Raising Our Family And Trying To Remember It All: Vacation 2011

Finally it has been our turn. We always wait to go on vacation until this time of year for multiple reasons. #1. our anniversary is this time of year and its nice to not have to work on that day. #2. its off-season in most places so its cheaper. #3. The weather is usually cooler. So, after last year's beach trip where we left following the purchase of a weeks worth of time share points, we decided to go back to Myrtle Beach. We considered a few other places, but it seemed to be the best balance of relaxing and family oriented so it won. The saddest part was leaving the dogs for a week because we normally rent a house wherever we go and take them with us. But, since we were staying at a resort the dogs had to stay here, so my mom stayed here with them. We were worried about the weather being too cool because it had gotten pretty chilly right before we left, but it ended up being perfect temperature-wise. Our biggest challenge of the week was the rain. It rained just about every day we were there, which was kind of sad. But, it was usually a quick shower followed by clouds so it worked out ok.

Todd and I were thrilled to finally get to stay somewhere ocean front and being that close to the ocean just made us bums. We had planned to do a few things around Myrtle that we didn't do last year, but the beach and pool won out on most days. The pool water was a tad chilly with the cooler temps and rain, but the ocean and beach were perfect. We also enjoyed the resort's hot tubs, even if I could only stick my feet in.

We finally ventured out of the resort on Thursday and walked to the Apache Pier, which is supposedly the longest pier on the East coast. I'll admit, walking that far out in the ocean was a little scary with a toddler ho likes to lean over the rails, but it was an amazing view to see. Its a fishing pier, so you aren't allowed to swim close to it and after a few minutes we saw why. Todd saw several sharks swimming around and before I knew it, there was one swimming close to the top to feed. It was scary and amazing at the same time to watch this deadly creature swim within throwing distance of me.

That afternoon, we decided to take Aubrey to play miniature golf. It was so funny to watch her try to put and hit the ball, but she thoroughly enjoyed it until hole 18 when she knocked her ball in and it went down the chute. Saying she was mad was an understatement. So, we made a quick trip to one of those souvenir shops and a Myrtle Beach teddy bear and shovel made it all better.

Thursday was our 4th wedding anniversary and Todd's co-worker recommended a restaurant in Little River, SC called Crab Catchers. A complete little whole in the wall tucked back on the water front. But completely yummy food. I enjoy going to small little restaurants like that, especially on vacation because I can eat of most of the chains here at home. I was sad we couldn't go to one of the seafood buffets and gorge ourselves on all you can eat crab legs, but since that's a no-no for me, 5 crabs legs and some crab cakes had to suffice.

So, all in all it was a good week. It was nice to sit around and relax without the pressure to go, go, go. However, by Saturday we were ready to come home and see the dogs and sleep in our own bed. Being away makes you appreciate the things that take for granted and I was so glad to get back to them.