Saturday - Long Drive, Smelly Car, One Family

"I am going to miss Myrtle Beach" - Jack Murray

We began our drive back today.  Waking up was one of those things that you knew would lead to something you just didn't want to do but knew you had to.   We had to leave. Leaving the beach or any vacation where you had an really great time is not easy.

This past week, for me, I spent time with my kids knowing that the next time we are here they will be older, maybe not as interested in doing things with Jen or I, and also being older myself.  The beach has always been an adventure for us.  Building sandcastles, learning to boogie board, fishing for ocean fish, conquering fears on crazy rides, and simply trying new things have always been our theme.  We also got to spend time with Steve and Michelle's kids who are also growing older.  Although Emma still hasn't warmed up to me I can easily say I love being around them all.  Every day brought a new laugh, a new question, and fun.  I wouldn't want it any other way.

So we began the drive.  It was long but not as painful as I thought it would be.  We travelled with Steve and Michelle all the way to right outside DC when we split ways.  The early going had us helping with Emma who got sick in car.  We had lunch at Cracker Barrell or Jordan said, "Cracker Stinking Cracker!".  However, I think she really liked her lunch since she ate all of it.  After doing a final tour of the give shop we headed home.

As we texted our goodbye's I found myself thinking about all the great moments.  We all laughed and told stories in between some odd smells.  It was clear to me that we had a great vacation and enjoyed what it meant to be family.   We'll be back to the beach and I know the adventures will continue along with the laughs.

Friday - Long Last Looks...

The last full day arrived.  It was my first time taking a long run/walk and it didn't disappoint.  With the heat creeping up, and waves crashing, seagulls crying out....the run was what you would want in a beach run.  I took a long look at the early morning surf as the sun started to climb and created a silver shimmer across the tops of the waves.  Very nice.    For Jillian and Jake, they noted we only placed mini-golf once so we quickly planned out a game at Mt Atlanticus on the Conch Course with Jen and myself.  Jordan hung back to get some more pool-sun time to perfect her tan!

Steve and Michelle took their kids over to Broadway at the Beach where they got in some shopping and game play but quickly felt the heat!  Matty and Jack returned with two custom RC cars which were quite cool.  Later that night Jake would also pick one up.  It was quite an impressive (and expensive!) store but the boys really loved it!! So we all met up and headed down to the beach one final time.  By Noon the sands were quite hot.  The kids grabbed lemon ice from the girl pushing the beach cart and all was good again!

The remnants of our mer-man's hair was still on the beach.  Today was one of the best water days.  It was so good that Matty made his SC surf debut as he and Jake got on the boogie boards!!!  The vacation was now complete!  Jen and I were under the umbrellas enjoying a breeze and gazing out at the surf.  You cannot help but to feel you never want to leave.  I think that is a good sign of a great vacation.

As we all got showered up and washed the last of the ocean water off we made plans to head to the Hard Rock Cafe which is a giant pyramid.  It was evident that the meal of choice for most were fajitas of some sort.  Matty kept his string of chicken tenders meals in place and continues the world record.  He knows his chicken tenders!!

The evening ended with Jillian, Jake, Matty and Kayla all getting sprayed on tattoos!!  This decision process was not an easy one but they are now owners of some fine artwork.

As I got back to the room I really dreaded the fact that we had to pack but you do what you must......

Thursday - Spas, Blues, and Wonderworks

Thursday was one of those days where the beach was looking good but you could sense our time at the beach was growing short.  I try take it hour by hour and remind everyone there is still plenty of time.  Not easy to do.  In any case, Jen, Jordan and Michelle got a treat to head out to the spa to enjoy some quiet time. Meanwhile we started to get ready to head to the beach.  Today we put a different spin on burying someone.  Steve sculpted a great turtle in the sand and we buried Jake and shaped his body into a mer-man.  It was quite an effort.  We took up quite a bit of beach real estate as we also built another ball ramp into the surf.

As the dinner hour approached we got ourselves all cleaned up and headed to the House of Blues where we arrived to a small crowd and enjoyed a great meal of ribs, chicken tenders, salads, and wings.  There is a massive courtyard area there where we played around with the kids and let them chase each other.  It was one of those times where you realize next time we might be back in Myrtle will be when they are all two years older. Kinda makes you pause and enjoy.

That night Steve took his gang to the rides area of Barefoot Landing where Kayla and Matty returned to the rock wall and this time made it to the top!!  My gang headed to Broadway at the Beach to enter Wonderworks.  This three story adventure really has everything....experiments, simulators, rope bridge.  Jillian, Jake and I continued on to do battle in the Lazer Tag arena which was alot of fun and Jen and Jordan went around to the shops.  When we were done with the Lazer Tag we noticed some Palmetto Bugs (aka cockroaches) making an appearance on the bridge!

Once back to the room we headed over to Steve and Michelle's room to exchange some stories and laughed at various comments made by everyone!.  Steve told me that Jack thought I was eaten by a shark when we sent him the picture!!  (seen here)

Wednesday - A Trip To The Aquarium

This morning the gang all loaded up and we headed to Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach.   Pirannah's, eels, Dori's, Nemo's, and sharks entertained everyone.  The kids got the chance to touch and lift horseshoe crabs and pet small sharks!  Of course.....hand sanitizer was near by!!  As we entered the aquarium tubes we were quite impressed by the sharks that moved overhead.   You could actually view their rows of teeth! When we exited we made our way out sting rays and eventually got to the part where we could pet them.

The aquarium is the perfect size but wouldn't be complete without a gift shop!!  That was the last part where the kids got some stuffed sharks, snake (aka whip!), candy, and shark teeth!

After a quick stop at McDonalds we headed back to the surf!  It was another awesome beach day where we spent some time building a new 'racing' ball ramp with tunnel!  With small nets in hand the gang started hunting more shells and sea life.  While rinsing off, Steve and I saw a small sting ray but it quickly moved out to sea.  The water was so warm and clear.

With a nice ocean breeze blowing, it was looking like prime time for kite flying.   Jake, Matty, and I set it up and got it going about 12 stories high.  It looked great and stayed up for the remainder of the afternoon until we headed up to get cleaned up.  Tonight's dinner was spent at the View Cafe located in the hotel lobby.  The dinner was perfect and the view was really beautiful.  While the adults finished up the kids all poured into the game room where we won about 6 super balls and got the crane to not grab anything!

After dinner, Stephen, Jillian, Jake, Kayla, Matty and I grabbed our flashlights and headed down to the beach and had a fun beach walk past the pier.  Kayla got a little scared as water appeared on both sides of us and we realized it was time to turn around.  On our way back we found a crab who had a fond affection for Steve's toes!!

Another beach day came to a close as I am sure we headed off to bed.

Tuesday - Fishing, Walking, and Tumbling

Another spectacular beach morning.  As I got up and headed out on the balcony the fog was so thick but quickly burned off as the sun started to warm everything up.  This morning we headed to the pier to enter the fishing derby.  Fishing is something Jake had on his mind since we arrived and he was set.  Steve and Matty joined us for their first time giving it a shot.   With squid and shrimp for bait we gave it a shot.  Jake was the only one to catch anything from our group!  The excitement continued as we watched some sharks swimming around and a sting ray.

Jillian was practicing her tumbling and when we got back she demonstrated to us a new sequence of moves.  Needless to say it was pretty cool and the lifegaurd even made it a point to tell us it was quite good.  While Kayla and Jack were busy collecting seashells, Matty and Jake helped out building a swirling tower ball ramp in the sand.

The days on the beach often get hot so being close to the pools is ideal.  Our group made good use of the water park and pools while some hung at the beach.  Jen enjoyed part of her book while soaking up some rays.  A perfect beach day.

This was also Elizabeth's last full day so we took her out to Key West Grill at Broadway at the Beach and had our table set out on the balcony.  The kids enjoyed seeing the speedboat going up and down the water and this set the stage for our ride shortly there after.  Stephen, Jillian, Jake, Matty, Jack, Kayla, and I all boarded "The Beach Rider" where we zipped and did 360's up and down the waterway.  It was alot of fun!  Once we got off the boat we met up with everyone and headed for an ice cream while wandering around the shops.

We headed back to the room so Elizabeth could pack and we could all enjoy the view from the balcony overlooking the ocean.

Monday - Mini Golf Round One

First thing this morning, Papa, Jill, Jake, Matty and I got our first round of mini golf in at Treasure Island.  The heat and humidity was already quite high.  The fellow running it was quite nice and after exchanging stories, he gave us some free passes.  Unfortunately, we had our first mishap.  While teeing off on the fourth hole, a shot over some water, Jake hit one out of bounds.  As he stepped aside, Matty went to hit, somehow Jake got hit in the ribs and was out for the remainder of match play.  He'll be back.  Matty on the other hand had a great showing with two holes in one!!  Jill was also quite impressive as she par multiple times.  More play coverage later.....

When we got back, it was time for lunch and as we settled in I ran to Walmart for some additional nets to catch some critters.  Also picked up a Styrofoam cooler for fishing on Tuesday.  Then a massive thunderstorm moved in.  While the kids played with their bows and arrows playing 'Elves' the rain fell hard but then quickly moved out creating awesome boogie board conditions.

Kayla was excited to ride so I got her all setup.  But I missed a huge wave behind us and Kayla had one wicked wipe.  Ugh.  However, once the shells were out of her shorts she was then on to other things.  Jake, Steve, Jill and I were all riding waves from way out to right up on the sand.  Awesome!  While the beach packed up Steve and I enjoyed a cool beverage on what turned

The evening has us enjoying dinner at California Pizza at Barefoot Landing.  I enjoyed the San Diego Pizza (with bacon) while everyone seemed to enjoy including Papa who had mastered his own combination of sausage, pepperoni, cheese, sauce.
 After dinner we made our way to the railing to see the largest carp ever.  Jake, Matty, Jill and Jack all got on the giant bouncy ride.  At one point, Jake's strap snapped!!! Yikes  but he didn't fly away.  They then moved on the the rock wall and the some kind of  tower where they climbed up and through.  To round out the games Jake and Matty walked away winning some basketballs!

As we got back to the rooms the kids hung out watching an episode of Full House.  Some of the adults enjoyed a drink on the balcony as a full moon reflected off the ocean.  What a great end to the day!!

Sunday - Beach Weather Is Here!!!!

With our umbrellas now in place and the sun making a strong appearance today, we were now in full beach mode.  Today Ka

yla got a series of boogie board lessons for her first time and did great.  Shortly after that Jake, Steve, Jack, and I put on our goggles and started catching critters.  Last count, we had six hermit crabs in an assortment of shells.

Boogie boarding was slowing down a little now that the storm moved away.  No worries.  The first set of sand castles made their appearance today!!!  Jake named it "Helms Deep 2".  After a quick bite to eat we were all back down on the beach.  Jake wanted to take Matty to the pier.  Well it didn't let us down.  We saw 2 sharks, Black Tips.  One was about 4.5 feet and the other about 3ft.  Woah.  Luckily they were way out but we still got a great look at them.

We decided to do Margarittaville for dinner.  While we were waiting Jen took the kids over to see some of the rides and they got their shot at the bouncing straps to do some flips!  The wait was a little long but the dinner seemed to hit the spot.  Balloons were the theme of the day. Jake got his favorite sword with scabbard, Matty and Jack got guns and swords.  Kayla and Jill had crazy hats!!

Once dinner was done Jordan and Elizabeth got to do some shopping around the boardwalk while Jen, Jake, Jill, and I toured around some shops.   All in all a great beach day!!

Saturday - The Gathering

Weather this AM seemed to be improving but we are still waiting for that South Carolina beach weather.  This morning Steve, Michelle, Matty, Kayla, Jack, and Emma arrived.  After a long night of driving the gang was all here.  LET THE VACATION BEGIN!!!

It was one of those days that we took advantage of no matter what the weather.  We got the kids into the water while their room was getting set up and supplies getting bought at the store.  You never know what you need but you definitely needs lunch stuff!!

All the kids were thrilled now that they were all together.  That evening we decided on eating at Carabba's.  A seating for 15.  Never easy but always fun.  With a long day logged, Steve and Michelle needed sleep.  I took Steve, Jake, Matty, Jordan and Elizabeth (her treat!!!) to Kirk's for some ice cream and a quick tour of Myrtle.   When we got back, Jake and I took a walk on the beach and caught a glimpse of some fireworks.  We also went up on the Apache Pier where we saw a woman catch a Ribbon Fish.  It was silver, about 18 inches and had sharp teeth.  Nice. When I finally laid my head down, I think I was asleep in 10 seconds.

Friday - First Full Day

I woke up early and walked around the hotel grounds.  It never fails to impress.  I even saw the sun for the first time with some blue skies.  It didn't last that long after morning passed.  However, the beach was filling up and we definitely were ready.  No umbrellas yet but we carried our chairs and headed down.

Jen took Jill and Jake for their first walk to the Apache Pier and we hit the waves.  Joe and Dorothy arrived early in the afternoon and were ready to take it all in.  Once again, weather played a heavy factor.  Even though it rained, Jill said 'let's get to the hot tub'.  That turned out to be a great idea as we sat in the hot water with a summer rain pouring down on us.  We met some other people and it was fun hearing stories from others getting ready to leave.

Dinner that night was at Landry's at Broadway at the Beach.  Mahi mahi, shrimp, burgers, and some appetizers.  On Thursday night we did a mirror maze and lazer maze race.  Jill and Jake tried the lazer maze again tonight.  We strolled around a bit and checked out some stores.  In one store Jill found a 'baby stuff turtle" that was a perfect match to the one she has at home!!

When we got back to the hotel, Jordan, Elizabeth, Jake and Jill walked to the hotel lobby for some ice creams and hot chocolates (yes...hot chocolate at the beach).  Jake and I took a quick night walk on the beach with flashlight in hand hoping to spot some kinda neat find.   Nothing yet.  But it is only the first one.

Jen, Joe, Dorothy and Joe enjoyed a nice view from the balcony as more fireworks were lit.  All in a  good day at the beach regardless of the weather!!!

Thursday - Arriving

Arriving at the beach is always something everyone gets excited about and as we arrived Thursday, it was no different.  Even though we arrived in a rain shower and cool temps the excitement grew as we made our final turn into Kingston Plantation.  The car was unloaded quite quickly having done this before and we were up to our HUGE room in no time.

This was the biggest hotel room I ever stayed in in my entire life!  A spectacular view of the beach and waterpark will make it a great week!  Jake was ready to get into the surf and so was Jill.  Jordan and Elizabeth took their first stroll on the beach.  With the storm still circling us, the waves were perfect and made up for two days of driving.  Boogie boards were in action for a few hours.

Dinner at Mayabi

Joe arrived and the beach family was assembling.  He had a quick flight in from NY and Jen met him at the airport.   Dinner was at the Japanese Habachi and it didn't disappoint.  Our chef sliced up one of the biggest 'loaves of rice' I ever seen and we were all taking take outs.....except Joe who cleaned his plate!!!!

Jill, Jake and I hit the hot tub that evening and witnessed some beach fireworks that were quite impressive....and low!!  As some showers started up we headed back to the room.  Tired, we all fell asleep quite fast

It is 1130pm.  Jill and Jake are asleep.  Jen at the pc in the kitchen and Jordan getting ready for bed.  It seems like all bags are about packed except for a few morning items.  Sad...alot of electronics but in a way needed for the drive.  Clam on the car.  As Jake said, "it looks like a missile launcher".  Did alot of last minute running around today, Jill and Jake and I.  AAA for trip tik and a few questions, voice lessons for Jill, lunch at Coney Island, haircuts, Radio Shack, Boscovs, a few others and a quick bite at the Thai place (Jake didn't like it) and back home to clean car.  (my hands still smell like the car!!)

All in all we are so ready for this trip!!!9.5 hours to go until we get on the road!!!

MB-4 Trailers, Media and Maps

We are now edging into beach week and I sent out an email with some more weather updates and links.  I plan on wrapping up my course grades today and then shift gears into getting stuff for the car.  This year we added a new cargo trailer since we are going in the Honda Pilot with 6 people.  Should be 'Griswald' like but I can remember many vacations growing up where we all piled in and drove.  Alot of good memories of those trips.

I stopped checking weather as this cold front is reaching too far south.  Ugh.  Then I went out and checked local myrtle beach weather...... no worries. It will be fine....actually....hot and sticky.  But that is what we want.

Kids are really excited.  The countdown has been in place for weeks on our kitchen calendar.  Fovorites have been talked about....mini golf, Margarittaville, Broadway at the Beach, sandcastles, the pier, walks....
I will feel better once we get to Wednesday as I need to find a few things:

- sun shades for car windows since we are travelling by day
- a way to keep media flowing in the car

Catch ya later....