Sunday, April 30, 2017

First Day At Myrtle Beach ~ Spring Break 2017

And off we went, to Myrtle Beach for Spring Break! Yahoo! I was completely fine with the dogs joining us, but I wasn't thrilled with them being in my car. I have gone since September, the month I got my brand new car, without having my dogs step foot in it EXCEPT for one time because they had a vet appointment.  Taking then to Myrtle Beach is NEVER an issue, but I did NOT want them in my new car.  Let's just say I have a little OCD issue.  LOL! I wrapped the car in clear paint tarps and all kinds blankets. [Insert crying emoji].

The first night, we ate at a Mexican restaurant  Then, we went to the new Publix grocery store that Bolling Steel built.  We got all of our groceries there. That's pretty much ALL we had time for.
The first FULL day at the beach, I started my day by watching the sunrise with Ty-Ty.  It was gorgeous.  We saw a TON of washed ashore jelly fish too! 
It's HARD to believe, but I truly took these photos with my iPhone! 
I love the seagull in this one, just soaring through the air.
The water was nippy, but the sun wasn't FULLY out, so we expected that.  
Simon and Sadie both were WIPED out after a full hour walk on the beach.
I am always thankful to have my little helper (Ty) with me.  He had actually whispered in my ear, the night before, "Mom, can we do what we usually do? Sneak out and walk the dogs in the morning?" I am NOT going to pass up that opportunity ever!
After the long walk and breakfast, it was time for some SUN and poolside FUN!
I love this stage of life that we are in.  We can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the poolside WITH or WITHOUT our kids.  I even fell asleep at one point with NOT a care in the world. The only time they really need us is when they are hungry!! This was the first year they cared about getting a sun tan, so they actually relaxed some too.  
Later that day, we went back to the beach and took the dogs with us again.  We hung out with the dogs while the kids rode the waves.
I captured this AMAZING shot of a seagull.  He was saving a nectarine pit.  I joked and said, "One man's junk is another man's treasure!"
Simon was SO hot, since he's black, that he kept trying to dig himself into the sand to cool off.  Smart dog.
We just let them go, but sorta kept up with them as the current pulled them.  I love that my kids are so brave and aren't afraid to explore, even IF they watched JAWS on the way down.  Eeeek!
 
 Raise the roof!  Ahahaha.  I have NO idea what he's doing here.  He's so silly.
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Our fishing pier is under renovation.  This was the crane that was working on it.  You are still able to use the entire pier except for the very end of it, which we did.  
As much as I work out, I just have NEVER been satisfied with my legs.  I have been that way since I have been in the third grade.  So... I wore workout clothes to the pool and the beach the FIRST day.  It certainly provided my tan to be very goofy looking.  I looked like I had red trouser socks on. I definitely wore my bathing suit the next day to even things out, but my legs don't look any better TODAY (currently, as I type this).
Later that night, Darren treated us to a fabulous 5 star dinner, at Ruth Chris' Steakhouse.  
I always try to color coordinate our family because I know there will be wonderful photo opportunities.
#Twins
Being goofy!
I love when they get along!
Our waiter was actually an ELVIS impersonator outside of waiting tables.The kids convinced him to serenade us, but poor Lilah was also kissed.  Ewe! and Awkard! My Liley handled it so well: gracefully and respectfully.  
After dinner, we went to Broadway At The Beach!  Darren took Liley on a mini date.  They road the new ferris wheel together. She was so thrilled.
I thought I did a great job capturing this shot.  Isn't it beautiful? The skies declare HIS glory.
I always post our beach trip in stages because we do so much during our time in Myrtle Beach.  So stay tuned, for more about this trip (soon).  

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Dyeing and Decorating Easter Eggs... ~2017

It's ONE of everyone's favorite Easter traditions... dyeing eggs.  I don't believe we did it last year.  Time snuck up on us, so I MADE CERTAIN to do it this year.  First, I boiled 2 dozen eggs.  I really should have done 4 dozen.  The kids were bummed they only got about 8 each.
A few cracked, so really they only got about 7 each.  AND OF COURSE, that left NO eggs for me to dye.  YES, I like to dye the eggs too.
The kids had off on Good Friday, so I planned the egg dyeing for this day.  I wanted to spend time with the kids and use it as a time to talk to them about Jesus' death and what it means to us.  I woke up and set up our kitchen table really fun and festive, to help entice the kids even more. I decorated the table at like 4:00 a.m.  I didn't mind if the kids saw it, but before I could say "good morning" to the kids, the twins went downstairs. They immediately came upstairs to find me AND squealed with excitement.  
I displayed some traditional/secular Easter decor, but I also wanted to display our Savior, hanging on a cross, as a reminder of why we celebrate Good Friday.  It didn't stop there though.... Sunday was coming.  The day HE was to rise from the dead.
Then, time to dye eggs.  Isn't their area so pretty?
My children got to work and as you can see their faces scream SERIOUS!  They take creativity very seriously.  LOL!
They did crack a few smiles here and there.
After the dyeing was complete, the table was a MESS, so I sent them off to play.  Their attention span was also fading.  I cleaned up the table WELL.  And set up their dyed eggs in their own individual egg cartons that I had saved. Lilah's below...
Ty's eggs...
Jax's eggs.  I liked his best.  Hehe.  They were just perfect coloring.
Time to decorate.
I got carried away, NO NOT ME, with decorating tools.  We had emoji stickers...
Washi tape...
Emoji Tape...
Glitter (I know... I must be crazy)...
Sharpie Markers...
Glitter Pens...
String...
Rub on Stickers...
And SPRINKLES!!!
This was DEFINITELY the messiest thing I have ever done with my kids BESIDES the food challenge. 
Jax enjoyed this part the most.  
One of my favorite emojis!
I definitely helped decorate and the kids were so impressed.  LOL!  I wasn't so much impressed with my eggs, but I will take the compliments.  I think my kids are a little bias.  I was thankful to have this time with my children.
I am the MOST proud of our family eggs (featured above).  Jesus first and everyone else underneath, family second.  I love my family and I am forever grateful for Jesus' love and kindness to us all, EVERYDAY!