I've been putting this post off because it will be super long with way too many pictures. Consider yourself warned!!!
We had a wonderful family beach trip to Charleston in June. The idea was to rent our own place and set-up camp at the beach. Then get to see all of our lovely family and friends throughout the week. It worked perfectly! Our quick weekend visits once or twice a year are just not enough. So I'm SOOOO glad we did it this way. I'm hoping to make it an annual tradition :)
Beau wasn't able to take the whole week off work and met us later, so my sister Alicia came along for the fun! She was the best partner in crime I could ever ask for. She loves my kids dearly, knows how to handle them, doesn't let them get away with too much crap, and didn't mind joining Bree back at the house for her daily naps. Not to mention...we have a blast together.
It only took Wade the first few hours to get used to waves, and then he was fearless (I on the other hand was on edge). He loved to "surf" and go farther than I wanted him too...
Rowan & Ellis brought this boat for wave riding. It was one of those toys that you lug to the beach not sure if it will even be used, but it was a HIT!
The kids each took turns riding in it
And Bree quickly claimed it as her own personal baby pool. She used the ropes to stand up and do her first standing all by herself. I have cute video I will post later.
I had to force the kids to sit together for ONE picture in their crab suits...
Ellis and Wade crack each other up
We had great beach weather everyday...
Wade was occupied with his favorite dump truck on the beach. This truck was a 1st birthday gift and is still a favorite!!!
We weren't sure how Bree would feel about the sand and surf, but she loved it! She ate a little bit of sand, but then had fun in the tidal pools and the boat.
Wade couldn't eat it quite fast enough before it melted all over his face
In the evenings, a group of boys would gather in the courtyard for football. Wade thought he was one of the big boys, complete with his football stance (squatting with hands on knees). Really he just would try to tackle the first person to touch the ball (even if 5 people had touched it since)
Rowan and Beau played too...
One night before Beau got to town, we declared a Girls' Night Out in Charleston. It started with a hilarious cab ride for Alicia, Nicci & I in a Prius, we met up with Robin for dinner at Social, and drinks at Market Pavilion. I love each of these 3 women so much, it was the perfect night for me!
The view the next morning from the patio
The bedheads in their pj's
Our next house guests were Robin and Finn! The Lyles recently moved back to Charleston and we are THRILLED we can see them when we come to town now. I loved visiting them in the MANY cities they've lived since leaving Charleston, but much happier to have them back down South.
Wade and Finn are only 3 months apart and go together like oil and water! They butt heads constantly and fight like brothers. They got into a scuffle over a toy at one point and they both literally started duking it out. I've never seen anything like it. But then they'd make-up and move on. It's the weirdest thing. Robin and I would just look at each other in awe. I'm sure Wade was just being his typical bully self, and Finn wasn't about to be the passive one in the relationship. Finn, thanks for being very patient and putting up with Mr. Wade!
Wade was so excited when Beau finally got there because Daddy is so much more fun than Mommy!
We actually got showered and dressed one night to take some pictures. But like usual, Wade was not in the mood and it was quite a disaster. Alicia was our photographer and she was a great sport!
Wade was occupied with his favorite dump truck on the beach. This truck was a 1st birthday gift and is still a favorite!!!We weren't sure how Bree would feel about the sand and surf, but she loved it! She ate a little bit of sand, but then had fun in the tidal pools and the boat.
What better way to end a day on the beach? ICE CREAM!
Wade couldn't eat it quite fast enough before it melted all over his face
In the evenings, a group of boys would gather in the courtyard for football. Wade thought he was one of the big boys, complete with his football stance (squatting with hands on knees). Really he just would try to tackle the first person to touch the ball (even if 5 people had touched it since)
Rowan and Beau played too...
One night before Beau got to town, we declared a Girls' Night Out in Charleston. It started with a hilarious cab ride for Alicia, Nicci & I in a Prius, we met up with Robin for dinner at Social, and drinks at Market Pavilion. I love each of these 3 women so much, it was the perfect night for me!
Meanwhile back at the beach, this crew stayed up late giggling. Ever since Ellis first called it a "slumb-over", they have loved spending the night together. Bree has a lot to look forward to
The view the next morning from the patioThe bedheads in their pj'sOur next house guests were Robin and Finn! The Lyles recently moved back to Charleston and we are THRILLED we can see them when we come to town now. I loved visiting them in the MANY cities they've lived since leaving Charleston, but much happier to have them back down South.Wade and Finn are only 3 months apart and go together like oil and water! They butt heads constantly and fight like brothers. They got into a scuffle over a toy at one point and they both literally started duking it out. I've never seen anything like it. But then they'd make-up and move on. It's the weirdest thing. Robin and I would just look at each other in awe. I'm sure Wade was just being his typical bully self, and Finn wasn't about to be the passive one in the relationship. Finn, thanks for being very patient and putting up with Mr. Wade!I didn't do a good job of taking pictures, but we went to the beach, ventured out to dinner on Sullivan's Island, and experienced Wade's first water park. In the picture above, the boys are walking towards the Lyles' (almost) new house! It's in the heart of Sullivan's Island, steps from the beach. We got to peak from the outside and now we're even more excited about coming back for beach trips. I know where we're staying!!!
Wade and Finn in their shark towels...
Throughout the week, we had plenty of down time to relax at the house...
Wade was so excited when Beau finally got there because Daddy is so much more fun than Mommy!We actually got showered and dressed one night to take some pictures. But like usual, Wade was not in the mood and it was quite a disaster. Alicia was our photographer and she was a great sport!We were trying to recreate one of my favorite pictures Kimsey took of our family of 3. Kimsey, I needed you there!!!
I say, "Wade, give Bree a hug". And this is what I get. Love the wresting move!
I say, "Wade, give Bree a hug". And this is what I get. Love the wresting move!
Trying to make them laugh
Precious little toes!
I thought lollipops would help!
Bad idea...
One night we met the Benich cousins out at Blackbeard Cove for some arcade, putt putt, and go cart fun.Wade, Sophia, Cy, and Joey
Beau and Bree going for a hole in one
Sophia liked to pose for pictures and I was happy to take them! It was nice to not have to coax or make funny noises to get a smile out of your subject :)
GO CARTS were a HIT!!! Can you tell how much fun both of my boys are having?
Sophia & J.J. are neck and neck with Wade & Beau
We did also get to visit with Beau's grandmother, Marj, while in town. I didn't take any pictures, but she had fun showing off her grandkids and great-grand babies!
Beau and Bree going for a hole in one
Sophia liked to pose for pictures and I was happy to take them! It was nice to not have to coax or make funny noises to get a smile out of your subject :)
GO CARTS were a HIT!!! Can you tell how much fun both of my boys are having?
Sophia & J.J. are neck and neck with Wade & Beau
We did also get to visit with Beau's grandmother, Marj, while in town. I didn't take any pictures, but she had fun showing off her grandkids and great-grand babies!One morning I thought it would be nice to take an early morning stroll on the beach (both kids were up at 6:30!).
And it was nice, until out of nowhere the sky opened up and we were caught in a downpour. I was pushing that stroller against the wind and rain, both kids soaking wet and screaming, trying to make it home. Needless to say, this was our one and only morning beach stroll this trip!
We finished each day lounging by the pool with fruity drinks.
Bree had her own private cruise ship and formula "cocktail". I'd say she's spoiled!
Thanks for making it a great trip everyone! Nicci gets the trooper award for all of her driving back and forth to see us between swim team, appointments and other daily obligations. We enjoyed pretending to be Charlestonians for at least the week :) Loved it! Let's start planning 2012....
