Beach Vacation

Well- we've been home now for a week, so I thought it was time to post some vacation pictures and memories. We all had a wonderful time- it's always much too short, though! I think I could spend an entire summer on the beach and not get homesick! I love the ocean, the sand, the sun, and just the break from the usual routine.

We usually go to North Myrtle Beach, but this year we decided to do something a little different (due to travel time as well as gas prices). We went to Panama City Beach- yes, Redneck Riviera, or whatever you wish to call it. I haven't been there in 15 years, and while much has changed, many more things are still the same. We enjoyed staying at the Calypso, which is right across the street from the new Pier Park, a new open shopping mall with lots of great restaurants and stores. Although it doesn't compare with Barefoot Landing in N. Myrtle Beach, it was nice for a change. The condo was quite nice, especially the two huge pools. We were a bit disappointed that the pier was under construction, but Matthew and my Dad enjoyed watching the men work on the barge out in the ocean- Matthew was actually fascinated and has built a pier out of his blocks every day since we've been home. The "crystal clear" water Richard has always raved about was only clear for about 2 days, after which time there was thick green algae and lots of seaweed every day (I included a picture of it in the slides). In the afternoon it was easier to find a clear spot, and we were able to get in, then, but I missed the giant waves of the Atlantic- the gulf was almost like a lake most of the time.

The kids' favorite thing to do was to swim in the pool. Both have taught themselves how to hold their breath underwater, and did it regularly (which made me quite nervous at times.) Matthew has been doing this for some time, now, in our small pool, but SB has never attempted it. She took a cue from him and started swimming underwater! They LOVED jumping off the side over, and over, and over...... Mommy's arms got a workout, for sure! SB also learned how to float on her back, and then started crossing her legs like a little lady while she floated- so funny! We enjoyed lots of eating out, and Richard and I even got to go on a date (something I don't think we've really done in a couple of years) The first night we all went out, on Father's Day, Matthew was so tired, that he literally fell asleep on the table while we were waiting on our food to arrive. Needless to say, they were both very ready for bed every night after long days of playing.

One great experience was with a photographer out of Atlanta. We had already taken some family pictures as usual, but the next day, I inquired as to what exactly he charged for a sitting fee. He had been sitting at the tiki bar every day with a poster of some beautiful beach pictures as he worked on his laptop, so I thought it was worth asking about. Surprisingly, he didn't charge a sitting fee at all- he was trying to build up his beach portfolio, and wanted to take some pics of my kiddos. Well- O.K.! He literally just took them from me, told me to sit down and relax, and he did his magic with them. SB is usually quite shy around strangers, especially photographers, but he got them to do everything he wanted for the camera- it was great! Mom and Dad took them back for an evening session while we were on our date, and the sunset pictures are incredible, as well. You can check them all out at www.KenRada.com, and the login code is diprima. He did a great job, so much that I might just drive to Flowery Branch for more pictures another time. I was quite impressed with his work!

Overall, it was a great trip with lots of good memories. We always enjoy my parents going with us, although this year my Dad's 3 herniated discs in his back limited him in several ways. The pain seemed to ease by the time we were leaving the beach, so hopefully he's on the road to recovery, again. We had a good time, but we're probably headed back to N. Myrtle next year (I've already started looking at condos!)