Sullivan's Island 2014 - At the Beach

We have two little beach bums on our hands who both came home with blond-streaked hair.  Their favorite beach activities included building sand castles, splashing in the tidal pool, playing with the local beach dogs and a new favorite, boogie boarding.  They also managed to get sand on every inch of their body and enjoyed daily and multiple showers (inside the house and out).  Dad was on kid duty most of the time while mom relaxed and enjoy baby kicks while watching the waves.  The island beach is excellent as the sand formations make for very large and calm tidal pools that allow the boys a shallow area to play with no real waves.  The bigger surf is a simple walk away.  Fun times for all!

Building one of a hundred sand castles

First swim in the ocean

Someone loved it

Proud of his shell find

And his shell find

Daddy tidal pool tosses

Building another sand castle - this one they named Dog Poop Island

Parker loved "jumping" the waves, much to the pain of Dad's back later in the day

No fear of the surf this year

Parker wanted to walk with baby sister

Looking for crabs

Crazy brothers - always imitating each other

Sand everywhere!

Washoff!

Boogie boards making a beach appearance

Brother snuggles

Watching dad give the first boogie board demonstration

Carter's turn - he was a natural and loved it

And Parker's turn - he did well too and went a few times

Carter congratulating Parker on a good ride

Mom's regular view

Building another castle - this one was called Banana Island

Sullivan's Island 2014 - Exploring the Island

As has become recent tradition, we decided to spend the 4th of July week at the beach.  The boys brought up the beach several times over the past month and recounted their favorite activities from last year so we knew we had to fit in a trip this year and before little girl Holden comes.

Overall the boys had a blast!  We spent lots of time outdoors (who knew kids could get sand in so many places) and enjoyed some last fun memories as a family of four.  The boys are very excited to bring their little sister back next year.

We spent a lot of time enjoying island living including playground visits, watching local fishing spots, sunset trips to the marsh and lots of ice cream and milkshakes.  All by golf cart of course.  Here are some pictures of the fun.

After passing his Jr Ranger Test at Ft Moultrie, Carter took the Jr. Ranger oath

Showing off his name on the Jr. Ranger wall of fame

Getting ready for our trip - had to bring his Lightning McQueen glasses

Palmetto fort at Breach Inlet

Dancing before the beach

Swinging on the front porch

Getting decorating supplies ready for the golf cart

Playing soccer

Local playground

Sunset at the Marsh

The boys loved it when dad caught them crabs

Carter talked to everyone he met - he liked to tell them everything he knew about crabs, the ocean, the island, and his general philosophy on life

Watching fisherman on the beach

Post-dinner ice cream

More marsh cuteness

Looking for crabs

Someone wanted to give his sister a kiss

Carter wanted to take a picture

A stop at the Manatee mailbox