But it’s the weekend so that compensates for the longing I feel inside me. Oh vacation, where have you gone?
One Big Happy Family…
…except when we’re not. As I write this, I have Sophie on my left and Chloe on my right. They are having a pitched battle about I don’t even know what.
According to Chloe, Sophie always acts all nice and cuddly whenever Chloe is upset with us. Chloe calls Sophie a “KISSUP.” Of course, what she really means is kiss***. Chloe claims that her sister is manipulative. Which she is. But that’s like the pot calling the kettle black. The two sisters are simply manipulative in different ways.
It’s amazing how quickly things devolve from love and kisses all around to screams and whining and hitting. On a nightly basis. If my brother and I were the same way (or worse), I owe my mom a huge apology. Sorry, mom!
Bazooka Bubble Gum!
This was Sophie’s theme song during the final days of our vacation. She apparently learned the little ditty at camp and is very proud of her performance. She’s done it for everyone she knows who’s been lucky enough to cross her path. She even taught her jaded older sister how to sing it.
I return to work tomorrow. And when I start to feel nostalgic for vacation and the fun times we had together, I’ll just think about Sophie’s Bazooka song and Chloe’s boogie boarding, and the work won’t feel as daunting anymore (ok, maybe it will, but I’m trying to remain optimistic here)…
Shenandoah National Park and the Luray Caverns
We decided to prolong our road trip by an extra day to glimpse the Blue Ridge Mountains and explore the Luray Caverns. Not a voyage I would have ever considered making, but for the fact that it was more or less on our way home. And I’m so glad we took the detour.
Continue reading Shenandoah National Park and the Luray Caverns
So Long, Hilton Head
As they say, a photo is worth a thousand words. Here are a few thousand words worth of beach memories.
Boogie Board!
Uncle James, this is for you. Your niece is a boogie boarder after your own heart.
Of Horses, Ponies and Palmetto Bugs
We started the day off by going horseback riding. Chloe, Papa and me. Chloe has great horseback riding posture. I, on the other hand, was aching all over when the hour was done. Really aching. However, my horse, China, was a pistol. While everyone else on the trail meandered along on their horses, China treated me to some trotting along the way. And I didn’t lose control.
Tennis, Anyone?
Until today, I hadn’t played tennis since 2000, when my husband and I went to Negril, Jamaica and he threw out his back trying to keep up with my stellar game.
Communing With Nature
The morning activity consisted of a bike ride to the horse stables, which also feature an adorable petting zoo. Goats, deer, pigs, llamas, rams…and let me tell you, those animals are enjoying life. Each goat had its own little house.
The Beach!
Do you think we had a great day? The water was a bit choppy (thank you Hurricane Danielle), but it was so deliciously warm. The girls had a great time. I even helped Sophie build a sandcastle. Not something I’m particularly good at. Nor something I particularly enjoy doing. But I enjoyed it today. Because I’m ON VACATION!