Beach Trip - Part 1

We have been on the move a ton and work has been very busy for both Mom and Dad, so it was time to take our annual trip to Sullivan's Island for some beach living and relaxation.  However, prior to living up the beach life, we had to stock up on provisions.  We headed to the Charleston Farmers Market at historic Marion Square.  It was a great farmer's market with a ton of vendors.  Carter especially enjoyed digging into his morning chocolate chip muffin.

Then it was off to the Shady Lady (the name of Pop's house at Sullivan's Island).  Parker was especially excited as this was his first visit to the beach.

However, prior to hitting the beach, we made many trips to the backyard pool.  The pool is excellent for Parker as there is a good sized area that is only about 2-3" deep allowing him to sit in the water and splash and play.

Carter has spent time this summer working on his swimming confidence using his floaties.  He really shined this week and was like a fish in water as soon as the bright orange floats were put on.

Not only did Carter get a good bit of swim practice over the week, he also worked on perfecting his dunk shot.

Everyone had a great time playing...

...relaxing (not sure if munching on toes is relaxing, but Parker sure seemed happy)...

and general shennanigans (yes... this is dad about to belly flop!).

So long as it was day time and not sleeping time, Parker had a great week!

A few other activities included trips to the local park.  Sullivan's has a nice little downtown park that we made sure to make frequent visits to.  Huge smiles and loud giggles the whole time on the swing.

All three boys enjoyed the fun of the playground.

However, the point of the trip was to see the beach, and this year (unlike last) Carter loved the surf and sand.  The first time his toes hit the sand, he squealed with delight and threw his hands in the air. He then right straight for the water.  

Nothing like a fun walk on the beach for the boys!

Mornings on the beach are great as the city allows dogs off leash (with the proper permit).  Carter loved watching all the dogs playing in the water.  A few nice owners even let him throw a tennis ball or two to their dogs.

Taking walks was definitely a favorite of Carter, and Mom and Dad were more than happy to oblige.  The little guys is becoming a great hand-holder which makes it impossible to say no or admit exhaustion.

From time to time, small schools of fish or crabs were right at the waters edge.  These always grabbed Carter and Parker's attentions.

Needless to say, the beach was a great success

Unfortunately, Carter started to get sick of the walking and wanted to go swimming.  So he ran in the ocean and laid down fully clothed.  So we decided a quick trip home to put on proper beach gear was in order.  Carter was excited when we came back.  He liked finding sea shells for mom.

Parker liked to supervise Carter's activities in our sun tent.  He also really enjoyed the beach, but his enjoyment seemed to be more due to his love of eating sand... therefore we encouraged him to stay in the tent where only towels made it into that cute mouth.

Carter made sure Parker was well entertained.

But Carter couldn't be kept out of the water.  So he and Dad we back in the surf as Parker and mom watched.

It must have looked like fun, cause soon Mom and Parker were in the water and the whole family had a great time playing around

Here is Parker's first time in the water.  He really liked the water and would splash around every time the waves hit his feet.

Carter also took to swimming, but one wave eventually was poorly timed and Carter took a gulp... from that point on the ocean was called "the yucky water".

So it was back to searching for shells and crabs with Mom.

And more time in the pool (no yucky water here)!

Carter and Parker also spent some good time bonding and Carter did his best to provide some educational benefit to Parker in our down time.

The beach required numerous showers and baths to clear the salt grime and sand.  Here is the little man after one of his wash-downs.  He wanted a towel just like dad!

After getting the boys cleaned, we put Carter to work cleaning up as we had some visitors planning to come to spend the 4th and the rest of the week with us.