Ringing in 2019 in Myrtle Beach...

We journeyed north on New Year's Eve to Myrtle Beach to ring in 2019 with Don and Rosemary (Mae Mae). Since we didn't have the camper we booked a cabin at the Myrtle Beach KOA instead. The boys LOVED it and honestly it was a nice change of pace with lots of space both inside and out for everyone to relax, play, etc. 

We had a nice NYE dinner at the Harper's and then headed back to the cabin to finish off the evening. We noticed the cabin had a Myrtle Beachopoly game so that was our plan for how we'd close out 2018 - and honestly - it was perfect! We did a pre-midnight celebration with Harper before tucking him in. Then it was game on for the rest of us. I forgot how much fun Monopoly could be. Before long it was time to actually countdown to midnight and we all jumped into 2019 together - a family tradition. 

We woke up to sunshine and warm weather and it was the perfect first day of a new year. We took the boat out and let the kids take turns "driving" the boat. The fresh air on our faces was amazing. 

We found an awesome beach to run around on - we barely saw anyone so it felt like our own private beach and the sea shells were amazing - practically unscathed - Adam really enjoyed collecting those. It was such a perfect afternoon. 

We were supposed to leave the next day but after having so much fun we couldn't resist staying just one more day. Unfortunately the weather wasn't quite as nice but we still had an awesome day. We found an amazing park where the boys had great time playing. I couldn't get over the size of it! 

The rest of the day was spent enjoying the campground - riding bikes, walking the dogs - and finishing our epic game of Monopoly! 

I guess we enjoyed the meals we spent with Don and Mae Mae so much that we didn't snap any photos with them - ugh! I promise we did see them and as always we loved every moment of our time spent with them. XO 

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.