We returned from our week-long trip to Myrtle Beach on Saturday. The trip went well, and everyone had fun. It was extra special since it was Anson's first beach trip, and Grady always loves the beach! Though the car ride to and from were less than fun. Anson just didn't sleep very well and would cry off and on. I couldn't do much to comfort him, which stinks. Good thing it was under 4 hours or I would have died. Grady did nap right through Anson crying on both the way there and back - good for him!

Our resort - The Ocean Reef - was very nice. We had a 3 bedroom condo on the 12th floor, with amazing ocean views. It had 4 hot tubs, a lazy river, 2 regular pools, several kiddie pools, and a whole tiki themed splash park - awesome! The weather was also perfect - about 90-95 and sunny every single day. The only storms we even saw were as we were arriving and the last evening.

Some pictures...

the view from our big balcony:



with my boys, right after we arrived



looking down at the biggest pool



Daddy and Grady on the beach the first day (Eric had to leave after that and came back on Thursday)



Anson napped in the Moby while I walked on the beach some mornings. Then it got too hot for that.



Grady and Nana in the lazy river



more napping on the beach







Some of the pools were shaded, so we could take Anson to one of those. We dipped his feet in!



He's such a chunker - he is just about 13 pounds!



Another view from our place



Playing with Papa - despite being born early, Anson is way ahead in tracking things with his eyes - he can do diagonal, up/down, and side to side. He's a little slower than G was with tummy time stuff, but not with that!



Grady getting into the pool



Nana and Anson



and with Grady too



Grady danced like this by the beach bar for like 3 songs straight. People we just watching him and laughing. A few even joined in!



A super funny video

Nana took G to the aquarium one day



touch tank



A's noggin with a view ;)





Nana and Papa got Grady these "monster mitts"



this picture cracks me up - Anson in his diaper cover and rash guard - all ready for the beach



Nana and Grady with my birthday cake



Grady also took me mini golfing that morning - haha! When I woke up Nana had put some money in his pocket so we could go. Grady got 2 hole in ones! I couldn't believe it. We had lots of fun.

Grady and Nana also went to Alligator Adventure

they saw lots of these guys...





and some tortoises



G wrestling a gator



There were some cool birds too



Again, Grady is the "Bug Whisperer" - this guy just hung out on him for a while




funny - Anson in Grady's hat



Anson and the view



The morning after Eric returned, Grady, Eric, and I all went to breakfast together at the resort's very yummy buffet



Grady actually sitting



more playing catch



beach baby



brothers - in the matching shirt/romper we got them in Puerto Rico



More beachy Anson



Me and Grady swimming in the tiki splash park



Grady with all of his "accessories"





Anson in the tub on the last night there



Grady went out to dinner at the Flamingo Grill with Nana and Papa the last night there - here they are on their way out, by the resort's sign



Eric and I finished up the trip with a dinner out at the same place, which was super fun and relaxing. Anson has been sleeping better in the evenings and at night, so it has made the evenings more enjoyable in general.

That's it! It was a great trip, especially considering I was quite nervous to go. Thanks Nana and Papa for all of the help and the fun memories.