Happy Birthday Tyler - Day 4

Happy Birthday to my sweet Tyler!  When I first woke up, he alone was sitting in the living room watching a Happy Birthday episode of Signing Times.  We quietly gathered our shoes and keys and headed out for a donut run.

It was so special to share with him the story of his birth, and answer so, so many questions!  The official time he graced this world was 1:11 pm so we set an alarm to remind us.

After we finished up our breakfast, the kids and I headed to the pool / hot tub for a morning swim.

We headed back to the condo and got cleaned up for the day.  Then, we decided it was time for Tyler to open a gift for his birthday.  He LOVED his see-through shark and enjoyed learning about all the systems within the body.  

This was a toy he originally saw on our vacation to the Columbus Zoo and didn't realize that Scott ordered it up while I distracted him.  It was the only gift that fit in our luggage so we are excited he liked it so much.

Next we headed to lunch at Olive Garden (Tyler's choice).  It was there that the 1:11 pm alarm went off at which time we all broke out singing to Tyler.  He was all smiles!

Sammy was a little out of sorts so instead of heading to WonderWorks as we had planned, we decided to go mini-golfing again.  Tyler seemed perfectly content and got to select the course.

Now, I just have to mention how far we have come in the mini-golf department.  Not only, do both kids make it through all 18-holes now, but they enjoy it as well... and actually are getting pretty good at it too!  In the 18 hole course today, Sammy had 2 hole-in-ones and Tyler had 4!!!  Wow!  It was the also the first time Tyler beat Mom on a course so it was definitely a great day!

 (Above) Tyler is practicing his putting.   (Below) Sammy's ball somehow landed exactly on top of the wall... not supposed to happen that way, but it did!

We stopped for ice cream and then headed back to the condo for a little quiet time before the birthday celebration continued.

As we were making plans for dinner (take out from Outback) Tyler came up with a great suggestion.  "Remember that mermaid toy that Sammy wanted to get when we were here with the motorhome (you know the one that caused an ALL DAY tantrum)... well what if we go out and buy it for her?"  Seriously, when your kid wants to use his birthday money to buy a crazy-thoughtful gift for his sister, you do it!  So Scott and Tyler headed out to search for a toy that we hoped would still be on the shelves of Bass Pro over a month later.

And would you believe... they found it!  Tyler was so excited to show her and Sammy instantly gave him a hug and said thanks.  Wow... we sure were proud!

We finished up an incredible meal from Outback and then were treated with Bananas Foster made by Roger.  Then we sang for Tyler and he opened one more gift.

What a special day!  "Thanks guys.  It was a great birthday!"

Weather - Sunny morning; Overcast afternoon with a few sprinkles; high of 82*

Finally in the Waves - Day 3

It was a gorgeous day!  We had a quiet morning in the condo and then headed out for a walk on the beach.  The kids had a great time!  Sammy was collecting shells along the way.  When her hands would get too full, she'd run up on the beach and bury them like a Pirate's Treasure.  Tyler found a crabs claw in the surf and Scott found a living starfish... It was a great adventure and so much fun.

Next we headed up the elevator for a delicious lunch at the Adema's and then made plans for time at the beach.  If you'll remember, Tyler desperately wanted to get out in the waves when we were here in August... but the weather didn't cooperate.  So both were super excited for today's plans.  We headed out around 3:00 pm.  The ocean was so calm!  We spent most of the time in the water, jumping over the biggest of the small waves.  Probably the most exciting was watching the schools of fish zip past and around us.  We swam for several hours and dug a few holes... and worked up quite an appetite.

So we headed up for showers and ordered pizza so we could see Dean again.  It was a great meal out on the patio.  Then it was time to say goodbye to Jen as she headed back to school.


Weather - Sunny 88*

Mini-Golf and Pirates - Day 2

It was 9 before anyone got up this morning... so good to be on vacation!

We took a relaxing morning around the condo including a visit from Rog and Gretchen.  Then headed out for lunch at Red Lobster.

After lunch we went to a (new to us) Hawaiian-themed mini-golf place.  We had so much fun!  The kids have really improved since last year and both even got a hole-in-one.  It was Sammy's first ever!

Then it was back to the condo for a little rest time.  I couldn't help but spend the time on the patio... just love that view!  Scott joined me for a bit before Sammy came out to snuggle.  Yup, that's a photo to melt a mama's heart!

We had a short visit with Uncle Rog, Aunt Gretchen and Jenny and then took the kids for a walk on the beach.  They sure love running from the waves.

Then it was FINALLY time for the Pirate Show!  We went a little early so the kids could "get their pirate on".  When asked if she would prefer to be a pirate or a mermaid, all she said was "Argh!"  So funny!  Both kids looked fabulous!

It was our fourth visit to the Pirate's Voyage but they have changed the storyline so it was fresh and exciting!  We all really enjoyed it and the food was wonderful.  Who doesn't love dinner and a show?

Back to the condo and movies before bedtime.  All in all, a fabulous day!

Weather: Overcast and 79*

A Great Start - Day 1

It started off a pretty early day...  the alarm read 4:15 when I rolled out of bed.  The truck was already packed and everyone's clothes were set out.  Scott and I got ourselves and the house all squared away before waking the kids up at 4:50 for a 5:00 am departure.

We breezed through check-in and security and waited only 15 or so minutes before it was time to board the plane.  The kids both sat with me in the front row of coach while Scott snuggled in with two strangers about 5 rows back.

I've always considered flying with kids a necessary evil. It potentially could be 5 hours of misery... but at least you are hurtling forward at 500 mph the entire time.  Compare that to driving 16 hours spread over 2 days with spills, arguments, potty breaks, etc.  Days that we fly seem to get harder as the day goes on... the second flight worse than the first.

So today started off that way.  The short 28 minute flight to Detroit went beautifully and we were all smiles as we departed the plane having not received a single dirty look from another passenger.  I was thrilled!

We had a two hour lay-over so Scott and Tyler headed for breakfast while Sammy and I found a quiet spot on the floor to play Uno.   We sat 2 and 2 across the front row of coach on this plane.

Again, the kids did AMAZING!  Sammy definitely started to get bored... but she held it together, asked me what she could do and made it through.  I even dozed off for a few minutes!  BEST.FLIGHT.EVER!

The airport at Myrtle Beach is quite small but so easy to navigate and smooth for renting a car with ease.  So we loaded up our mini van and headed to lunch!  We finished up at Red Robin and headed to the Margate to visit Uncle Roger and Aunt Gretchen and to check out the view!

Next, it was our traditional walk on the beach to admire the ocean and chase the waves... I mean, it is WHY we make the trip, right?

Then, I made a trip to the grocery store to stock up while Scott and the kiddos made a run to Crumb Buns (Mmm).

We checked in our condo at 4 pm and got settled.

Then it was a wonderful meal with Rog, Gretchen, and Jenny that even included a quick visit from Dean!  It was a great night but you could definitely tell the kids had been up for 17 hours... Tyler just couldn't stop giggling.

So it was bedtime and boy did it feel good!

The Trip Home - Day 11

We left the campground around noon.  It was different packing up knowing that we would next be home.  It was a pleasant drive with mostly familiar interstates.  The kids did great!

They finished up their states project... A worksheet for each state we visit that gives basic info and stats.

We pulled in back at home around 7:00 pm.  It was good to be back and the kids are eager to see the cats!  

As we look back on all of our adventures, I asked everyone what their favorite part of the trip was.  

Tyler: just being with my family

Sammy: my chocolate shake from yesterday

Scott: zip lines

Me: the adventure of it... Exploring new places and seeing the kids' reaction to new experiences!

A few stats from our trip:

Total miles:  2,038 miles

Total drive time (RV only):  45.75 hrs

Number of campgrounds: 6

States travelled:  9 - MI, IN, KY, TN, SC, NC, VA, WV, OH

Happy hearts:  4

Relaxing - Day 10

After the zoo, we came home to a good home-cooked meal.  We have eaten quite well on this trip...  The full kitchen on board has allowed me to cook like we do at home!  For example, tonight was spaghetti with homemade meatballs with apple pie for dessert!  Let's just say no one's complaining!

After dinner we rented a pedal car and drove around the park... The kids loved it!  

Then we hit the playground for a little more fun.  

The kids watched a movie and were in bed around 10:00 pm.

Another fabulous day on vacation!

Columbus Zoo - Day 10

We slept in this morning again.  I still didn't have reservations for tonight's stay, but didn't have cell service so I walked up the hill in the campground to call our next stop.  Luckily , they had a spot for us and were willing to let us check in early so we could make it to the zoo.

We were on the road a little more than 1.5 hrs when we pulled into Cross Creek Camping Resort in Delaware, OH, just 12 miles north east of the zoo.

We left the campground and headed to lunch... The kids were so excited to have some McDonalds!

Next we stopped for a car wash and then made a pit stop to clean up a mess that happened moments after this pic was taken.

We arrived at the zoo around 2:00 pm.  The weather forecasted a high of 82* but the car read 89*... Boy that's warm for walking around a zoo!

We didn't make it all the way through but spent over three hours exploring.  It really is an amazing zoo and I can see why so many rate it the best in the country.