Myrtle Beach Family Vacation 2011

We decided this year to take our first solo beach trip...and what an adventure it was! I should have bought a t-shirt that said "I Survived my Summer Vacation!" Even though it resembled the Griswold's Family Vacation, it really was one of the best and most memorable vacations! Here are a few of the highlights:

Day #1: Car Battery dies in the Wal Mart parking lot. What a place to have that happen! Fortunately, the man beside us was leaving and jumped us, then we drove to the nearest Advance Auto to buy a new battery.

Day #2: Bailee learns to boogy board. Patrick was so patient and helpful. I know it wore him out, but he just kept carrying her out there and setting her on a good wave. I was so proud of her!

Day #3: We got into a routine of going to the pool in the morning, coming home to eat lunch and take naps, then heading back to the beach in the afternoon. This way, we were able to accomplish every aspect of our vacation. Check out the sleepy boy! He was so worn out from playing hard at the pool, he couldn't keep his eyes open to eat lunch!!

Day #4: Ripley's Aquarium-The highlight was meeting and becoming a mermaid! Bailee is/ was obsessed with mermaids, and she was dolled up to look like one! They did her hair, makeup, and even posed her for pictures. She will definitely remember it for a long time!

Day #5: Emergency Room-Yes, ER. We were returning from the pool for lunch/ naps when I decided to help Nathan up the front steps. I stooped and picked him up by his left hand and lifted him over the two steps. And then I heard the POP. He immediately begins to cry and refuses to use that hand. We knew something was bad-wrong, so we drove to the ER. The doctor quickly diagnosed it as "nurse maids elbow," popped it back in place, and let us go. But not before I was given the third degree and they decided I wasn't an abusive parent. It bothered me, but I can understand why they have to ask those questions. Anyway, he was playing with it within three minutes. We returned home, changed into our bathing suits, and went to the beach! We're troopers!!!

After the day we'd had, I wasn't cooking, so we drove to Surfside Beach for dinner and a walk on the pier. Here we are full, healthy, and (for the most part) happy!

Day #6: Just an ordinary day. We cruised the strip at night, which became one of our favorite night-time pasttimes. Patrick sat Nathan in his lap, and used him to get all the girls oohing and aahing over him. Shameless, I know! But it was so cute! And Nathan loved driving the golf cart, as you can see!

Day #7: Wonder Works Museum-We returned to Broadway at the Beach and enjoyed this children's museum. Exhibits included lying on a bed of nails, bubble lab, and strength/ agility tests.

All in all, despite the ups and downs, it was a great trip. Ocean Lakes was a great place for families, and we will definitely return. Can't wait for next years trip!!!