Back to Lake Anna...Harper's first boat ride...

After our fun time in Myrtle we made a quick turnaround and headed right back to the scene of what we are lovingly referring to as "snakebite gate" - Lake Anna. We made sure to pack plenty of flashlights, snake repellent, cowboy boats, steeled toe shoes, and mice for distraction. Ok, really we just brought flashlights - but don't think I didn't ponder the rest. 

Snake jokes aside, we were looking forward to getting back to Lake Anna State Park for one last camping trip before school started - and lots more time out on the water in Wally Jr. 

Once our campsite was all set up with immediately headed over to the lake so we could get Harper out for his very first boat ride. (I still remember Adam's - see here.) We had gorgeous weather - just the beginning hints of fall which required long sleeves for a few of us. 

We took a fun ride out on the open water and while Harper was a little unsure at first about the speed he quickly settled into his sea legs and was waving at all the boats going by - just like Adam used to do. 

The sunset was beautiful and the water calm. It was a perfect first boat experience for Harper which garnered a big double thumbs up! 

A wonderful kick off to our final adventure of the summer of 2018! 

Myrtle Beach...heading home...

After our fantastic time with family at Myrtle Beach it was time for Harper and me to head back home to Andy and the dogs! Adam was getting some bonus days with the family and we'd reunite with him over the weekend. 

Harper was so excited to go back to the airport and to take his second flight. He was thrilled to find a little "putt putt" course in the Wilmington airport - too bad it was before security. 

We enjoyed another uneventful flight where Harper was once again more concerned with the cartoons on his iPad than the clouds outside his window. Of course the best part of the whole flight home was running to daddy at the baggage carousel. Reunited and it feels so good! 

Myrtle Beach...Family time...

The best part about our bonus trip to the beach was all the time we got to spend with family - including Don and Mae Mae who hosted Harper and me at their house. It's always so nice to spend extended amounts of time with them and I know they cherish every moment they get to spend with Adam, Olivia - and of course Harper. 

Lazy evenings rocking on the porch swing, looking out onto the beach and the surf, recounting the fun we had that day - those are the best beach moments and we're already looking forward to the next time our toes meet the sand. 

Myrtle Beach...Siblings' Dinner...

One night while we were there Mark, Kathleen and I decided to head off for a rare and long overdue siblings dinner. We went to The Gulf Stream which is a restaurant we would dine at growing up on our trips to Myrtle Beach, typically on our last evening of the vacation. It's a great spot with an even better view of the inter coastal. 

We enjoyed a delicious meal which included Alaskan King crab legs for Kathleen and me - a super rare but amazing treat! As fun to eat as they are delicious. 

We enjoyed the meal as we watched the rain come down and then disappear leading way to a gorgeous sunset. 

Great conversation, tasty food, cold drinks - and siblings - doesn't get much better. 

Myrtle Beach...Beach'in it!

We spent pretty much all day, each day, on the beach. We had perfect weather and lots of beach to dig, build, play frisbee, walk (or hobble still as I was doing), play corn hole, and of course - relax. 

Harper was much more adventurous during this beach trip when it came to the ocean. It started with the tidal pools and ended with him having no issue running into and out of the surf - he napped well. 

Adam of course is our ocean lover - he spent hours jumping the waves, boogie boarding, and also running in and out. Unfortunately he did end up with two jelly fish stings - but I tell you what, that boy has no fear - it was right back in the next day no issue! 

There really are few things in life as enjoyable as a day (or week!) spent on the sand.