Sherry's 42nd Beach Birthday

We needed one last summer weekend, and Mommy's birthday falls on Labor Day weekend so we hit the road to our favorite beach destination at Dune's Village in Myrtle Beach.  We spent the day on the beach, ate lunch at the resort restaurant, and enjoyed a game of putt-putt.  Of course, Mommy was gifted the birthday crud from getting too hot on the beach and then getting to cold inside in the restaurant, but we still had a good time.  At home, Mommy had picked out a yummy cake she wanted to try from a dessert restaurant downtown.  

Grayson said the water was perfect. 

Maggie looked threatening with her shovel. 

These almost twins just always have fun together. 

Mattox was using his goggles as sun protection. 

Brody is always all in to the water. 

The old parents just enjoying the views. 

And these best buddies only wanted to get their feet wet. 

Preparing to dive in. 

Snacks on the beach are a must. 

Maggie wanted to boogey board. 

Evan is always cool in his shades. 

The family beach bum

Grayson enjoying the waves. 

Mommy splurged on a yummy birthday beverage. 

Evan has the best smiles.  Picture Perfect!

Waiting for their lunch. 

Mommy and her sweet baby boy.  

And these two are pretty handsome guys!

Excited to be at their favorite place even if it was a short trip with no waterpark this time. 

Mommy's Gang of Cute Misfits

Mommy loves the tropical flowers. 

A little practice putt-putt at the resort. 

Evan has been playing here since he was 3 years old. 

What a cute Hawaiian couple!  Haha!

Grayson working on his putting. 

So long Myrtle Beach.  See you soon!

My yummy peach and cream cheese cake. 

Turning 42 isn't so bad with this crew.  Time really is flying.  In 10 years, I will be 52 with all of these kids grown or almost grown.  

Papa joined the party. 

I had a great team to help blow out the candles. 

And to help eat the cake of course! 

Videos: Our Myrtle Beach Vacation 2021

Lately, instead of blogging, I have started compiling more of our family memories into videos because I feel like video is more the way of the future for memory preservation.  I always envied friends who had home movies from their childhood.  I hope my kids will one day appreciate all of their home movies.  I know these videos are longer, but I figure it would take most people a decent amount of time to scroll through a lengthy blog post about our vacation so watching a video may be easier and more fun.  We really enjoyed renewing our tradition of going to Dunes Village Resort in Myrtle Beach and were happy it was still just as nice as it was seven years ago.  We just haven't found another resort like it with so many amenities for kids and adults.  It is also in a great area of Myrtle Beach that I feel is safer and cleaner and less busy than other areas.  I didn't even worry about letting my young teenager go running in the mornings by himself.  There are only a couple of large hotels in this area and then most of the beach area is composed of large beach houses and townhomes.  We may one day purchase a townhome here so we can visit more often.  My parents used to enjoy going to this beach in the offseason and winter months because there is still so much to do, and it is less crowded.  They really loved the Christmas themed theater shows.  I hope you enjoy our videos! 

Easter Break at Jekyll Island {April 2020}

Although the kids were already doing online learning, they did get a week break from their studies for Easter week.  Since traveling was not an option, our state did start allowing locals to visit beaches for the day although there were restrictions on numbers in a group, lounging on the beach, and closed restroom facilities.  We took the kids for a day out at Jekyll, and it was perfect.  We had the beach to ourselves, and there was a perfect little tide pool for Maggie to play in with warmer water than the ocean.  The ocean water was still a little chilly although Brody didn't seem to mind it.  He is the most water loving of our kids still although I suspect Maggie may be as well.  Our teenager was the only one who got called out by a park attendant (Jekyll Island is a state park) for lounging on the blanket we had brought for Maggie in case she needed to nap.  Sigh.  We are so thankful to at least have beaches close by that we can utilize during these difficult days of social distancing.  I know it is so hard in cities where they have less means of escape to the outdoors.  I have a friend in New York City who posts about their experiences.  They do have to wear masks when they go outdoors although they have enjoyed walks in the quieter and less crowded city and in Central Park.  The city skyline actually looks so beautiful and clear in her photographs, and I am a little jealous she gets to enjoy the city in such a rare state.  Eddie and I kind of got that less busy experience in a very cold January when we visited, but it was a completely different winter scene.  I think we all can benefit from some outdoor therapy during this time.  My motto is "go outside and play!"

My crazy husband posing for his picture, and my message in the sand to mark this memorable occasion. 

Grayson and Maggie really enjoyed their little private pool on the beach.  It was the perfect size and depth for all of them.  

I am so thankful for these crocheted hats from my sweet friend, Kelly, because they have really come in handy lately.  They stay on her head as sun protection better than other hats that blow off in the beach wind.  I think they remind me of fashionable 1920's swim caps women wore.  

My silly boys playing together. 

Maggie crawling off to join her brothers. 

She headed for Evan who she definitely adores.  

My sweet Mattox

Grayson and Daddy didn't seem to mind the cooler water. 

Maggie really enjoyed the muddy sand and definitely ate her share.  Sigh. 

You may notice her dirty mouth from eating sand, but she was very happy.  

There's the lazy teenager "lounging" on the beach like he wasn't supposed to be.  I was busy watching Maggie and the younger boys playing, and Daddy was in the ocean with the others most of the time. 

Brody will always be my water-loving baby. 

I think Maggie will be my sand and dirt loving baby. 

I love watching my boys playing together.  

Maggie showing us her silly tongue. 

And we always stop for a treat for the drive home.  Yum, Chick-fil-a frosted coffee is the best!