Beachy Keen

So, we spent an entire week in Hilton Head and it just wasn't enough! FABULOUS first family beach vacation. Honestly, it was hard to come back home. We returned with just over 900 photos and video clips (yes, you read that correctly) which we readily acknowledge as nothing short of ridiculous. Now you understand (I hope) the delay in this blog post. I truly don't know where to start.

While this was not Owen's very first trip to the beach, it was certainly more active and exciting than before. He was able to jump, run and play all by himself and, believe me, he took full advantage of it. Plus, Nino and Papa came up to join in on the fun so Owen was one pampered kiddo (as if he usually isn't!)

Task #1 once we were on the island was to rent bikes for the week. If you've been to Hilton Head before then you know that bikes are where it's at! The week wouldn't have been complete without those wheels...Owen LOVED to "bike wide" and got pretty comfy with both seat and helmet. We chalked up many a mile all over the island.






























Our first visit to the actual beach was just for a quick walk. Well that was a silly plan. Owen took to the water like a fish...in his clothes and all (um, not that fish wear clothes...you know what I mean).

And the fact that a baby shark was caught right next to us, while we were standing there was of no consequence to him. Well, he did want to "hold it shock." This mama crossed her fingers that mama "shock" wouldn't come in search of a replacement child.









We were much more prepared for subsequent trips to the sand and wore our "baby suits" (Owen's interpretation of "bathing suits"). He loved every second we were out there, as did we. He would run back and forth from sand to surf and must have called for "Nino! Nino!" 200 hundred times if he said it once. (In all seriousness, Rob and I estimated that "Nino, hold you" was said, on average, about 25-30 times an hour...often in rapid succession.)
























There were many firsts...flying a kite, getting buried in the sand and touching a crab just to name a few.

The kite flying was definitely a hit and, of course, Owen declared that he wanted to do it "seff" (by himself).












That was fine until he figured out that he couldn't actually hold the kite itself while it was in the air. He was disappointed to say the least. While we really *should* have captured the sand-pounding tantrum that followed, we did get his efforts to fly the kite on tape. As you can see here, his idea of holding the kite was much different than ours.















While we were building sandcastles, I decided to dig a little hole for Owen to lay in. I assumed it would be met with some resistance so I didn't push it too much. However, when he laid down, he actually asked for a "banket." So, I gave him one...of sand. He LOVED it!





















Owen was able to get up close and personal with yet another sea creature when Papa was caught by a tiny crab.

Much like with the baby "shock", Owen wanted to "hold it cab" but settled for just a little touch instead.









Aside from soaking up some rays, we also did plenty of eating, exploring and just relaxing at "home." We were just a short bike ride away from Coligny Plaza and we spent a fair amount of time in the restaurants and shops there. We also made a couple of trips over to Sea Pines and Harbour Town. Owen loved the playground and the "yighthouse."





































And in really big news, Mommy and Daddy got to enjoy a late, romantic dinner ALL. BY. THEMSELVES. After Owen was down for the night, we went to the Old Fort Pub and ate and drank to our hearts' content. While we might have been a bit high on being sans child, I still say it was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. Excellent, excellent time. And it's good to know that we still clean up okay and enjoy our alone time. A great way to mark our 5 year anniversary, I'd say. As my wonderful husband wrote in my anniversary card, "Five is just getting started."













All in all, our beach trip was a huge success and something we'll look forward to repeating for many, many years to come. There are many more stories and photos to share but this is all I have in me right now (plus, I've already missed my 48 hour deadline). I do, however, reserve the right to append more beachy pics and tales should the mood strike me.














To see even more of the Stone Family First Annual Beach Vacation, click here. Don't worry, I won't subject you to all 900-something photos. They've been considerably pruned. As cute as he may be, we don't need 33 pictures of Owen squinting into the sun and 28 of him smelling a flower. (but you can bet we have them!)