Hilton Head Vacation (Day 1 & 2)

I can't say I was looking forward to this vacation before we left.  As a mom, vacations are generally just a change of location, not a break from my job so I'd rather do my job in my space.  However, Chris and the boys did need a break and since it was possible for them, I agreed to accept Grandpa Harvey's invitation to spend the weekend with him in Hilton Head.  As it turned out, it was the most relaxing vacation I've had in years!

It was raining as we drove in and traffic was heavy getting on the island so we didn't make it until about 5pm.  Grandpa Harvey was excited and waiting for us at the gate to usher us into the parking area.  The kids were not going back in the car so we decided to eat at the Bar and Grill on property.  The rain continued on and off but despite the rain the sea air began to work its relaxing magic.  We all enjoyed getting caught up with Grandpa and he kindly offered to go to the store to buy supplies for breakfast so we needn't get into the car again.

The condo was a double master suite, with a King in one room and two queens in the other.  We suggested Harv settle down in the King suite so he could have his privacy.  Chris, Titus, Amber and I slept on the queen beds and Lance and Jared slept in the Living Room on the two Aerobeds we'd brought along (there was a sofa sleeper but like nearly all sofa sleepers - it really wasn't sleepable).

Everyone woke up early the next morning and we headed straight to the beach to see low tide.  The beach was just as natural and beautiful as I remembered.  It had been 16 years since we last vacationed on the island it was nice to see it still so pristine.  The kids went running right into the water. I was not wearing suitable attire for such activities (I thought it was too cold) but enjoyed sitting watching them play and building in the sand.  At 9am we headed back in to each some breakfast.

We were back out by 10am.  Now it was time for them to really build a big structure against the waves.  In the construction process, I was amazed at all the animal life they found; living conch shells, sea worms, and even a living sand dollar.  We also saw what we think were pilot whales swimming off the coast and the kids met some new friends. 

We eventually got hungry again and headed back to our room for lunch.  I thought the kids would want to chill after spending all morning at the beach but as soon as they heard their new friends down at the pool (our suite overlooked the pool), they were ready to head right back out.   Chris went down with them and I decided to finish my lunch with a book out on the porch.  However, they looked like they were having so much fun I couldn't stay away for long.  I chased Titus around the water splash area, then we played some bean bag games, ping-pong and swung in the hammocks till they were all ready for some rest.

Being a glutton for punishment, I saw that as an opportunity for Chris and I to get away.  So while the kids watched shows in the condo with Harv, Chris and I went for a long walk on the beach and played some shuffle board. Yes, we are getting old - it was fun! :-P.

When we came back, the kids were ready to go back to the beach for the third time (fourth for us) that day. This time they built and destroyed a huge volcano.

After a couple more hours at the beach, we got hungry again and returned to the condo for dinner, some much needed rest, and another dip in the whirlpool bathtub (extra bubbles for the kids).