So you may think we have taken a vacation from the blog, but really we just took a vacation!! :) Since my last post we have celebrated my brother's marriage and we went on a mini-vacation with my parents to the beach.
Words cannot begin to describe all the wonderful things we have experienced during our time away, but hopefully I can share some pictures, video and thoughts that will give you a good idea. For today's blog I am going to start by sharing the fun of our vacation. I will make another post just about the wedding...that one will take some time to put together!
VACATION DAY ONE
So, Sunday after all the wedding fun was over we packed up and headed east. My dad's Aunt Elvina and Uncle RB could not come to the wedding so it was a must to stop in Autryville to see them. They are the closest thing to grandparents that I still have and it always makes me happy to see them. Though we were only there for a short time, it was great to see them and check in on how they are doing. They are certainly one of the many reasons I miss being in NC!!
Me and my Great Aunt Elvina
After leaving Autryville, there was no stopping until we arrived in Myrtle Beach. We went straight to the condo and unloaded. As is tradition, we went and had our first nights dinner at Hamburger Joes. For those who have been there, you know why we have this tradition. For those who have never eaten there, GO NOW!
Two summers ago we took Grace to Hamburger Joes for the first time just after her first birthday. We posted a decorated $1 bill on the wall as many people do at this place. Of course when we went this summer we had to go find the $1 bill and see if it was still there and it was. See below!
Grace showing off her grilled cheese from Hamburger Joe's.
We told her it was the worlds best grilled cheese and she really thought it was special!!
VACATION DAY TWO
On our first full day at the beach, we had some fun at the pool, a yummy dinner at Sticky Fingers and took Grace to the rides.
Playing in the pool with granny
Sun diva
Tired little girl
Crazy hair after her nap by the pool!
Troy doing what he does best on vacation
Best entertainment for a child at dinner...CELL PHONE MOVIES!!
Waiting in line with Papa for the merry go round
Ready to ride with Papa!!
Waiting with Granny to ride the train
Our big girl riding the airplane by herself
All smiles!
Two thumbs up!
And then it was mommy's turn!
Riding the cars with daddy
Resting after all the fun at the rides!!
VACATION DAY THREE
On this day we enjoyed time on the beach and by the pool. The weather was perfect! Mom and dad took us to a place we have never eaten for dinner, King's Pizza and it was great! After dinner we ran by Krispy Kreme and they had the HOT sign on. Of course we went in and Grace enjoyed watching them make donuts!!
My dad and I took Grace out and she enjoyed jumping over the waves as they rolled in!
Playing in the sand with my girl
She loves her Papa!
After some lunch and rest Grace wanted to play in the pool
Silly faces
Normal faces
Too much fun..passed out at the pool again!
All excited for some dinner at King's Pizza
Then a stop at Painter's for some ice cream! Yes we ate our way through MB!!
Yes the hot sign was on and we stopped to get some to take home!!
Watching the donuts being made. I have to admit it was pretty neat to watch!
VACATION DAY FOUR
On our last day at the beach we enjoyed some time by the pool, a yummy dinner at Chesapeake House (my fav seafood place) and visit #2 to the rides. Grace is still talking about the rides. She is going to be the kid who wants to ride on rollercoasters before she is big enough to get on!
Ready for her last visit to the pool
Grace made a friend!
Dinner at Chesapeake House - if you have ever had dinner there you probably get as excited as I do when they bring the "bread" basket out. YUMMMMMM!!!
Waiting with granny to hit the rides one last time!
Granny and Papa enjoying watching Grace on the rides
HEADING HOME TO TN
We got up on Thursday morning to get packed up and head back to TN. We had one last meal at Hamburger Joe's before hitting the road.
One last photo with granny and papa before we leave
Beautiful sunset in TN leading us home!
Though we were sad to leave vacation and my parents, it was nice to get back to a more normal routine. We cannot thank my parents enough for giving us such a fun vacation. We love spending time with them and we are so glad we were able to have a beach vacation with them this year!!
When we returned home (LATE) we were greated by this sweet note from the Schruffs who fed our fish and watered our plants while we were away. Thanks guys for keeping things alive!!
