Back in the Groove...

We are home, wash is done, fridge & pantry stocked, fit in a playdate for G with one of his best friends and sammy (our 11 yo boxer) is back. Hard to believe we were in Myrtle Beach less than 24 hrs ago. Even though I am missing the beach terribly, I am excited for the busy week ahead; meeting up with friends, birthday celebrations, zoo, back to school shopping (ok so I am a little behind on this one but better late than never, right?), fitting in some projects and the norm: everyday craziness!

Here's the big question, what to do in the mornings to cure the yawns? Since I have been off coffee for the last 6 weeks (THE hardest thing I have ever given up and a whole long story behind it) I am going to have to find another caffeine source to help me wake up after sleeping in during vaca, will tea get the job done? EEEEK! If you have any suggestions, please, please share!

Here's to getting back in the groove...salud!

Saying Goodbye...

I sit enjoying a glass of Frisk (yummy Riesling) sneaking in a quick post in between loads of laundry...packing done and everything is ready for departure tomorrow bright and early. The last night is always bittersweet...hate to leave the beach and family but can't get home fast enough for the boys to get back into their normal routines-by the end of the week they are toast! Plus there is SO much that I need to get ready for G to start K at Montgomery and L to start First Steps at Goddard. Myrtle Beach is becoming a home away from home and I am going to miss my daily rides up and down 17, splashing in the waves and seeing G's love for the water & sand grow with each day. L is right behind G and was a little guppy himself. I will long for my cloud-like bed down here, Uncle Richards famous breakfasts, hush puppies, Bistro 217, Nicos, and Angsana Spa. So farewell for now and I will visit MB in my dreams until we meet again MB, until we meet again!

Date Night!

I had the very fortunate experience to spend the day with my dear Aunt A and be girly girls! We were pampered thru and thru at Angsana Spa http://www.spaangsana.com/ (located in Pawleys Island) by the magical Heather O & Lisa Clark, owner and former Pennsi-ite. If you are looking for rejuvination, superior service and a spa that offers a boutique filled with special finds...you found the spot! Namaste.

After we got pretty, pretty (and ready for my big date w/ the hubby) we visited some very quaint boutiques of the Pawleys Island/Litchfield/Murrells Inlet area...The Joggling Board http://www.thejogglingboard.com/, Lollipop Junction, Palm http://www.palmshoes.com/, and Hannah B's -a fab children's boutique. We did a lil bit of damage but just enough that I got my fix, not to feel guilty either- we found AMAZING sales! A short ride later we were home and I threw on my go-to green dress from Anthro (it has been a savior this summer) and P & I were off to Bistro 217 www.bistro217.com in Pawleys.

We arrived and sat in the courtyard at the bar, enjoyed our cocktails (I recommend the blueberry mojito and pear martini) then at our table we feasted on deliciousness. P started with an unbelievable fish app...still in fish form we thought we should name him...then he tore up the Treasure Chest. I started with their warm pistachio encrusted goat cheese salad, then the Lamb Shank and finished with a warm walnut brownie topped with roasted banana ice cream. Sean our server did not steer us wrong...it was heaven! We somehow managed thru our food coma to drive home, thought about a nightcap but feeling a yawn creeping up on us- not out of boredom just shear tiredness from chasing our 2 boys all week, we opted for home, relaxation and bed. Simply put- a perfect Date Night!

Family Fun...and the high five goes to...

Just settled down after another jam-packed, excitement filled, southern eatin' day! I started out sooo good by a brisk 3 mile walk. (Glad I did b/c I definitely took in way more calories at breakfast than I walked.) We gobbled up omelets, coffee cake muffins and Uncle Richard's famous pancakes...fueled up we headed for Myrtle Beach State Park. G was body surfing w/ daddy again, L enjoyedthe sand & waves and squeeled over the birds and airplanes above. Before we knew it the car was packed up and we were headed back to the Chalet Gray, MB to get cleaned up and ready for dinner and wait, yes that would be...even more fun. We ate at Nibils Restaurant at Surfside Pier (htttp://www.myrtlebeachrestaurants.com/Nibils-Restaurant-at-Surfside-Pier-Surfside-Beach.html caters to families, great service & food (it was fast too, which is always nice w/ two little ones). With our bellies full we headed up the road to Family Kingdom (http://www.familykingdomfun.com/) - rides, rides and more rides. This was the first year that G was not afraid of any of the rides...he had a permagrin the entire time (such a plus, nothin like draggin around a sour puss at an amusement park). FK is very easy to get around -it's one big loop and has rides for all ages. I recommend stopping for a "science drink" as G called it. It is a M8K UR Own slushie (over by the Sling Shot ride)...tons of flavors to choose from and you get an uber cool cup and straw...G picked cherry and blue Hawaiian (quite delish). Only downfall if you are in the mood for ice cream there is only one place to order your craving...so just remember that once you pass it...you won't find another ice cream vendor until you hit the first one again- so get it when you see it! (Can you tell I was on the hunt for ice cream tonight?) I definitely give Family Kingdom a high five...reasonable ticket $ and the required tickets per ride were extremely fair. Oh, and cannot forget to mention that the parking was cheap $5 for 6 hours...unheard of in the North East! Looking forward to tomorrow...girls day - mani/pedi at Angsana Spa (http://www.spaangsana.com/) and shopping- will hit The Joggling Board (http://www.thejogglingboard.com/) for sure! Will fill you in on the happs tomorrow!

In Myrtle Beach

Finally, a family vacation! We are going on day 5 and it is flyin by...(insert sad face). P hasn't had a long vaca in 3 years and we haven't had quality time together in ages. Not to mention it is the last hurrah before G starts Kindergarten and L starts his school 2 days/week. Today was a special day...we started off by fishing off the pier then onto the beach and while we were there I saw the interaction between G & P and it was priceless...sincere belly laughing, romping in the waves and just enjoying each other. I had the pleasure of taking in this scene from the beach as L napped and I napped (w/ one eye open of course). I realized that my family is changing (all good) but nevertheless changing...G is getting big- I mean really big , he was able to run from the water to me on the sand and then asked the lifeguard for the time and back to daddy in the waves, L can't get enough of solid food and is about to start walking...I took in the smell and sounds around me and just counted my blessings. It was a great day and couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending...nothing better than a wonderful meal with family full with cheeses, champagne, scrumptious steak and sides galore. Ahhh, vacation...