wanted to go so I agreed.

First thing through the door I reminded Sammy about the bridge walk with the swirling lights that surround you and make you feel like you are tipping.  I really was hoping she'd say she didn't want to go so we could take the exit to avoid it but... my brave girl wanted to try.  Its funny when you are so proud of her and so scared for yourself :)

Next up, we did the hurricane force winds - especially interesting this trip!  At this point I realized that the place wasn't very crowded.  Like NO ONE.  This made it so much more fun... we could have the run of the space, not worry about waiting (or cutting) in line, shout for each other to "come see".  It was honestly the most fun visit we've had.

I cannot believe it but BOTH kids wanted to go on the upside down bikes.  They are hard to explain but picture a big swing with a bike where the seat should be... If you time your pedaling right, you will motor yourself up and over again and again and again.  Well they were old enough and I was feeling especially adventurous since I made it over the swirling bridge so I said yes.  They decided to ride together and then I would take photos.  As they were getting suited up and hearing the instructions, I realized that this was a missed opportunity of making a memory with our kids.  So, forgetting the large lunch I had consumed not 30 minutes earlier, I jumped in for the ride.

We pedaled, we SCREAMED (good thing it wasn't busy), we pedaled some more and finally I went up and over.  It was awesome!  Ironically, going up and over wasn't that bad.  It was getting almost over and then falling backwards over and over that left you feeling a wee bit queasy.

  

We got done and the kids were noticably disappointed they couldn't make it over so the wonderful lady running the ride suggested each go with me.  Sammy was up first - pedal, pedal, pedal - we made it over.  I stopped.  Once was enough.

It was Tyler's turn next.  Seriously, no breaks between?  The lady was just about to release us when I called a time-out.  My mouth was dry, I was panting, I felt a little dizzy.  I needed a break.  So Tyler agreed to do another activity just to give me a minute and when we returned... We did it.  ONE MORE TIME!

I am so proud of those kids.  I'm proud of myself.  Its a funny memory we won't soon forget.

Now that the stomach churning upside down bikes were over, we headed up to the next floor where the kids immediately requested the 4-D theater.  They chose the "Extreme" Wall of China video which essentially is like a roller coaster.  After that they ran right over to the roller coaster simulator and did it twice in a row ending with the Extreme level.  (Mom sat out since it was just for 2 - Phew)

We did bubbles, we explored space, we took pictures of ourselves and imposed our faces on movie scenes.  And then it was upstairs for the high ropes course.  It was a great afternoon with lots of fun and laughter.

We headed back to pick up Coco and then went home for some supper - Macaroni and Brats - its not all fine cuisine at the Breens, folks!  We watched Ice Age Collision Course and then FaceTimed the grandparents and then Daddy.  Soon it was bedtime.  I spent some alone time with both kids and then hit the sack myself.

Pirates! - Day 25

This morning Sammy and I grabbed our chai and then came back to the condo.

Our only remaining effect from the storm is the lack of cable television, which is so minimal considering what our neighbors are dealing with.   So last night I set up the Amazon fire stick to give the kids access to Hulu and Netflix.  So this morning they were quite content to watch TV while I worked on my computer.

We made tacos for lunch then ran to Walmart.  I needed to buy some bins to ship some of our things home.  We also bought some random acts of kindness...  gifts for the staff at the Margate (many of whom are still without power), and thank yous for our emergency responders.  We will finish and deliver those in the next few days.

After we returned, I banned the children from any screens so we quickly found our way out on the balcony for a picnic lunch and board games.  I love this time together!

We decided it was time to go to the Pirate Voyage tonight... it will be their first day open following the hurricane.  So we headed out around 5:00 to "get our Pirate on".

Earlier in the day, Sammy had drawn a picture of how she wanted her Pirate makeup to look.  The lady said she's never had that happen before.  When the makeup artist would ask a question, Sammy would just hold up the picture and shake it.  It was so funny!

It was a great show with great food - as always.  After dinner, I wanted to do something else before returning home so we visited Barefoot Landing.  Almost half the stores were closed and there were very few guests so the experience was different than usual but we still had lots of fun.  We even saw two alligators... one sunning itself on the bank and another one swimming under us on the dock.  Very cool!

 

Such a motley crew... Can I get an Arrgh??

We visited the rock store and grabbed some gifts for the Grandma's and then headed home to begin the long task of makeup removal.

After a call home to Scott, I had a sweet tuck-in with both kids and then spent some time on the phone myself.

Tyler woke up with a bad dream tonight but settled back in pretty quickly.  I hate seeing him get so worked up.  We prayed together and I sang a lullaby as I left the room.  Coco stayed behind to make sure Tyler fell asleep ok.  It was very sweet.

Settling In (Again) - Day 24

We quickly fell back into old habits.  This morning Sammy and I walked to the Embassy to get a chai.  On our return trip, we accessed the damage done on that end of the property.  The dunes that line the beach and front the hotels are gone.  Its just amazing.

 

We enjoyed a quiet morning in the condo.  I had lots of laundry to catch up on so the time flew past.  Around lunchtime we headed out to run errands.

The temps since the storm have been much cooler than typical.  Mornings begin in the 50s and highs reach the 70s in the afternoon before a quick taper off at 7:00 with the setting sun.  Its been very pleasant but we have pulled out our jeans and sweatshirts a few times.

First, we decided on Red Robin for lunch.  Then we all voted to see Storks at the theater.

Sammy loved being a Troll at the theater

On the way home, we stopped for some groceries and returned our Redbox movies before heading back home.

I made a frozen pizza for a quick supper and then we spent the evening watching An American Tail.  It was fun watching the kids reaction to a movie I recall seeing as a child.

Coco loves our movie nights

The movie ran later than I had expected so we did a quick bedtime.  It was a great day!

Back to the Beach - Day 23

The Governor's office said to expect the evacuation order to be lifted this morning at 8:00 am.  So as soon as I woke up, I called down to the Margate to see if power had been restored (the Embassy Suites had completely shut down).

I waited for the kids to wake up, then we got packed up and got on the road at 9:30 after the morning commute had died down.

We had heard reports that the power was still out and that standing water had closed many roads.  Gretchen had warned that there were even several closures on our main route.  But armed with streaming traffic updates on the GPS, we hoped it would be ok.

It was, but the 3 1/2 hour trip took much longer than expected... 8 hours to be exact.

We were detoured off the major highway just north of Lafayette.  It took us through a decent size town who was completely without power.  There were emergency crews, volunteers and even city workers out trying to help direct the traffic but it was rough.

I decided to head east to pick up a different highway.  On the way, I ran into trouble so the GPS directed me south.  For three hours I drove in a general south / east direction... never finding power restored.  The kids had been complaining they were hungry for over 1 1/2 hrs and I was down to a quarter of a tank of gas.  In a few small towns, I found gas stations but they had a $20 limit on fuel, cash only and terribly long lines.  We came to several flooded roads and had to turn around.  Honestly, I couldn't trace my route on a map now if I had to.  Eventually we found ourselves in Garland, NC.  The first business we came to was a gas station and IT HAD POWER!  We pulled in and waited 35 minutes for gas.  I sent the kids in for snacks not knowing when we'd find a restaurant but Tyler came out empty-handed because it was picked over.  Ugh.  I dug in the back and found some groceries Gretchen had sent with us and at least got him something.  Then we were off.  First we headed west to the highway... road was missing under a newly formed lake.

I watched another vehicle attempt to cross but decided to go around.  So we headed east, then south, then south west.  NOTHING.  I stopped at a random home to ask for directions.  Followed those to another dead end.  I'll be honest, I was frustrated.

Finally I pulled over to pray with the kids.  A local family in a white pickup flagged me down and asked where we were trying to go  (I think they were out assessing the damage and noticed us turning around over and again).  When I said we hoped eventually to get to the beach, they literally started laughing (not helping).  They explained that they had been told to evacuate yesterday because of rising waters and that there was no way out of town except the road I came in on.  I took a deep breath and told the kids that we had just wasted 2-3 hours and now needed to go in the wrong direction to get out.  So we called Scott to give an update as we headed back north.  It was close to 2:30 when Tyler announces he REALLY needs to use a bathroom.  Unfortunately there was nothing available which I knew from driving these same roads / towns earlier in the day.  We pressed on and eventually came to a cash only gas station.  Tyler went in with cell phone in hand (to use as a light).  We got back on the road and eventually made it to Clinton around 3:00 pm.

From here we could take several routes down to the beach but would be traveling much closer to shore than I originally had hoped.  But the larger roads did offer more signage and warnings of road closures.  At this point the GPS read that we would still need 2 hours to make it and last I heard there was still a 6:00 pm curfew in place... we prayed that things would go smoothly and we'd make good time.

We stopped at another gas station without power to run in for a bathroom break.  These folks also ran a cafe and had a huge line of locals waiting for a meal.  They opened up their employee bathroom for folks to use.  It was awful but we were just so grateful for their hospitality.

It felt so good to finally make it to familiar areas... we could easily work around road closures because I was aware of other route options.  We pulled in to the Margate around 5:30.  We were hungry, exhausted and just ready to unwind so we left our luggage in the car and headed up with some take out for supper.

After dinner we took a walk on the beach.  The dunes out front of the property are gone.  There's debris and sea weed washed up on shore and there is so much ocean life lying dead on the sand.  The Apache Pier next door did sustain some damage and is closed indefinitely for repair.  Not many people have returned yet but staff has returned to begin the clean up.  There is a solemn peace about the beach tonight.  Its pretty spectacular really.

 

The kids and I worked together to put the patio furniture back outside to reclaim our living room, then unloaded the car and went up to check on Barb's other condos in the building.  We settled in for a family movie night and all commented how glad we were to be back.

Damage: The water on the coast has mostly drained and roadways are easy to get around.  Power has been restored to the coast as well but there are still over 160k without power in the Grand Stand.  Further inland there is still lots of flooding and road closures.  Area tourist activities are beginning to reopen including many restaurants on the main strip (on Monday), Tanger Outlets, Barefoot Landing, and Broadway at the Beach (on Tuesday) however the State Parks and Brookgreen Gardens remain closed.  The golf course across from Kingston Plantation has a significant loss of trees so I cannot even imagine how long that will take for clean up.  People here are eager to share their stories...

Tonight as I thought about how much or what to share, it was humbling.  Here's my summary: The kids and I are good, we are safe, there is no need to worry for us.  But I couldn't shake the faces and stories of the people we met today.  There are many people in the Carolinas that are hurting tonight... they need our help, they need our prayers.

A New Day - Day 22

We woke up this morning to cooler temps and a cloudless sky.  The sun is shining and it feels good to be outside again.  Power is still out across Raleigh but we are lucky enough to have it still.

We headed to LifePointe for church this am.  It was so good to be in worship.  The kids really enjoyed their children's programming.  They learned more about the Plagues of Egypt (one of our favorite lessons) so it was familiar for Sammy.

After church we visited a small bakery/restaurant for some amazing food.  When we arrived back home, Scott took a few minutes to pack and then we walked to the neighborhood park for some family time.  Its crazy to think Scott is leaving today... even stranger to think of the 9 days he's been with us, he only spent one afternoon on the beach.  But it was wonderful to have him with us and we thoroughly enjoyed the time together.

The afternoon flew by and it was soon time to drop him off at the airport.  So the kids and I loaded up to see him off.  Then we met Roger, Gretchen and Jen at an ice cream shop for a treat.

Gretchen and I decided to meet up with her friend Pooja at a bookstore so the kids stayed home with Rog and Jen.  They had a great time playing games and watching movies.  Sammy's highlight was getting to dress up like a boy and spending the entire evening and overnight pretending to be him.  We named him Finn... he wore a ball cap and jean jacket.  Luckily Sammy "came home" in the morning.

After I got home, I finished watching Home Alone with Finn, Tyler and Jen (who is staying another night since her university is closed for Monday).  Then it was time for bed.

Scott landed in GR at 10 and made it home around 11 pm.

When It Rains, It Pours - Day 21

The storm is scheduled to pass Myrtle Beach around 2:00 pm this afternoon and then most models show it heading out to see.  Its been downgraded to a Category 1 storm yet its been raining for 24 hours here in Raleigh already.

Overall Raleigh would receive 9 inches of rain.  It wreaked havoc on the city causing difficult driving conditions and power outages.  Many businesses and schools have closed due to the conditions.

We decided to hang out at home today and enjoyed games and relaxing together.  We were thankful for a visit from cousins Emily & Santi with their son Mateo who live closeby.

We were also excited to get to see both Dean and Jenny.  (We otherwise hadn't planned to see them this trip).  Dean could only stay for the afternoon since he still needed to work this afternoon but we had extra time with Jen because she slept over since her apartment had lost power.

Aunt Gretchen and Sammy made their own chocolate version of Power Balls

Hurricane Matthew did follow the models.  It hit came aground in South Caroline, passed Myrtle Beach and went out to sea shortly after.  We've been watching the news and social media throughout the day to get updates on the damage.  Hundreds of thousands of people in the Grand Strand are without power, several piers sustained damage.  There is standing water on the roadways with many closures.  A 6 pm curfew is in effect for the city.  The Hurricane hit during high tide so if you add the storm surge, the high waves and the 12 inches of rain they received, there is a lot of water... surpassing the floods of 2015.  The evacuation order is still in place and can only be lifted by order of the Governor so we will watch and wait to see when we can return.

Raleigh - Day 20

We all got a good night's sleep and were ready to start our day and explore the city of Raleigh.  After breakfast we decided to visit the Science Museum and had a wonderful time learning more about the world around us.  Tyler was in his element!

Outside the museum was a replica of the Liberty Bell.  Tyler's been interested in its history for several years.

The Museum offers several interactive labs... Here Tyler  has set a study skin of a mole on the interactive table to learn more. 

In one of the interactive labs, Tyler looks at various animals under the microscope

We enjoyed the hands-on animal lab allowing guests to pull catalogued parts of various specimen to study.

We "met" this American Alligator during one of the staff presentations.

Lots of animal exhibits allowed Tyler to see several animals up close.  Here he is watching a turtle swim.

The museum also offers a large section on dinosaurs.

We all took a walk through the butterfly house.

Both kids really enjoyed the section on bugs.

We made it home later in the afternoon.  Although the hurricane is still somewhere over Florida / Georgia, its already been raining all day.  We decided to stay in for the evening so we ordered Hibachi from the neighborhood sushi bar and then hung out with some friends of the Adema's.

It was a great day today!