Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Hilton Head Vacation: Part II

It seems like forever since we returned from our Hilton Head vacation (which could be due to a week of teaching 19 first graders at VBS and a week spent in Nashville with my family), but I have yet to share all of the photos.  Part I primarily consisted of my family enjoying the beach.  They demonstrated the love B has of the sand, the ocean, his mommy, and his daddy.

Part II is devoted to our friends who joined us for the first half of the week.  The Collier's and Loewen's were our core group of friends when we lived in Kentucky (as a couple).  Sam went to college with B1, Ben, and Josh.  B2 joined the picture a little later and then came me.  Before leaving Kentucky 3 years ago we talked about going on vacation together, but this was the first time it actually happened.

We all arrived on Saturday.  B2 and Josh stayed until Tuesday evening and Bl and Ben stayed until Wednesday. 

After settling in on Saturday we walked to Coligny Square to grab dinner and a few groceries.  While our dinner left much to be desired, it was great to catch up with old friends.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed (and loathed) the deep conversations/debates our group tends to get involved in.  Saturday evening was spent discussing parenting, our choices as teenagers/young adults, and how we may discuss difficult topics with our children.

Sunday we hit the beach!!  I did not take my camera, because it was partly cloudy and the weather forecast called for a 60-70% chance of rain.  Needless to say, I am sad that I did not get a photo of the whole group, nor a photo of B2 with Bennett :(

I have wanted to eat at the Old Oyster Factory the last two years, so this year I was determined to go.  We ate there Sunday evening and it did not disappoint.  I am a huge fan of hush puppies and their's were delicious!!  


 Josh and B1 who now live in Indiana


Ben and B2 who still live in Kentucky


And of course...US...who live in Florida.  This is what it's like trying to get a quick family snapshot with a 2 year old.


 

 However, I must brag on his behavior during dinner.  He was a jewel.  Stickers work like a charm for us, so we take a page (or 4) each time we go out to dinner, especially if it is a nicer restaurant.  He loved the laser monster stickers we brought to the Old Oyster Factory.


This photo cracks me up!!  Josh is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but decided he would give oysters a try.  Look at that face.

That evening led to another debatable topic.  Sam and I were heavily involved in the conversation, so to say I was exhausted was an understatement.  I can remember when I first became a member of "the group," I despised the debates they would often engage in.  Then, I began to appreciate them.  Now, I appreciate them, but in my current season of life (pregnant with a 2 year old at home) I long for fun, playful, adult conversation.  

Monday, the Collier's and Loewen's went for a bike ride while our family enjoyed the beach and pool.  That evening we swam a little more, ordered pizza and hung out at the condo.  




It is always fun to watch our friends interact with and enjoy Bennett.


Most of Tuesday morning was filled with heavy rainfall, but we braved the storm and enjoyed the hot tub.  It cleared up by the evening, but the Loewen's had to catch a shuttle and head to the airport.  Like I said above, I am disappointed I did not get a photo of the whole group, but here are a few B1 and Ben captured.  


The Collier's and Loewen's


The Cullum's and Collier's


The Cullum's and Loewen's


The Gals


The Guys


Sam and B2



That evening Sam and Ben went to the grocery store and we prepared/cooked Thai for dinner.  It was delicious and relaxing.  

Wednesday we were able to enjoy some beach time with the Collier's before they had to leave for the airport.  I was glad the sun was out and I was able to take my camera outside.  




B1 and I.  I was 29 weeks pregnant in all of these photos.



Sam and Ben have always enjoyed (at least since I have been around) playing tennis, Bocee ball, and throwing frisbee among other sporting activities.



Can you find the white frisbee?




It was a treat to share vacation with friends who have meant so much to us over the years.  It is fun to be able to catch up face to face vs. over the phone or through email/facebook.  


4 comments:

katy said...

You are such a cute pregnant woman, Amber! I wish we could have come, it makes me so sad that we missed out. :(

texasmacks said...

That looks like such a blast. I feel terrible that I didn't even know that you were expecting! Congrats! I've been the worst about blogging recently, but I thought of you because we had Kentucky Derby party for my 4 year old son.

Hope you're doing well, you look so great!

Kim Cunningham said...

Looks like a great time, debates and all! We will have to try this restaurant next year...looks good. We had a great meal at Marley's this year on one of our few dinner outings.

Angel said...

What a fun vacation! I haven't been to the beach in quite a while. Seeing your pics of the waves and the sand got me thinking...

Congrats on your pregnancy by the way. Blessings!