Myrtle Beach 2012

What a great time we are having here in Myrtle Beach!  It's been so nice to slip away from the busyness of our schedules and enjoy some time just being a family.- not to mention in the warm sunshine with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic!  We are on day 7 of our vacation but I am  going to do my best to recall the events of our week...

Day 1: Saturday
We had an early morning flight, 8:00 to be exact, which meant we were out the door at 5am and headed to the airport.  Aunt Terri was so kind and offered to drive us the night before we left.  We gladly excepted the offer and were happy not to pay long term parking costs:) woo hoo!  The girls slept in their clothes so that we could just get them out of bed and put them into the car.  Madelyn thought this was pretty cool and I've had to remind her that this won't become habit. :)  Girls were in good spirits as we squished into our escape and headed to Metro.  Nobody went back to sleep on the way either.  We arrived and slowly moved our way toward the check in line.  I don't recall not being able to check in online when Madelyn was a baby but apparently with Sprint they don't allow it if you have a lap child. boo.  The line was long but moved quickly.  We had 2 strollers. 2 carseats, 2 suitcases, diaper bags and 2 girls.  We were happy to get rid of the carseats and luggage to say the least.  The security line was ridiculously long, however, when we got it line it grew another mile behind us.  We made it through without any hiccups.  Girls were cooperating but I had to pee after having my coffee. oh joy!  We made it to our gate and then had breakfast at McDonald's.  Tummy's were full and I anticipated at least Alyssa would fall asleep on the plane.  I grabbed some gum and snacks while Robert let Alyssa run around for about 5 minutes before it was time to board.
We were seated in the very last row with 3 seats all together.  Madelyn was stoked to play the new i pad and Alyssa watched, all the while trying to poke her cute little fingers at it just like her big sissy.  Lou was exhausted and sucked away at her binky many times but didn't' fall asleep until about 10 minutes before the descent began.  Go figure.  All in all, it was a great flight.  Alyssa had no problems staying in my lap and being content.  If you know Alyssa, this is quite a feat for her but she triumphed! Madelyn thought the plane ride was pretty neat, enjoyed seeing the clouds out her window and looking at the wings.  10:00 AM- welcome to Myrtle Beach!

Checked the hotel- full, McCallister's for lunch, Tanger Outlets, Sightseeing drive, went to beach, checked into hotel at 3:30, nap, pool, pizza from Pizza Shak in room.

Day 2: Sunday
4 mile run, Beach, naps, Broadway at the Beach- Hard Rock Cafe

Day 3: Monday
Beach, naps, walked to 2nd ave pier- BUST, Murrells Inlet- Russells seafood mmmm:)

Day 4: Tuesday
4.5 mile run, beach, icecream, naps, Myabi- Japanese Steakhouse

Day 5: Wednesday
beach, naps, beach, Pier 14 Bar & Grill, "Boom your buttcheeks out!", mommy & maddy got icecream next to hotel, ordered airbrush tee for M.

Day 6: Thursday
shelling in am, beach, naps, Barefoot Landing- Fire Island Grille, Maggie Moo's icecream

day 7: Friday
breakfast at 2nd ave pier, Broadway at the Beach- Medieval Times dinner show

Day 8: Saturday
Just now discovered the Dunkin Dounuts a block up the road...I've been having less than par coffee all week!  Checked out of the hotel at 11 am and hung out at the beach until 3.  The girls were great, so content.  I'm speaking more for Alyssa, since this was smack dab in the middle of her usual nap time.  They both played well and I soaked up some last minute sun.  We cleaned up in the lobby and changed our clothes before heading back to the airport for our 6 o'clock flight. Alyssa was exhausted and threw some fits on the plane. stressful to get her asleep which she finally did with about 5 minutes left of the flight. oh joy.
GREAT TRIP! Can't wait for next year's adventures:)

Some very random updates:)

• Well today is Monday and I am spending the day at home with my little ladies! Not because any of us are sick, we are quite healthy, but because Penny (daycare provider) is on vacation this week.  It came at a pretty inconvenient time with only a few weeks left of school but oh well, what can ya do?

• So the girls will be with my mom a couple of days and my Grandma on Friday.  Robert may be home with them on Thursday, not sure yet.  I am actually welcoming having a day home during the week.  It's been a long time since we were vacationing this year during Spring Break- which reminds me, I do have a draft going on that vacation- shoot...totally forgot to finish that one up!! (that will come soon...I hope)

• This past weekend was amaaaazzing!!! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we spent so much time outside! I was able to get my flowers planted and the girls splashed around in the pool both days.  Madelyn spent hours in there with the neighbor girl, Erin.  At the end of the day, the girls were filthy from being wet, running in the grass, coloring with sidewalk chalk, towing things in and out of the garage etc.  Those are the best days- so care-free!  Nae and Tony came over for dinner and beers and we sat and roasted on the deck.  It nothing short of spectacular! I LOVE SUMMER.

• The dock is in!!!! Next weekend's weather outlook is good!!! Can't wait to spend it lakeside with my fam:) 
• I'm on week two of seven in a reading class that is required by the state of Michigan for renewing my teaching license.  The class is a nice change of pace from my usual master's program classes.  I have papers due every week, rather than every two weeks.  So far, I have spent both Sunday nights up until 11 or so writing my papers.  I just can't bring myself to sit on the computer during the weekend and especially with lovely weather.  It will be nice to soon be home and have time to write the papers during the week.
• About a month ago, Robert and I watched an infomercial for the world's greatest pill- "My Pillow" and well, I was suckered.  I am always complaining about how flat my pillows get and that I just want a nice pillow.  So I got online and ordered it.  Robert made fun of my the entire time and so I opted to order one for him also.  He has lots of sleep troubles anyway.  Plus it was a 60 day money back guarantee.  I figured, if it's as nice and they say, then I've scored and if not, I tried (and get my money back) right?  Let me tell you this pillow is AWESOME!!! and Robert most of all has told many people about the wonders it has done for his sleep!  We've had a few people order them after out testimony. such a simple thing but so important to have good sleep.  check it out, if you having trouble sleeping.  warning: the infomercial is pretty comical and cheesy but the product does deliver.
• Robert has been at his new job for a couple of months and they recently moved into their building and love it.  We had the ribbon cutting ceremony two weeks ago and it was pretty neat to be there for the grand opening.  They have 5 guys and they make a great team.
• I've been running for the past few months and just love it.  It always get more difficult to keep it up in the summer because I don't enjoy running in the real heat and the girls are home with me all day though.  I will do my best.  
• Ohhh! I've run 2 races this summer so far and have a few more to do.  The last one I placed 3rd in my age group and won....a pair of socks! (ha)  With each race I've improved my time by 2+ minutes.  What a thrill that is crossing the finish line and seeing my time get shorter.  Love it!
• 13 MORE DAYS!!!