Home away from home

Last week we headed out to our favorite vacation spot, Myrtle Beach.

As usual, Myrtle was nothing short of spectacular, albeit a tad chilly the first 2 mornings. And although the 2 mornings provided a cool beach temperature, it allowed us to sightsee more than we have before.

Our little happy foursome headed out to take in the Aquarium and Alligator Adventure. Both were huge hits and I have to say, I’m glad we were able to enjoy the other options Myrtle has to offer.

The afternoons and all other mornings, however, were completely dedicated to sun, sand and pool enjoyment. It was perfect.

The one change from all our previous visits was our choice of accommodation. We ended up getting a decent rate at a VERY expensive hotel and let me tell you, this place was awe…wait for it…some!  It’s only a couple years old, was right on the beach and the amenities were outstanding. We really felt pampered with all the upgraded appliances and furniture. Definitely somewhere we’ll try to frequent again.

Lovely, lovely Myrtle didn’t disappoint once again and I can’t wait to head back this summer.

A bunch of pictures are below, but make sure to click HERE for all the pictures.

Alligator farm! 

"Do not sit or lift children above rail"

Uh, Yeah, no kidding! (Gator middle, right side)

I bet the gator is thinking lunch is served... 

 They even had a small pack of wolves on hand. 

These folks aren't kidding about dangerous animals

 Again...scary dangerous animals... a completely harmless cobra

 Rattlesnake anyone?

 Laney is showing me how big around the Anaconda snake was...Yikes. She's probably right.

 Gator show. My fearless animal lovers jumped right in to volunteer

 The kiddos are looking at the most feared and gruesome creature of them all...

....Woooo Pig Soooie!

  These turtles were HUGE!

 Such a great time! We'll definitely visit again!

 Daddy builds the obligatory beach harbor. 

I can't express how much the kids enjoy their own little puddle.

Daddy is awesome!

 I decided to take a couples-only selfie...right after Dan took a bite of his sandwich.

Sandwich or no, he's still hunky!

 We stopped at one of our favorite restaurants to eat and feed the fish/turtles.

All four of us love this tradition. These carp are at least 3 feet long. Huge fish + 2 dozen turtles + 2 kids throwing fish food = loads of splashing water and enormous bouts of laughter

 The aquarium!

Lil Miss poses while Little Man moves like lightning 

 Such an amazing little boy. We are so blessed with two incredible children.

 Spiderman kite makes his mandatory appearance 

Laney takes a turn at the controls. 

I'll have to get her a Hello Kitty or Minnie kite...

she wasn't too impressed with Spidey

  

 Team work

 Another gigantic harbor (more like ditch this time), courtesy of Daddy

 Peek-a-boo! 

   

 Laney plays close up with my phone

Our last day...it's a tradition to walk down,

say goodbye and thanks for all the fun.

 We'll see you in a couple months, Myrtle!

Thanks for all the great memories!!

Busy Bees Library and Park Fun

Grayson’s little preschool had such a great outing today! First we hit up the library for fun storybook time and then the entire group painted birdhouses. I’ve never been to this library location, as it’s a few miles down the road and certainly not the closest branch, but I know we’ll be back. The ladies running the program were so animated and the craft time afterwards was amazing.  

And even though we weren’t the only group there, (I think there ended up being 12 kids total) it really was so entertaining and all the kids loved it. The more the merrier!

After the library we packed up and headed to Columbia’s huge park. Dan and I have been here bike riding with the munchkins, but we never stopped at the play area. One of the other Moms frequents the park and was undoubtedly the hero of the day when she pulled out a loaf of bread for duck feeding! It’s the little things, I tell y'all! All the kids were squealing in delight! The excitement in their eyes was contagious and both Grayson and Delaney were chatting about the ducks the ENTIRE ride home.

We are so incredibly blessed to have such a good group of kids, Moms and an amazing teacher in this small school.

Pictures are below. Enjoy!

 Grayson's best friend, Julia, hitched a ride with us today. 

Words can't express how much I adore that little girl!

It was a car full of cute today!

AND a record number of "Let it Go" replays in the Tahoe.

Good gravy these 3 can belt out the words at stadium level decibels...while giggling the whole time!

 Listening intently to story time

Miss Pea and Mr Carrot

 My bashful baby girl stuck right to my leg the entire hour. 

 Mrs. Maria (the most amazing teacher to bless our lives) snuggles up 

with Grayson during storytime

 Craft time bird houses! In pink, of course. 

Like Mother, like Daughter

 Grayson's was orange...BIG surprise. Note the heavy sarcasm. :-)

The whole gang...MWF and T/TH kiddos

Time for the park! 

Laney gives me her best Michael Jordan impression

 Pea, Carrot and Mrs. Incredible walking to check out the ducks

 These munchkins had such an amazing time feeding the ducks.

Helicopter Mom (aka Laura) kept a keen eye, 

making sure the little ones didn't get too close to the edge.

It was only 6in deep, but still, that's 6in of WHO KNOWS WHAT?!?

 Picnic!

 Getting some last minute duck time before departure

Wiggly Giggly Water

Summer is officially venturing to our neck of the woods and we couldn't be happier!

It’s been so beautiful the past couple weeks that the kids and I have been outside all day, every day. We've loaded up on all the usual activities; painting, chalk drawing, biking, picnicking, hitting up the park after our daily jog, and playing with their huge water tubs. But today I decided to break out the water wiggle from last year.

And just like last year, the kiddos loved that little caterpillar. Grayson was much more daring and brave, charging into the whipping water mayhem with no hesitance while Laney took a few courageous dashes, then admired from the sidelines. She eventually asked me to fill up her water tub and was content with the more docile activity.

Needless to say, I think Mr. Wiggly Caterpillar will be a frequent visitor this summer.  He's a hit!

Let the fun commence!

 One of Laneybug's limited sprints

 Monkey see, Monkey do

 Miss Blue Eyes grimacing about the water that just sprayed her...

 ...Because Big Brother was manning the controls

 "Ooooh, no Momma! Miii's arm is wet!"

 Delaney retreats to find another activity...

...While this one is perfectly content getting soaked and sprayed

 Ahhh, the trusty water tubs. A much more favored pastime for Laneybug today

 A bit of dinosaur imaginary play

 20 minutes later, Grayson is still going strong

What a perfect afternoon!