My favorite week of summer has always been the last week in July. Since before I was even born, my family (immediate and extended) has gone to Cherry Grove in Myrtle Beach - and this one was no different. We packed up the mini van on Saturday and headed south. The weather at the beach was truly incredible. We had gorgeous sunshine and a relaxing breeze every single day.
We spent each day on the beach, and in the evenings we would visit our favorite spots and restaurants. Our first stop was with my parents and sister at the Flying Fish at Barefoot Landing. Nash and LeeAnn got to ride a few cute rides, which they both thoroughly enjoyed.
On Monday, we took our firstborn to the famous Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage. It was a special night for Nash with just Mommy and Daddy. He was mesmerized by all of the aerialists and animals. There is something about seeing joy through a child’s eyes that brings me to tears. It is so pure and genuine.
Tuesday, we made our favorite stop to Broadway at the Beach to visit Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. This is one of my all time favorites. SO SO good. We went with my parents, sister, brother, sister in law, and grandparents! There were so many of us that I don’t think the lazy Susan in the middle of the table ever stopped spinning!
Then on Wednesday, we met Nathan’s aunt and Mimi for dinner, which is always a highlight of our vacation. They both live in Myrtle Beach, so we don’t get to see them often! It was so great catching up with them.
When Thursday rolled around, it started to sink in that end of our vacation was creeping up. That night, ALL 24 of us (yes, 24!!) went to the famous LuLu’s. Family from Richmond and West Virginia all came together and we had a ball. (See the BIG group picture below!)
Friday was a long beach day for our little family in an effort to soak up the sun one last time. But when the evening came, we packed up the mini van and headed North back to Richmond. *We tend to find it easier traveling at night with the babies sleeping.
On the way home, Nathan and I reminisced about how independent Nash was on this trip. He could walk himself (and all of his toys!) to the beach without us having to load up a giant wagon and carry him. LeeAnn was the life of the party with her constant dance moves. She loved showing them to family along with the random strangers on the beach.
It’s amazing what 365 days will do. Last year, we were wrapping LeeAnn up in my thirty-one bag, and carrying her from the beach to the house because she was so tiny. This year, she is walking, talking and entertaining us all.
When we got back to the house. I started to get all emotional thinking about putting the beach bag, sunscreen, and all of our towels away until next July. THEN...I remembered that Nathan and I are spending our 5th anniversary (November 2019) in the Carribean. YEP. Those bad boys will be out again soon. Can’t wait to share that one!
***I did not take my big camera out once for family pictures. These are all “high quality” iPhone photos. LOL"***
