Surprise! Hilton Head

The kids have reminded us we didn't have a summer vacation OR go to the beach this summer. (Somehow all the other fun activities and trips - not to mention the big Caribbean vacation in February - didn't count?!?!)  So, the weekend before school started, James booked an impromptu trip to Hilton Head and we didn't tell the kids until we pulled out of the church parking lot, with packed bags in the back, and hit I-95.

They were so excited :) And we had a GREAT time. It's amazing how many memories can be made in a couple of short days.

We didn't have reservations for dining or activities, so we had to go with the flow (which included lots of long wait times!) Still, our food was always outstanding, and we made the most of it.

In the evenings we walked/ran/raced along the beach and enjoyed the nice cool breeze. (The days were HOT and HUMID).

Our resort had a very nice beach area and also a nice pool area, including a water slide and splash pad. I don't even dare to count how many times the kids went down the slide.  James and I each went down one time (and that was enough.) :)

On the way out of town we had one last great meal (pizza) and then got back to normal life.  School starts this week!  If you can believe it!

Love this family of mine, and grateful for this family time!  You were good to us, HHI!

Busy, Busy July

Well July just FLEW by, especially considering that school starts on August 1st and July is now our final days of summer!  (Unlike when we were in school, when you had all of August to play and suffocate in the Texas/South Georgia heat.)  I feel like most all weeks and weekends were full of something fun and exciting. We didn't use the month to rest.

We always love when friends invite us out on the boat to explore the intercoastal waterways!  And lunch at the Sunbury Crab Company.

This one particular trip we came upon a group of dolphins who gave us quite the show. So much fun!

The moms in our community tried to organize something at least every week of the summer, including trips to Dave and Busters, the movies, backyard fun and games, etc. 

We spent a week at the farm so that the kids could participate in Charity's Art Camp. They always love it AND learn so much! 

Despite the heat, bugs and humidity, we spent a lot of time outdoors. Maryn loves to go kayaking with Ms. Victoria, the kids all love to go visit Ms. Linda at the marina, and the boys particularly are getting into golf.  

One day in July we celebrated "World Snake Day".  Yikes.  But we did learn a lot from our Naturalist, Megan.

She also took the boys out one night to identify frogs.  This has now become a favorite past time of the boys - finding frogs!!

Obviously we spent a lot of time at the pool.  God bless our sweet lifeguard who put up with the gaggle of children all summer!

We celebrated Harry Potter's birthday at our favorite local bookstore and with the sweet Golden Retriever, Percy Jackson!

This way, maybe, half the activities. This mama is tired and ready for school to start, haha :)