Prior to moving out to Utah, we went to a Beck family reunion out at Edisto Beach State Park. It took some juggling to get it to work out with everyone, but we ended up with perfect timing. The day we moved out, we went directly to the beach. It was a nice getaway and a great opportunity to say goodbye to South Carolina in style. We rented three cottages, the same ones we previously stayed in, and got together with my mother, sister, and brother's families.
The first night we went out to eat, only to be caught in a torrential downpour. Welcome to the South. We eventually found a pizza joint that we squeezed into. The covered patio wasn't working out so well with the sideways rain.
Eventually we crammed into the indoor part of the restaurant, which was clearly not designed with large parties in mind. We made it work though and the pizza was delicious.
Caroline always ready with a pose.
The next day we went to the beach and relaxed while those less familiar with the area took advantage of some of what Charleston has to offer. It was a much needed break from the stress of moving out. I have loved SC's beaches and the peace I feel when I am there. I could sit and watch the waves all day.
The kids could have stayed here all day (with the exception of Elsa) and been perfectly entertained.
On the fourth of July, we went on a chartered fishing trip to celebrate my brother Darren's birthday. The fish weren't biting much according to the captain, but we still managed to catch a wide array of fish. Nadia liked driving around in the boat best.
Rowan put up a bit of a fuss when it came to initially getting on the boat. I think he was scarred from his last adventure at the Father Son Campout where there were some crazy boat drivers. Once we got going, he warmed up.
We caught a baby shark!
I think this reaction was to the removal of the hook. Poor shark.
Love that they were holding hands in this one! It was a pretty fast boat, I have to say.
I caught mostly croakers. They croaked like frogs
We really couldn't have asked for better weather.
Steve caught a baby stingray. We also caught some crabs and a variety of fish.
I'm glad the captain took care of removing the hooks! Even if it was a baby, I didn't want to risk getting stung.
Like I said, the kids loved it most when we went fast.
Rowan isn't about to vomit in this video. He had a nasty cough during this trip that took forever to go away.
Even the big kid was entertained.
The other boat with Darren, Spencer, Randy and Peyton. They were kind enough to let the ladies have the nicer boat.
Rowan's video tour of our boat.
The next day, we went (wait for it) back to the beach. Love, love, love it.
Grandma Dorothy loved it so much she didn't wait to go get her swimsuit on before diving in.
I really can't think of anywhere I'd rather go before saying goodbye to the east coast. This place is magical.
This was an amazing boardwalk where you could see thousands of crabs below. They made a funny popping noise as they made their homes in the mud.
We had access once again to this fabulous private dock. The cousins would come out here quite often. Someone gave us their crab trap and we utilized it a lot catching crabs. The kids loved it.
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Nadia, Madeline, Viktoria, Caroline and Vesta
Grandma and Nadia setting the trap.
More family time at the beach
Viktoria and Madeline found a dead crab. These girls were OBSESSED with crabs the whole time we were there. There were tons of little crabs around the campsite that were inevitably adopted by these two and stuck in one contraption or another where I'm sure they were scared to death.
Boogy boarding was a popular activity too. Rowan really got the hang of it this time around and we had to keep yelling at him to not go out so far.
Uncle Randy and Peyton
Others enjoyed sand castles and the like.
Grandma, Nadia, Elsa and me.
Later on we went out to a fancy former Post Office turned restaurant for Darren's birthday.
My sister taught me to do French braids and practiced on Nadia and me. I'm still working on getting better at it, but I was excited to learn! Nadia loves having her hair braided now.
Elsa and Rowan chilling in the cabin
Campfire dinner day! Vesta made a mean potato salad and Karen made the best chili for hot dogs that I have ever had.
Grandma took on babysitting duties as always.
These balloons screamed when you let them go. Kids loved them.
Classic marshmallow roasting.
One of the days, Karen and I went thrift store shopping. I saw a beautiful dish set that had about 15 place settings (3 different sized plates, saucers, bowls, cups etc), but I knew we were packed to the brim and Steve would flip if I bought it. So I didn't buy it then, but another day went back for it because I knew it was a screaming deal and I kept thinking about them. Plus Elsa wasn't going to be driving back to Utah with us so I knew we had a little more room in the car. Bless his heart, Steve somehow made room for them and they arrived safely in Utah without a single one of the near 100 pieces breaking. He sure puts up with my craziness.
Anyways we loved seeing cousins develop friendships and spending time together in this breathtaking place. We saw dolphins (once a mommy and baby) right off our dock. We ate, played, fished, shopped, saw Despicable Me 2, and definitely got sunburned (Steve got it so bad he has sworn off the beach, but we'll see). It was such a pleasant part of our summer and we're grateful to all those who sacrificed to come.
