An Amazing End to Summer

I'm back. Late last week we got back from our first major family vacation in years. Our little family loaded up the minivan and took an 18 hour road trip from our home in Canada to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

We went for the ocean. The girls had never seen it and I hadn't seen it for quite a while, so it was time to go and hear the waves crashing on the shore, smell the salt air....it was absolutely wonderful.

We had an incredible trip - even the drive was amazing (no complaints, no bathroom accidents). And once we got to the Island, we had a great time together. The weather was perfect (hot and sunny, a nice change from here where it has been a cooler summer) and everyone had a fun and relaxing time.

Of course we spent time at the beach. The girls found the size of the ocean, and the sand being pulled from under their feet as the waves rolled in and out a bit unnerving so they did not venture out into the water much beyond where it reached their knees. They did, however, love playing in the sand - building sandcastles and digging holes, and then running back to shore to get water for their sand creations.

We spent a lot of time swimming in the pool. Bridget's swimming has improved so much thanks to all the swimming lessons she has taken, and Claire was completely undaunted by the pool once we strapped on her water wings. We spent many mornings and afternoons at the pool, and even went swimming after dinner a few times which the girls thought was awesome. 

Our hotel was very close to a small shopping center and one night we walked down to the Ice Cream Parlor for a delicious bowl of ice cream. Doesn't Claire's face just radiate enjoyment? 

One of the best meals out that we had was at a seafood restaurant called Quarter Deck. We sat on the dock, overlooked the sea and I enjoyed these delicious crab cakes. I love crab cakes, and they taste so much better when you can eat them while smelling the salt in the air.

After dinner we walked along the beach and then to the end of the pier to watch the sunset. Absolutely stunning!

We took a day trip to Charleston to visit the South Carolina Aquarium. It was really incredible. The girls were so amazed at every turn and kept shouting at Steve and I to come and look at one thing after another. They were especially taken with this fellow, a yellow Moray Eel - what a strange looking creature. 

Walks along the beach, a few more seafood dinners out, and a wee bit of outlet shopping, rounded out our week. 

 

We had such a great time. Just incredible! It was an amazing end to the summer.