A "beachy" New Year's Celebration...

What better way to ring in the New Year than with great family, great food, champagne, fireworks and sand between your toes?!

The countdown to 2013 started with a decadent (and late, oops!) dinner at Don and Mae Mae's.  Andy and I were put in charge of preparing the feast, a task we easily accepted.  While our prime rib took its dear old time cooking we passed the time listening to stories from holiday celebrations past.  Considering my parents have been best friends with Don and Rosemary for nearly 40 years now makes for plenty of tales to tell.  

After our dinner Andy and I headed back to the camper with every intention of being fast asleep before the clock struck midnight, but after packing our bags for our early morning scheduled departure we found ourselves with our second wind.  It helped that the campground was alive with everyone living up the last moments of 2012.  Once the midnight hit the fireworks started and we were happy to partake.  Watching the fireworks on the beach with sand in our toes was a great way to start 2013 and hopefully a sign of what will be our best year yet!

Come on 2013, let's see what you've got! 

Beachin' it with Grandma & Grandpa

The wind finally subsided and we found ourselves enjoying a sunny, warm (well, let's be honest 55 in December is warm!) and relaxing New Year's Eve day at the beach.  It was the perfect opportunity for Grandma and Grandpa to come visit us at our camper. 

Not only did they get to enjoy ocean views and some relaxation in the sun, they also got to experience the Polar Bear Plunge that was being held right in front of our campsite!  Oh boy! Nothing like watching hundreds of crazy adults, kids, and dogs go running into the ocean in the middle of the winter (I said it was warm, but not that warm!) :)  

Adam was a little sad he couldn't participate but was happy to stand back and cheer them on.  

It was a great afternoon, and the bonus of having Grandma & Grandpa visit was we were finally able to get some family photos in front of the camper, which we enjoyed so much in 2012! 

Fun with Don & Mae Mae!

Part of the fun of visiting Myrtle Beach is getting to spend time with Don and Mae Mae.  We have had such great visits in the past (here, here, and here) and this time was no exception. 

Adam was so excited that we were visiting telling me the whole week before Christmas the order of operations: "So mommy, Santa's going to come on Christmas, then when Christmas is over, we're going to see Don and Mae Mae!!!"  It was adorable and I love that the excitement of seeing them replaced any sadness that Christmas was going to be over. 

Of course upon arriving at their house we realized that Christmas was not over, for it turns out Mae Mae had put in a special call to Santa and asked that he drop a few extra gifts off at her house.  Adam was thrilled, of course!

Adam got to spend a whole day with them while Andy and I went to the movies and had a fabulous time.  He got to jump on the trampoline that the neighbors have, he visited the nativity scene next door (and apparently was upset that the baby Jesus was sleeping in a wet manger...it had rained), rode on Don's tractor, helped with some yard work, and got to see lots of helicopter photos, and surprise, Don was the one flying them! Doesn't get much better than that!

I love that Adam has gotten to spend so much time with Don and Mae Mae and we're already looking forward to a spring break visit!

The Great Outdoors...

The weather wasn't always windy and actually warmed up quite a bit as our week progressed. We spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying the campground and the beach.  A few days in we decided to rent a golf cart which turned out to be a fantastic decision.  Adam LOVED riding in it and it really was a fun way to get around the park, especially since we had left our bikes at home. 

We found that feeding the ducks and swans was a fun activity...until the seagulls would swoop in and freak me out, ha! We still went back everyday.

We also played putt putt (twice) which really brings out the competition in every member of our family. I'll admit in writing that Andy won, but just try convincing Adam of that...

We spent time at the park and were reminded of the amazing views you get to enjoy, in addition to Adam's non-stop smiling face!

Considering we'll be heading home to what is being predicted as a very cold and snowy winter, it was great to soak up the sun and the fresh air while we could!

 

 

Ocean Lakes, here we come!

We were so excited to hit the road after Christmas to head south for Myrtle Beach! After our visit to Ocean Lakes last April we knew it would be a great place to unwind after the holiday season and to recharge our batteries for a great year ahead! 

Our site is ocean front and there really is nothing better than waking up to the sun rising over the ocean. The campground has been more full than we expected but we've enjoyed the added company and everyone's festive holiday camping decor! 

Our first few days were on the chilly side with the wind keeping us from wanting to spend too much time outdoors, but we did bring hats and gloves and bundled up so we could still enjoy campfires and a walks on the beach. 

Fortunately at night the winds seemed to die down which was perfect timing as it allowed us to enjoy the amazing full moon cuddled up in front of the fire. 

When it was time to warm up we were happy to have our heated camper and lots of new toys and sticker books to keep us occupied! We also had Virginia Tech and Redskin's victories to watch-bonus and apologies to the neighbors for the late night hootin & hollerin!

 

We've made a lot of memories here this week, so stay tuned!