Back from the Beach

Trevor, James, Lilly, and Nana in the lobby of our resort, The Marriott Beach and Spa Resort, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

James getting his crab-cracking lesson from Daddy at the Land's End Restaurant, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

We made it back from the beach late Sunday night. We had a great time.

We left Thursday afternoon heading down to Hilton Head, SC. We stopped about half way there and ate dinner at Texas Roadhouse and let the kids run around a little. The drive is only about 4 hours, so it's not that bad. After we ate, we saddled up again and finished our drive. We got there too late to do anything. By the time we checked in, got our luggage, and made it to the room, it was time for bed. Nana met us there and she got there a few hours after we arrived.

Friday morning, we got up and went to breakfast at IHOP. We figured that if we ate a big breakfast, we could stay at the beach all day. After breakfast, we headed to the beach. We stayed at the Marriott Beach and Spa Resort. It is right on the ocean and has 3 pools. It was a great place. There is an outside bar for drinks and a cafe for lunch time food. They will serve you at the pool or at a table. We stayed at the beach all day and finally came in around 5. Lilly and James took a short nap before we headed to dinner. We went to the Salty Dog Cafe but the wait was almost 2 hours. So, we ate at their sister restaurant instead, Land's End. It was pretty good. Todd got a lowcountry boil, which included crablegs. James got a lesson in crab cracking and he was amazed. See picture above.

Saturday was another beach and pool day. This time, we opted for a dozen Krispy Kreme's for breakfast and split them between us. And it was off to the beach. We stayed there until lunch time and then we hit the cafe' poolside. We all ate until we were full then we went back to the room for a nap. James and Lilly fell right asleep. Trevor wasn't up for a nap and wanted to go back to the pool. So, Nana and I took him to the pool while Todd stayed with the sleeping babies. Once we got to the pool, I decided that I needed a little nap time myself. The resort has about 10 hammocks right at the pool (off to the side where it is quiet) that overlooks the beach and the ocean. I laid up on one of those and in no time, I was out. I slept about an hour. It was so relaxing.......I just wish I had more time. We went back to the room and waited to the babies to wake up. After everyone was up, we went back out to the pool. For dinner tonight, we ordered Mellow Mushroom take-out and ate poolside. Although, James suggested crab legs again!

Sunday was our day to head home. We wanted to get one more trip to the beach in before we left. Our checkout was 1:00, so upon wakening, Nana went to McDonald's and got us some biscuits and pancakes for breakfast. Then, we hit the beach for a few hours. Trevor rented a banana peel. It is a 3 wheel "bike" with no handlebars. It is real low to the ground and you just drive and pedal with your legs. I wish I had a picture. He had a good time, but he was tired! After the beach, we all went back and showered before heading out. We stopped at Nick and Jim's BBQ for one last lunch together. After lunch, we hit the road. This time, we only stopped for gas and bathroom. We made pretty good time.

The kids enjoyed the beach, as always. All 3 of them just love the water. The babies are like fish. James loves going under and jumping in. Trevor learned what a "jack knife" in the water is. And Lilly was her usual sweet, social butterfly. They were all happy to see Nana and spend some time with her. None of them wanted to part ways with her on Sunday when it was time to come back home. James doesn't understand that she lives 4 hours away from us. He always says that he wants to go to Nana's house, but he doesn't realize that it is a journey. He thinks that we should just be able to get in the car and go at anytime.

I didn't take alot of pictures this time. The main reason is that we just bought a new camera before we took our trip to Yellowstone and I did not want to take it on the beach. Our other digital camera just got destroyed by the sand and water and everything else. So, I am trying to take better care of this one. I did take our old camera and get a few pictures at the beach, but I also got a few (away from the beach) with my new camera.