Our Myrtle Beach Trip

 When COVID happened, I gave up travel for 2020; I wasn't planning to take any more vacations this year. But then about a month ago we were offered a chance to go to Myrtle Beach with our son, daughter-in-law and grandbabies. Yes please! We're all getting a little tired of quarantines and mandates anyway. And who wouldn't jump for a chance to hang out with their grands?! It felt like such a gift to be offered this unexpected vacation. I was so giddy I could hardly sleep the night after we booked a condo for a long weekend stay. 

A week before departure, my 97 year old grandma tested positive for COVID and wasn't doing so well. And there was Hurricane Delta threatening to rain on our parade. Not cool. We called in the prayer troops. My plucky grandma has beat COVID, against all odds, and Delta moved through that area overnight- we woke up to some large puddles but it didn't mess with our tourist plans. 

We got up real early Friday morning and left Josh's house at 5am. Someone is very excited about going to the beach! 

Avery is such a good traveler. And she has a mama that packs her all kinds of fun snacks & toys for entertainment. Lucky little girl. 

She played & played with the bag of marbles I took along for her -putting them in a bottle over and over. My very favorite thing was when she showed me one of the marbles and said "This is my very favorite one!" (Never mind that they are plain clear glass and all identical.) 😍

"I help you, Grammie" She always wants to crochet for me. So far it hasn't exactly worked out as well as she thinks.  LOL

A cheap dry erase board provided hours of entertainment. While singing along with Grammie's Spotify.

Colton alternated between sleeping and playing with toys. 

I'm so proud of how well the little people did on such a long road trip! It took us just shy of 12 hours to get there.  

The condo we stayed in did not disappoint; it was a very nice. 

The pool wasn't heated so we never did use it. Unfortunately the whirlpool was closed due to COVID. 

Who wouldn't want to wake up to this little heartbreaker? 

Or go to sleep hearing "I want Grammie!" from the next room?

There was a public beach access right across the street from the development we stayed in. Heading out for Colton's first beach adventure... 

"I like it outside here" she says. Avery remembers the beach from FL in February and was so excited to go again. 

On the other hand, Colton wasn't as impressed. At 4 months, everything goes in the mouth. That doesn't mix so well with sand. He was done long before Avery was... or rather mama was done keeping his busy fingers out of the sand. 

We had so much fun building sand castles and collecting seashells with Avery! It was sunny and 80*. Perfect. 

Josh went fishing in the morning but walked back to joined us at the beach for a bit. It's so fun to watch your kids being good parents. 

While Mommy & Daddy went shopping, we may or may not have allowed someone to double and triple dip pretzels in the bacon dip while watching a movie. hehe. #grandparentprivileges

Dinner on the deck

😍

    

"Let's go for a walk, Grammie. Put your shoes on." We went for lots of walks together. You know your grandbaby is adorable when a little old lady comes out of a neighboring condo just to talk to her. 

Grammie & PopPop loved the chance to treat Avery to mini golfing. Our first time golfing with the grands. 

This is how you win at mini golf... 😂

Then you have to go for ice cream. I think it's a rule at the beach. We tried Melt ice cream shop.

There was a line because they only allow one family inside at a time (due to COVID).

Colton was trying to grab Josh's cone so he held Colton's hands down and let him taste it. It looks like Colton might like ice cream as well as his big sister. 😁

Another thing we did was go to Ripley's Aquarium. Again, so much fun to experience it with our grands. 

The kids very favorite part was the penguins. 

I love the delight on Avery's face and clapping her hands. 

Masks were strictly enforced there. Not even a medical condition will get you off the hook. Ya do what ya gotta do. 🤷 

Josh & Ang got to touch a string ray. Unfortunately most of the interactive stuff was closed due to COVID. 

After awhile Avery was tired of fish and more fish, but she was pulling us toward the gift shop. She was delighted with this shark toy that made a noise that would quickly annoy most mamas. I was impressed that she played with toys but put them back without complaint when it was time to leave. Good job, Avery! 

One evening Grammie entertained the little people while the rest played a card game (because Grammie doesn't like playing games very much). Fact: I got the better end of the bargain. 

How cute is that?! #braggingrights

All too soon it's Monday and time to face the long drive back home. 

Cake pops from Starbucks at the rest area might make your day. 

PopPop's favorite Avery quote of the day was when she said "I want what makes me happy." (Earlier she was getting bored and fussy so I commented maybe if I turn on some kids singalong music it will make her happy.) This kid doesn't miss much! 😂 

The kids were champs but they were definitely tired of carseats till we got home. Tip: when the baby has "had it up to here" with being strapped in, try a bluetooth speaker- the flashing light and music might distract him from crying for the last hour. If you are really lucky, Michael W Smith lullabies might even put him to sleep. 

10 hours later, we cheered for the kids "You did it! Good job!" but it was really the mama that we should cheer for. Traveling with babies is exhausting; I still remember.  

A big shout out to Josh & Ang for inviting us along on their vacation -to cater to our grandkids! We LOVED it!