Hilton Head

It's been a few years since we have been on a week long vacation, so it was nice getting away for a while. I have only vacationed in a few different places but Hilton Head is by far my favorite. The beaches are smooth and flat, there aren't high rises and lots of people cluttering the beach. It's peaceful and easy to enjoy what God created, not man.

We drove through the night and arrived just in time for breakfast. Then AJ took the bigs straight to the beach while we waited to get checked in to the house.

It was actually 60 degrees and raining when we arrived so long pants and jackets ended up being appropriate beachwear.

It did get warmer but it was windy and rained on and off the first few days, so we kept with the theme of wearing street clothes to the beach.

Ari didn't care what the weather was or what he was wearing...he just wanted to be jumping waves.

Evangeline was so confident when it came to the pool. She would count "1, 2, 3, JUMP!" and as soon as she hit the water she would exclaim "AGAIN!" It never got old with her.

It was rare but on occasion she would just want to relax. That girl and her sunglasses just slay me.

AJ's sister's friend's husband (did you catch that?!) runs a fishing boat and took the guys out for a few hours. They didn't catch any keepers but still had fun trying.

Depending on when the tide came in we tried to sneak in a walk before the kids bedtime.

It was really fun seeing all the different wildlife that comes with a beach. We saw horseshoe crabs, white sand crabs, jellyfish, dolphins, sand dollars, and an assortment of shells with creatures inside.

It was fun to spend a whole week with our little nephew. I can't believe he is already 7 months old! The kids enjoyed making him laugh.

The kids would have AJ work really hard on a sand castle, then immediately want to destroy it when he was done. I guess stomping on it is more enjoyable than just looking at it.

We ventured out a few times but it is always easier to just stay at the house so the kids can run around when they are done eating.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my husband? He is perfect in every way.

AJ took the kids to the top of a lighthouse in Harbour Town. Selah and I had just as much fun keeping our feet on the ground. :)

Selah finally made it in to some pictures.

Look how squishy she is with those rolls! She is so content and laid back...she did great just hanging out at the beach.

Owen got to enjoy the pool for a little while as well.

I love how intentional AJ is with spending time with each of his kids. They have such a special relationship with their daddy because he takes time to know them...not just at bedtime but in the morning before work and every minute he is home until they go to bed.

Selah is giving us lots of smiles these days. It doesn't take much for her to light up.

We got to spend a little time at the beach the last day before heading home. The beginning of the week was cold and rainy but we ended on a high note of 86 degrees. It was hard to leave but that's why vacations are special because they don't happen  frequently.

 I am so thankful for the time we got to spend as a family, not rushing around and having every minute of the day filled with something to do, but just relaxing and enjoying each other.