Out and About - Day 13

Today we decided to get out of the condo for a while so after a relaxing morning, we headed out to Broadway at the Beach.  We stopped at a new place called Roosters for lunch.  It was a great meal with my two BFFs.

Next we headed over to Ripley's Aquarium.  Along the way, the kids pointed out things that we've done on previous trips.  "I remember..." was the beginning of each and every one of their sentences and then I would proceed to fill in the details.  It was so fun to see what their highlights were.

We visited the Aquarium for almost 2 hours.  The time was filled with touching jelly fish, horse shoe crabs and sting rays.  We spent some time sitting in front of the big tank looking for the puffer fish... with no luck finding him.

 

 

  

Then we enjoyed a snack in the cafeteria and headed out to enjoy a little Pokemon Go on our walk back to the truck.

We came back home for the afternoon... Sammy enjoying a dip in the pool / hot tub.

Then it was time for some dinner and games again.

Then we were sure to call Scott and share in our excitements that tomorrow he'll be joining us.

It was a great day!

It was a crazy windy day today!  Coco had difficulty walking into the wind and even had trouble seeing through her blowing fur.

The 3 Rs: Rain, Rest, Relaxation - Day 12

Everyone slept in this morning... well except Sammy who fell back asleep on the couch... which is how I found her when I brought the dog out at 6:00 am.

We were all out of milk so we decided to head out for breakfast at McDonalds on our way to the grocery store.  We took a little detour in North Myrtle Beach to check out another resort that I've heard about and then headed back to the store for milk.  On our way out of the store, dark clouds loomed overhead so we decided to stop and pick out some DVDs in case we are stuck indoors from the rain.

Even though the sun was peaking out when we got home, the kids still jumped right into a movie-watching afternoon.  This was especially good for me since I was not feeling well and desperately wanted to lie down and rest.  I took it easy, we ordered room service for lunch, and then believe it or not, I took an hour long nap.  I woke up still feeling under the weather but wanted to get out of the condo so we took the dog for a walk down to the Embassy Suites, picked up some Starbucks and then headed home before another rain shower began.

We did Bible together and then made Tacos for dinner before our game night began.

It didn't last quite as long as usual though because I wanted to rest again... this time in the living room.  Sammy and I colored for a while we all watched television together.

Don't be concerned about me having headaches multiple days in a row.  I think its from my allergies and have restarted my regiment.  Hoping that the meds will clear it up quickly!

That was it for today... I know it doesn't seem like much but it was a great day anyway!

A Quiet, Sunny Day - Day 11

One of the benefits of having the dog along, is I've gotten up (at least for a few moments) around 6 am each morning... and the views are incredible.  Today was no exception.

We decided to play on the beach this morning so after breakfast we headed out with chair, shovels, boogie boards, SPF and towels in hand.

We decided on a relaxing afternoon in the condo.  I didn't mind that the kids wanted their alone time because I was nursing a pretty good headache and decided to head to my room to watch some TV as well.

Eventually we ran out for take out from Red Robin, Mmm.  And came home for a night of games and coloring.  (Its kinda the routine now so we all seem to enjoy it).

Probably one of my highlights was snuggling with Tyler for a while as we watched re-run episodes of Castle on TNT.  He's getting older and I know better than to take these moments for granted.  It won't be long now before they are over.

The weather has been unseasonably warm... it was still 90* at 5:00 pm.  Its not my preference but who can complain with the ocean breeze to keep you cool.

Thank You God... Day 10

Thank you God that...

... we all got a good night's sleep.
... we had fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
... I worked on some chores this morning and got caught up on the laundry.
... we could run errands this morning.
... we found a place to make our wedding cake.

... they had square donuts because they are bigger and easier to get a grip on (Tyler)

... that Sammy has gotten REALLY comfortable with Coco

... we have a vehicle that warns me when my tire pressure is low.
... a tire repair shop was a 1/2 mile down the road of my alert.

... the technician could see the screw and know immediately he could repair it.

... a Taco Bell was not just within walking distance, but right next door.
... no one complained that we brought a dog into the restaurant.
... we happened to have a dog crate in the back of the truck.
... Tyler had convinced me to let the kids to bring their iPads on our ride.
... I hadn't needed too many groceries that needed refrigeration.
... a cab service was within 4 blocks of us.
... a friendly cab driver picked us up.
... Sammy is now comfortable and confident enough to share jokes and chat with the driver from the back seat.
... my kids are flexible.
... my dog is easily portable.
... we made it back to the Margate within 40 minutes of the first alert of a problem.
... we had board games in the condo to have fun while we waited to hear back from the tire place.

... the tire was repaired and ready for pick up by 4:00 pm
... the kids were excited to stay home alone while I went for the truck.
... the same cab driver was close by and returned to pick me up.

... I safely made it back to the Margate and the kids.
... we live in a day where cell phones make it easier for my kids to stay in touch.
... we took the time to do Bible together.

... our dog has settled right in to our family and loves spending time with us regardless of location.

 

... I had a frozen pizza in the freezer and didn't need to work for supper.
... the kids wanted to continue playing games together... I love that this is their top choice.

... the kids asked for a movie night and we could snuggle together in the dark.

... we went to bed early and could all get another good night's rest.

Just What We Needed. - Day 9

It was a beautiful morning again.  We woke up around 8:00 am.  As I prepped breakfast I realized its been over a week since we've arrived and outside of errands, we really haven't left the property much.

So with a sense of adventure, I decided that we'd pack a bag and head out today.  Without knowing where we'd end up, I packed swim suits, towels, hats, a blanket for a picnic... everything I could think of.

As we got in the car, I remembered how much the kids enjoyed geocaching... so I pulled up the app and Tyler directed me to our first treasure hunt.  It was a small pocket park in Myrtle Beach and we found the pill bottle pretty quickly.  Lots of stinging insects flying about so we decided to take our pic and get out of there.  Next we decided to head to the State Park south of town... there were at least three caches there and I assumed we could picnic and walk as well.  

We were about halfway there when my headache spiked and I felt pretty ill.  I stopped at Hardees hoping a pop would help fight the pain.  The kids asked for lunch so I agreed... maybe food would help me too.  

We ate on the road and it didn't take too long to realize it wasn't helping.  So I apologized to the kids and said we would have to go home.  Almost immediately Tyler replies, "Maybe a rest day is just what we need!"  Ah yes, it sounds lovely.  So that's what we did.

Back to the condo, everyone to their bedrooms.   I didn't get up until supper time.  At that point, I heated up leftovers to eat.  Sammy asked if we could visit the pool / hot tub together so we did.

When we were finished, we called Tyler and asked him to come downstairs with Coco.  Then it was off to Steak N Shake for an impromptu ice cream run... in our swim suits.  

When it was bedtime, we FaceTimed Scott... always a highlight.

When you think of vacation, today might not have been the exciting day filled with photo-ops that we first think of.  But in all honesty, our goal for this trip was relaxation and togetherness and that is JUST what today was. 

A Full Day - Day 8

Today was a wonderful day... it must be, cause I feel exhausted :)

It was just after 7:00 am when I walked out of my bedroom... only to find both kids playing Legos at the table.  No idea how long they'd been up.

I got right to work on making cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  After we ate, we spent some time watching television and then decided to do Bible this morning since we weren't attending church.  We sang our memory verses, read Psalm 23 and then read a story about King David.  I'm so impressed with all the things our kids already know regarding our faith and its history.

After Bible we decided to go down to the pool for the first time since we arrived.  Tyler wasn't interested in swimming but did want to take more pictures so he joined us.  We decided to leave Coco behind... for the first time since we arrived.

I relaxed in the sun and talked with a women who lives in the building while she did water aerobics.  Tyler was a regular paparazzi taking pictures of everything!  It was wonderful.  After about an hour we went upstairs for lunch.  It was leftovers from pizza earlier in the week.  So I heated up the pizza and we all settled in the living room / bedroom for a TV picnic.  After lunch the kids got back into their Legos so I went out on the balcony to enjoy the breeze and colored a picture.

After I finished, I asked the kids to come out and we all played board games together on the balcony.  Sorry - Trouble - Yahtzee... Mom 2, Sammy 1, Tyler 0.  We had a great time!

The kids wanted to go to the beach for a bit so I agreed.  Since Coco did so well this morning, I got her prepped to stay behind and told the kids that I would swim with them.  So, with boogie boards in hand, we headed down.  The waves were amazing but strong... unfortunately there was a pretty strong current running parallel with the shore and it didn't take long before I decided we should go in.  The kids were not happy about such a short swim but after explaining my concern, they seemed to understand.

We got cleaned up and then headed out to grab some dinner.  We got take out from Outback and enjoyed it from out vehicle in the parking lot.  Then we made a quick return to Walmart for Tyler and headed back home.

Now we are all settled in for the evening... snuggling in our jammies.  My eyes are heavy but my heart is full!

Water and Waves - Day 7

It was a bright and sunny morning.  Once we were all awake, we took the dog for a walk down to the Embassy Suites.  The kids went in to pickup Starbucks while I practiced tricks with Coco outside.

We decided to head down to the beach in front of Margate for the rest of the morning.  It was wonderful out there.  The waves were big enough to thrill the kids... but not scare Mom.  They played for several hours before we decided to head up for lunch.

 

It was after 1:00 pm by the time we all were cleaned up and ready to go.  We stopped at Steak N Shake for lunch and enjoyed it in the parking lot.  Then we visited WalMart for a few important items... board games and a plunger (don't ask)

When we got back, the clerk in the lobby told us we had several packages that had arrived.  Thank goodness... I had ordered these grass pads for the dog to use to potty on the balcony.  It hasn't been a huge problem to walk her out but it would be easier to do the late nights and early mornings from the 17th floor instead of traipsing through the building in my PJs.

Tyler wanted to do some Legos again so Sammy and I headed to the waterpark.  We did the lazy river together and then she headed over to enjoy the spray playground area.  While over there, she asked a group of boys about her age if she could join them in tossing a football around.  I'll be honest, I kinda held my breath, but they were more than happy to oblige and included her in the game even after she returned it by throwing it over her head backwards.

We didn't stay too long but enjoyed what we could.  After our return, I sat outside on the balcony to do my devotions.  I love sitting in the shade in the afternoon but still enjoying the breeze and the sounds of the ocean.

I must have been taking too long because each kid, in their own time, came out and asked if they could make their own supper.  So they did.

When we finished, Tyler asked if we could walk on the beach.  Sammy asked if we could walk on the pier.  What a great idea!  So we headed out.  We were more than halfway there when I realized that I forgot my purse so there would be no pier.  But Sammy understood and we just enjoyed the beach.  I had brought my camera with me hoping to take some good pics and Tyler was pretty intrigued.  I let him take photos the whole way home and I was pretty impressed.

When we got home, Coco desperately needed a bath to clean off all the sand and dirt.

We all headed to bed to watch our own shows until Scott called at 9:30 pm.  Then we passed the phone around to share our stories from the day.