Fripp Island 2013

What a fantastic beach vacation we had this summer!!!  This was our first summer spending an entire week away at the beach.  We rented a house just perfect for us, and we didn't plan a ton.  Our only plans were to relax and enjoy family time.  We finally felt like the girls were old enough to be free spirited and spend their days on the beach, their evenings hanging out, and hitting the sack as close to bedtime as possible!  It was great fun, and we cannot wait to go back to Fripp Island next summer!

 

 

We definitely looked like the Clampets rolling onto the island.  I *may* have over packed and over prepared, but welcome to having me as your Mama or wife.

However, the amazing packer that is my husband got us there with everything I purchased and packed.

The girls were good sports about riding with stuff crammed EVERYWHERE.

We enjoyed many friends over the course of the week - Columbia friends, Eric's college buddies and their families, and even a dentist that Eric works with happened to be down there...family time was treasured and awesome, but meeting up with friends throughout the week was also very enjoyable.  Perfect blend.

The Clampets also made it to the beach with enough gear for the whole beach crowd.

The girls were beside themselves during the daytime on the beach.

 

We invited my parents down for a couple of days.  They are HUGE beach people, but they enjoy spending time with the girls and bringing treats.  Popcorn for dinner anyone?

Friends came to play with us after dinner and bath time.  If you know me and my parenting style, having friends over after bath time is a giant treat.  That's what vacay is about, right?!

My husband corrupting future Clemson girls into doing the Wolfpack "woooo wooo" hand motion thingy.

Off to the beach...the golf cart rides were almost as fun for the girls as the beach. 

Did I mention the Clampets came to Fripp this summer?  Seriously.  That was us.

Relaxing and watching TV for the first time on Thursday night....the girls were pooped.

Eric grilling.

Eric realizing we had a meat eater friend joining us after smelling our burgers.

The alligator sniffed these out.  Did I mention that I *may* have over prepared for this trip?

He decided to come a little closer.  I know the signs say, "Don't feed the alligators." But, I suppose people do in order to get friends like this away from your grill and your toes! 

For the record, we didn't feed him.  He left on his own accord.

We made it over to a friend's house for some fun one evening!

 We tested out the pool facilities one day to get a break from all the sand.

Oh, Fripp Island, we can't wait to visit you again next summer!!!

Lake Greenwood

We had our annual lake weekend with my brother and his family at their home away from home.  We were also able to celebrate Eric's birthday again with a Butterfinger pie!

 

It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend.  The kids played and played while the adults hung out.  Madeline and Drew tubed all over the lake.

 

Madeline had her first fishing lesson.  Eric was in heaven.

 

This one.  I think she thought she was a movie star.  Amelia was so calm and relaxed on the boat.  She was all about cruising around the lake.

 

We couldn't have asked for a more fun, chill out weekend!

Arizona

Eric and I had the opportunity for a little just us getaway to Phoenix, Arizona.  It was a business mixed with pleasure for him and all pleasure & relaxation for me!  We had a wonderful time, and I always enjoy these spring trips with this particular group of dentists and oral surgeons.  Everyone is so nice, and I really enjoy the wives' company even if we only see each other one time a year.

 

Our dinner on Thursday evening was amazing, and after a few notes of business at the beginning, we were able to chat and catch up with everyone.

 

Dr. D giving a few introductory items of business.  He also happens to be the oral surgeon that took care of our sweet Amelia back in January.

 

On Friday evening, we had another group dinner, and it was also fantastic!  This cake was so yummy!  I needed to share it with someone.

 

On Friday and Saturday mornings, all the doctors were talking shop,

 

listening to an informative lecture (NO sarcasm - this guest speaker was great!),

 

and doing some hands-on dental implant stuff (yep, that's the official term!)

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, on Friday and Saturday mornings, I explored the beautiful property while going on a morning run after going to the gym.

 

I spent a couple of hours having my feet and hands pampered.

 

In the afternoons, all the doctors had a chance to play and relax too!

Dr. C loving the Flow Rider

Dr. C, where are you?

Dr. H lost it on this surf.

 

On Saturday evening, Eric and I had a casual dinner out.  

 

Afterwards, we came back to the resort and had a few drinks.

 

When Eric and Brock (the Columbia rep) started up with pool, I left them to their man time and retired to the bed.

 

What a fantastic getaway from the day-to-day grind.  My parents kept the house and the girls with no troubles and had fun with their granddaughters.  Win-win for everyone!!