Sun and Sand

Last year was my first time to Myrtle Beach.  I was a little nervous about going the first time because you get mixed reviews about what it's like there. I've heard everything from it being a wonderful place for children to others calling it a nasty, touristy, crowded beach. Being from Florida, I pictured Daytona. I'm not into Daytona. However, I actually liked Myrtle Beach. In fact, I liked it enough to go back this year. Yes, it is crowded and touristy. But, there really is a lot to do and with toddlers a nice relaxing vacation just isn't going to happen. So, why not go some place where we can play all day at the beach/water park and then see shows after putt-putting at night? I think I may change it up next year and do the whole relaxing natural beach thing, but we had a great "touristy" vacation this year! Warning: Insane amounts of pictures up ahead.

 The boys were obsessed with the ocean this year. They weren't the least bit scared and spent hours "fighting" the waves.

 I dug up a sand crab for Graham and Parker the first day we were there and the love affair began. I am not exaggerating to say we collected these things for at least an hour every morning.

 Not all of Graham's crabs made it back to the sand. He loved on them a little too hard sometimes.

Graham called them bugs.

We went to Alligator Adventure again this year. This time, we met up with our friends, the McCollams, on their way leaving the beach. So good getting to spend a few hours with them!

 I remember when it was just the four of us and Brooke. Wow...what a few years can hold!

 Our cousin Michael from Charleston, SC drove up a few hours to spend one day at the beach with us. He brought his beautiful, sweet girlfriend Diane with him. We always have fun when we get together with them. As you can see, my boys kind of love them.

 What a gang.

 Aunt Sarah flew in for a few days too. We were very excited about my 28th birthday. That's how we roll.

 There were days of sunshine and days of clouds. I really enjoyed both and no one got sunburned. Success.

 We planned to be at the beach the same time as the Hargraves again too. The boys enjoyed lots of beach time together.

 It would probably help him to open his eyes.

 Great pals.

 

 

 Building castles with poppy.

 Even Nana got in on the action.

 I know it's crazy, but the Martins were also at the beach at the same time and only a few hotels down. We spent one morning on the beach with them. Parker and Collin ran themselves silly.

 

Sheen and I just sat and chatted. We're good at it :)

 It was amazing how much easier this year was at the beach. We actually spend lots of time just sitting in the sand building castles.

 We took the boys to a Pirate show one evening and it didn't disappoint. They loooooooved it.

 I'm a big fan of Crocs on kids. I'm not afraid to admit it despite all the fashion hate they receive. My boys are always covered in dirt or mud and Crocs just wash right off. Also, a two year old can put them on himself. Total bonus. Hate all you want, but my kids will wear them as long as I can possibly tolerate the way they look. However, they don't belong with every outfit and that didn't matter this week. None of Graham's shoes fit right now and I hadn't made it to a store to buy him new ones yet. So, Crocs were worn every day. All day. On a positive note, we found a cute pair of Sperry's for him the last day while shopping the outlets.

 I'm sorry, and completely partial, but these two boys are too freakin cute.

 Being pirates. Arrrrr! Such a boy mom.

 

David took me to the Divine Fish House at Murrell's Inlet for my birthday. Good times!

 

I'm not sure what it is about boys, but David could spend hours building sand castles. I'm really not that into it. I like to lay in the sand and dig with my fingers. Sometimes I'll make a pile of sand with the wet drippy sand i dig out, but that the extent of my building desires. 

Apparently, half the fun of building castles is knocking them down.

 Chula joined us at the beach this year. She like the sand and sun, but wasn't much for the loud waves.

 I'm so blessed.

We got this picture last year.

They are growing up on me!

 Graham is saying, "Hello Mr. Chula dog" in a very high pitched voice. He's a strange one, that kid.

Sunset.

 Oh, this child and his expressions.

 Loves writing in the sand.

 

We had a blast and made some great memories last week. It's always a shock to come home after vacation, but we are now back to reality. Hey, it's all good because it's still summer!!! What to get into next? I'll update you on our latest house project soon. I'm super excited. Let's just say...the cat pee smell is gone for good!