The Return Home

The Lunch Table

A gum ball gone bad

Waking up today I felt stressed but that went away as we quickly slid back into a beach mode.  What is beach mode??  Wake up, grab a quick bite, put on bathing suit, lotion up and stroll down to beach.  That's it.  Then you play, relax, explore, nap, read, etc..  So that is what we did.  As we all went down to the beach, the skies were a bit overcast but we were still at the beach!  Jill, Jake and I walked to the Apache Pier to redeem the coupons they collected last time.  They picked out a variety of things....fake teeth, egg toss, small pack of playing cards, pieces of candy, spider.... all the things a great game of skee ball get you!!   As we said our final good buys to the woman who owns the shop, we took a long last look out at the pier and walked back.

Jen was there to meet us and we walked back thru the surf.  There couldn't be a  better walk!  Jordan walked down to meet us and we played a bit in the waves getting in our last few body surfing runs.  Jake observed that the waves were a bit tough today.  Today also completed a perfect run of dips in the ocean.  We were able to swim EVERY day in the ocean.  Cool.

It was then time to say good bye to the beach as we headed back to the room to begin our packing for the drive back.  Something no one was looking forward to.  Before we did, Jake and I had to find a maintenance man to get on the roof below us to get his prize "yellow popper".  Luckily we found two very good guys who lended a hand and was able to return this toy.  Jordan and Jill went to retrieve a cart as Jen and I continued packing.  Once the cart got there, it was loaded up.  One last look over the balcony and tour thru the rooms and we were now ready to leave room 407.

Getting Brown!!

A Great Beach Smile!!

No one looks forward to this day.  The last day of any vacation leaves you feeling sad.  Why?  I think for a couple of reasons.  One, you had so much fun together that you think it will only happen at the vacation spot.  Two, you have to go back to work and eventually school.....no brainer there.   Three, it is a time that you completely unwind and realize that there is more to life than the crazy running around we all do.  And you feel  like you maybe you can't repeat it at home.   The reality is we are all together and made many many fun memories that will last a lifetime!

Exploring the surf

What will I miss the most??  Watching the kids enjoy themselves at the beach.  There were a few times as I glanced back from the waves to see Jordan now entering her senior year of high school and remembered how we used to play endlessly on other beach trips.  I loved seeing Jill do her tumbles across the sand and then hold her up in the waves.  I laughed out loud as Jake told me he was "David Hasslehoff" as he rode the waves (SpongeBob reference).  Ultimately, I will love the thoughts of the beach and seeing Jen, Jordan, Jill and Jake just relaxing and enjoying it all.

The Travelling Clam

So the countdown begins to Christmas and the next vacation....Disney? Beach?  Whatever it is, I know we will have a great time.  We always do!!!

(P.S.  I would state how it took us about 14 hours to get home due to a massive car crash on I-95 where we sat still for over 1.5 hours but I don't want to.....oh....I just did!)

Day 8 - One end of Myrtle Beach to the Other!

It is another awesome morning as I type us this blog.  Friday was a day where we all enjoyed the beach.  Jordan  getting in some sun while reclining on the surf/beach chair, Jillian mixing us "sandy" beverages, Jake floating along in the waves, Jen catching up on her reading and I hitting the surf to do some body surfing and boogie boarding.  We all got out into the waves where the water was perfect.  No jellies but HUGE waves again. This truly was a great wave week!!

Having on full last day is hard for planning.  You want to do all you can, but not get stressed.  You want to see all you can but not feel like it is the last day.  You just want to hold onto the day for as long as you possibly can. So what do you do....R E L A X.  You are still at the beach!  That is exactly what we did.  As all hung out at the beach, we played, laughed, and joked around.  Perfect morning and afternoon of beach time.

By 4pm we were off the beach and into the showers to get the sand off.  We then headed out to what I think is one of the biggest mini-golf courses I have ever seen.  The Minitour Course at Mt. Atlanticus (www.mountatlanticus.com)  After Jill's little slide coming in from the parking lot, we were ready to take on the challenge.  The course was a mix of indoor and outdoor holes with many par 3's verses the usual 2 type.  Jordan started out with a bang with TWO HOLES IN ONE!!!  But then settled back down into the pack as we went on.  As it turns out Jake had 4 holes in one, me 3, Jordan 2, Jill 3, and Jen 2.  Quite an impressive showing.  As we climbed the towers you can see the beach.  Really nice views.  We then descended and wrapped up the game with the guys having a 42 and the girls a 44.

From one end of Myrtle Beach to other.....  We drove up to Barefoot Landing where parking is ALWAYS a challenge.  Jen and the kids quickly stepped out and got us a table at California Pizza.  To be honest it was the simplest and cheapest meal we had all week and it really didn't seem to bother anyone at all.  After a Margaritta Pizza, Hot Wing Pizza, and Plain pizza (which even Jake ate the crust!!) we wandered around the landing in the shops.  Picked up some ornaments for the Jones' and looked for some activities.

It didn't take long before we found the classic Hall of Mirrors.  Where Jake, Jill and I headed in to get lost.  And we did.  After coming back out the way we came in, we tried again and this time we made it out.  Very tricky indeed.  Thank goodness we have to wear plastic gloves because we would have made a mess on the mirrors!  LoL

Barefoot Landing

Off across the bridge hoping to spy an alligator or two we stopped and took a look into the water.  We did see some movement in the water but no clear signs of a gator.  Maybe that is a good thing!  We stopped in to see the photo area where you sit with a monkey or baby tiger.  Interesting but we didn't do it this year.  Jordan really wanted a picture with a monkey.  Maybe Jill or Jake can dress up when we get home!

No evening at teh beach would be complete without an ice-cream.  Se we grabbed a few cones and cups and continued our stroll in and out of the strangest shops I have ever seen.  I sometimes wonder how many t-shirts you can possibly sell!!  Jordan really enjoyed the shop with all the Indian apparel and stuff.

So as we headed back into the car, exhausted from walking, we can honestly say we had a fantastic stay.  More on that in the final departure entry coming up.......

Day 7 - Green Lazers and New Adventures

If there is one item at the beach this year that is quite popular it has to be the "green lazer pointer".  You cannot walk anywhere in the evening without seeing a green dot appear on the ground or the building.  They have a pretty impressive range as Jake can put a green dot on a building a mile away!

This morning Jake and I participated in a fishing derby at the Apache Peir.  It was sponsored by Jen's conference so we ventured into new territory.....peir fishing.  We got our poles and bait and headed out to a spot on the pier.  Casting was definately harder than usual and so was reeling it in.  We did manage to catch two things.  A small fish and the peir!  At one point there was a small shark showing itself for a little free breakfast but it then disappeared.  We gave it a try and it was really fun to do.  Add that to our list of new things done while on vacation.

High tide came in late this morning and we found ourselves on waters edge for the early afternoon.  However, the waves began to pick up with alot of intensity and frequency.  Jill made us a variety of "sand" beverages and snacks while Jake began his hunt for shark's teeth.  Jordan enjoyed the sounds of the surf while she continued with her summer reading of "October Skies".

Lunch on the Balcony

 In the early afternoon, the skies turned grey and the waves were really rolling.  Jake and I jumped in and then the sky opened up with a summer rain.  It made the water feel like bathtub temperatures!!  At one point we thought we were getting hit with hail.  The beach became engulf in a huge storm.  Umbrellas got folded up and people vacated.  The girls were at the pool as the rain picked up.  Jake and I started in from the beach but already being wet, didn't seem to matter.  From the balcony we watched as we sat in the eye of an afteroon thunderstorm.

Zip Line Tower

For dinner we met Bonnie, Neil, Emily and Erin at Key West Grill.  While there Jill and Jake tried feeding the parrot a cracker but learned they weren't supposed to!  During dinner where we learned Jake's hamburger was "heavenly", the weather cleared and we were able to stroll around Broadway at the Beach.  Jordan and Jen visited the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit which they both found to be very good.  Jill and Jake hit the bungy bounce and game arcade.  The goal though tonight was something new....the Zip Line.

A little apprehensive at first, Jake and I purchased Zip Line tickets were we climbed a 3 story structure in a rapelling harness while tethered to a track.  Once at the top you were now facing the lake at the middle of Broadway at the Beach.  "Step forward, sit down, drop and go!!"  Jake went zipping across into the night and then I.  I have to admit....I was a little nervous.  Not so much of the line, but dropping into a four foot deep lake from 30 feet..if the harness were to go.  But that never happened and it was quite a fun ride back and forth.   After that the package included traversing this massive rope course where once again you are tethered to the structure.  But it did challenge your fear of heights!!!

The girls in the meantime got some great photo shots of different cutouts and a visit to the candy store! Considering the rain, it turned out to be another fun night at the beach!!   Tomorrow is our last full day (Friday) I am sure we will continue seeking out some new things to do.   Who knows maybe we will even see what Zaxby's is all about!!!   Ha!

Day 6 - Castles and Kites

Every beach vacation or vacation in genereal,  has a day where you feel like you need a break.  This was probably that day.  It was Papa and Grandma's last day too.  So for them, they were thinking of the trip home on Thursday morning.  I used the chance to go for a short run and hit the gym.  Jen got a chance to sit in on another conference session.  The kids were playing in the condo for the early part of the morning but by mid day they were ready to head out.  So we walked to the pier and played some skee ball.  While there we had a visit from the Ripley's Aquarium mascot (Sharkey the shark) who gave us about 100 free game tickets towards a prize.  We grabbed an Italian Ice on the pier and walked out to watch the fisherman.  No sharks on lines today!

Once back at our beach spot we decided to take on the challenge the Jordan's presented and build a sand castle.  But Jake wanted to put up the kite since it was a perfect day for it.  So we quickly assembled and it was off up to the sky.  Jill and I then turned to the castle. We don't have as much room as they did but it came out pretty good as Jill started to become our master builder.

While we worked on it into the afternoon, the jelly fish flag went up.  It seems the waves have calmed down quite a bit and the jelly fish are heading in. Jordan was definately not too fond of this. Jake found this as an opportunity to collect them into our buckets. There were all kinds with some having some long tentacles. Hopefully on Thursday they will all be back to sea.

As the evening approached we had 630pm dinner reservations at Landry's Seafood at Broadway at the Beach..  Yes, Jill was able to go and she seemed to enjoy her dinner.  With Aebli monogrammed menus we picked some great dinners.  Jake was a little preoccupied with  some of the activities going on outside so we went out.  As Jen said, sometimes it seemed it was easier when they were littler!!  Jake and I strolled over to the hot sauce shop where you can sample.  Some very good ones indeed!

After dinner, Papa and Grandma headed back to start packing.  Jordan headed back and met with Bonnie's daughters, Emily and Erin to hop in the hot tub.  Jen, Jill, Jake, and I stayed back and we walked around Broadway at the beach  to Klig's Kites to see one of my favorite sites.  He is the owner and stands out front dressed up as a character and sings to people while cracking jokes on everyone.  All along making the fart noises with fart putty stuff.

As we headed back, you know it was another tiring day when Jillian announces "when we get back, I am going right to bed".  She did.

We all said our farewell's to Papa and Grandma as our vacation starts its final days.  We'll see them when we get back and relive some of the adventures.  It was great to have them down here with us.

Day 5 - Activities and The 2nd Round of 2011 Mini-Golf Tournament

Sometimes plans at the beach change as fast as the weather!  But that is ok. We are at the beach.  At one point I thought we were headed to play at one of the many very cool miniature golf courses but then Jill and Jake took advantage of the many activities that take place poolside. A little apprehensive at first, Jill ended up loving it. Jake was ready to go. Shark tooth search on the beach, shell paint, tye dyed shirts, beach olympics, and kickball. Jake also learned to make a star out of a rubber band. The staff of young college students were excellent and really knew how to keep kids attention.  Jen and Jordan headed down to the beach to soak up some more rays and I strolled around the hotel complex where I found the arcade.  Nothing too elaborate but that comes us later.

After lunch our afternoon was a little shorter than usual since we had tickets for the 4pm show of Pirates Voyage.  This brand new dinner show just opened and took the place of the Dixie Stampede.  In it, pirates battled while doing gymnastics (which Jill loved), high dives, trained seals, fire juggling, and an appearance by Davey Jones and his skeleton henchman (which Jill did NOT love).  As we "feasted" like pirates we watched the show unfold as the Crimson Pirates battled the Saphire Pirates.  It then emptied us out into the gift shop ala Disney where Jake purchases a pirate sword and hook.

Since we were done early with dinner we decided to divide and conquer the evening.  So Jill, Jake, Papa, and I did round two of Mini-Golf at Long John Silver's Mine where after an impressive showing of putt-putt skills, Jill and I won the evening.  Jake, with pirates hook was on his game but he and Papa didn't have enough to overcome their early hole deficit. It was a great course.  While we listened to Jill's imitation of Sponge Bob's annoying sounds in the back seat we took a drive further down to the center of Myrtle Beach where we spied our next golf course.  Upon our return to the hotel main lobby, we ventured to the arcade where Jill and Jake won small prizes on a golf game.  Jake managed to rack up enough points for the medium prize but it got jammed up and wouldn't dispense.  Ugh.

Jen, Jordan, and Grandma decided to drive to Barefoot Landing to stroll around the many shops and sites there.  I was told it was very crowded but Jordan managed to find a number of items that can be in her room to change up the decor.

While Jen, Jordan, Papa, and Grandma enjoyed some time on the balcony (and the new episode of Pretty Little Liars) Jill, Jake and I took a night time beach walk to the Apache Pier.  Green lazer lights were bouncing everywhere!!  We walked along the shore with flashlight in hand and pirate sword until we got up onto the pier where a band was playing and fisherman fishing.   The evening weather was perfect again!

Upon returning we set our eyes on Wednesday and what beach adventures wait.

Day 4 - Riding the Waves!!!

One word.....surf!  After a run in the morning, Jake and Jill were ready to get to the beach.  We were pretty much in the water ALL day.  Boogie boarding or body surfing was the action and the waves were gi-normous at one point.  They were easily 9 feet tall at one point.  When Jordan came down, she too got smashed around and realized how huge they were (almost lost her top a few times).  When we weren't in the waves we were strolling along the beach with nets in hand trying to catch any small fish scurrying around in the water as the waves rolled them up.  With everyone now able to ride boogie boards, we were like a mini-surf club out there.  Lotta fun!

At lunch time, we got recharged with a sandwhich and snacks on the balcony.  Cheese sandwhiches (Becca style), roast beef, turkey, or ham.  For some reason, they always taste better at the beach on the balcony.

To get things going, we took a quick dip at the BIG BUCKET.  A float around on the lazy river, a few slides, and a couple of pours from the bucket!  We then split up.  As the ladies hung out at the pool in its cool water reading their books, Jake and I hit the surf again.  As we wrapped up we did attempt a castle in a real wet sand and built some channels and moats.

That night we headed out to Carrabba's.  While waiting, Jake made a new friend....a frog under a rock!! Dinner was very good as expected and you can tell everyone was hungry from another great day at the beach.  Papa and Grandma headed back to the hotel while the rest of us went out to ride the speed boat at Broadway at the  Beach.  This was not your ordinary boat ride.  360's, quick stops, and fast accelarations were the name of the game as did stunts in the dark.  It was really fun and fast.  Jen and Jill looked on and explored a few sites while we got tossed around.  After the ride, Jake finally found his green lazer point and was then lighting up the buildings, moon, lights, bubbles.  Jill also got her chance to get a nice hair wrap!  After grabbing an ice cream at Ben and Jerry's we walked a bit to come across a statue.  Well, not your ordinary statue. As Jake looked at her then away....she moved.  When Jake looked back....she had her hand out.  HE JUMPED!!  Too funny.  As we walked Jordan managed to  drip icecream....down her shirt.  Not the front...behind.   Walking around the area there reminded us all of Down - Down Disney.   Lights, sounds, and many thiings to look at.  Oh, and my favorite ride.....the bench!!  As we drove back, we laughed about the different things we all saw.  A fun night even though we were pretty much wiped out!!

Day 3 - Rashes, Beach, and A Lightning Show

Morning at the beach

I am just sitting on the balcony typing up the events that took place yesterday and I can see that there is NOT a cloud in the sky.  The sun is coming up and it is spectacular...7:07am   Jen just walked over to her conference for the opening session.

Jake and I were first to hit the beach at 930am while Jen took a morning run.  But our trip cut short due to the beach rash he got from his shorts.  So we needed to deal with that and back up to the room we went.  Jill was then ready to go and we were off.  After planting our stuff under the umbrella, we strolled along the beach to the pier.  We have been on it yet but probably today will be our first venture there.  As we walked Jill told me how she wants to be a marine biologist.  "I really like learning how this stuff lives" she said.  Sounds like a plan to me.  Shortly thereafter Jordan, Jake and Jen were back down and we were there for the rest of the day.  Needless to say we shot back up the room for lunch.  Papa and Grandma went out to 11am mass where they said it was packed!.

When Jake was ready he came back into the water and it didn't bother him as much. Good thing.  We spent part of the afternoon with goggles on and nets in hand trying to find some critters of the sea.  No luck yet.  Another thing we did was work on our first sand castle.  I always enjoy doing that.  It's almost like therapy as you shape the sand into anything you like.  Jake and Jill lended a hand as we dug it out.  I am sure it is gone and another will go up shortly!

Gaston's Boots

As we made our way off the beach, we headed to the room and got ready for our evening.  Off to Planet Hollywood.  Lots to look at as Jill and I strolled around and saw Gaston's boots from the Beauty and the beast broadway play.  Pretty cool.  There were also items from the Titanic movie that Jake found interesting.  As we finished our dinner (and getting caught on the restaurant video camera..>JAKE) we stepped out and a thunder and lightning storm was beginning.  So we headed back to room.  After grabbing an ice cream by the entrance of the resort, we sat on our balcony and watched the sky light up for hours.  It was literally like watching a fireworks display as the storm worked its way across the sky out to sea.  That is one of the great things about the beach, even an evening on the balcony can become an enjoyable night!  Once again, we were all tired....."beached out" and ready for bed.  More to come....