HHI 2009

Last week we made the long treck down to Hilton Head Island for our first family vacation. And let me tell you, it was an experiece! The trip down (and back) was all about keeping Ava entertained. We left on Saturday morning at 4am, which was the best idea, and arrived on the island about 12 hours later.

After getting our stuff unloaded we headed to the grocery store to stock up on food for the week, then headed back to the condo to unwind. We spent much of Sunday trying to figure out Ava's schedule while letting her play as much as she wanted in the water. Ava loved and I mean LOVED being dipped in and out of the "big" pool. We took her baby pool so that we didn't have to be in the water all the time, but only helped a little. Our child loves the pool and so when she saw the big one, thats the one she wanted to be in. Since we were trying to unwind from the trip down we unfortunately missed an opportunity to see our friends the Mertens. They live in Savanah, GA, which is only about an hour from HHI. Due to misunderstandings, our "car"lag(think jet lag...), and our excitement to be on vacation, we forgot to call them. We're horrible friends, I know!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were spent by the pool, it was right outside our patio, and we had it all to ourselves. The weather was nice, but not too sunny, and we eventually did get a little color so we aren't so pasty white anymore :o)

Thursday we decided to take Ava down to the beach. It wasn't very pretty that day so we figured the beach wouldn't be too packed. For some reason I wasn't thinking and didn't put a swimsuit on Ava. I guess I thought she'd do the normal little kid thing and run away from the waves... WRONG! She charged them. She absolutely loved the ocean. And even though she wasn't in a suit, she was up to her waist in the water at one point. We knew we had to take her back over to the beach before we left. Friday turned out to be quite a rainy day so we got up and headed over to the outlets for something different. But that evening we headed back over to the beach. Ava ended up falling asleep on the walk over so we sat for a while until she woke up. This time, wearing a suit, Ava jumped and splashed in the waves. The water was warm but with a small breeze, Ava got chilly quickly, so we headed back to the condo to pack up our things so we could head out Saturday morning.

We had a great time on vacation and can't wait to go again. We are both eager to see how Ava will react next time she sees the ocean.

Thanks Uncle Mark and Aunt Kathy for letting us use your condo!

We hope you enjoy our photos.

heading South

unwinding with Daddy after a long trip

our "Water Baby"

Ava loved be dipped in and out over and over and over... again

taking a ride in her floaty car

hanging out in her tube

we couldn't pass up this picture opp.

This was taken at the Oyster Factory on the bay

Ava's first experience in the ocean

soaked!

trip #2 to the beach... sleepy girl

gotta love when strangers offer to take your picture!

lovin' it

just a bit chilly

Daddy's girl

heading home, monkey in tow

And finally heading North again after a great vacation...