This year, for summer vacation we headed to the South. Grandma had been to Savannah before and wanted us to all visit there too and Harper had seen the South Carolina coast on HGTV and wanted to go there...so our decision was easy. Savannah and Hilton Head Island...here we come!
We set out with the RV and took turns driving through the night. We ended up going through Atlanta right as the sun came up and arrived in Hilton Head that afternoon. We were just in time for the Fireworks show along the coast!
The next day, we loaded up and headed to Savannah, Georgia (only about a 45 min drive). It was a beautiful drive and reminded me of some many movies set in this area.
When we arrived, we split off from the boys and took Harper to the Juliette Gordon Low House (the founder of the Girl Scouts). We took a tour of the gorgeous home and loved hearing the history of Savannah, the house and the Girl Scouts.
Next stop was at Leopoldt's for some homemade ice cream. Harper and I had seen this on Food Network and it was as good as they described. I had the house specialty...Coconut Ice Cream! Yum!
We then walked around Savannah admiring the architecture (and famous movie spots from Forrest Gump), visiting the Cathedral, antique shopping, and sampling some real pralines before the entire reason we came to the South...food! Our last stop in Savannah was at The Lady & Sons (Paula Deen's Restaurant). Owen was so tired from the day that he fell asleep while we were waiting. The wait was worth it though! I don't think I have ever tasted food so good or been so full after a meal!
The next day, we signed up for the Kid's Adventure Cruise aboard the Gypsy. It started rather early in the morning, but the weather was gorgeous. First, the kids learned to throw a small net. Some kids caught little jellyfish, small crabs and fish...Harper and Owen caught sticks! Next they pulled up a crab pot and there were actually 3 blue crabs inside. The guy got them out and gave the kids a lesson about the blue crabs. Harper and Owen listened intently...but very careful not to let the crabs get near them. Last thing, as we cruised way out in the sound...was a turn at Shark Fishing! Each kid got a fishing pole, a piece of squid and a brief lesson. Owen gave up on fishing after about 2 minutes. He said, "Fishing is slow!" I agreed. Although they didn't catch anything, other kids walked around the boat to show off their baby sharks. Of course, it was catch and release. It was great cruise!
After a picnic lunch, we headed up the Hilton Head Lighthouse. Owen ran all the way to the top...I chased him. Then we spent a few minutes looking at the amazing views before he and Harper were ready to head back down. They were excited because the next stop was...the BEACH!
We got to the beach at High Tide and found ourselves a good patch of sand to claim. We set up camp and immediately headed out into the water. It was so warm! We swam and splashed for about 10 minutes and then...dun, dun..Richard went flying out of the water. I chased after him only to learn that he had gotten stung by a jellyfish. Ouch! I gave him two Benadryl and ran to get the kids and Grandma & Boppy out of the water. Needless to say...the rest of the week we stayed out of the deeper water and tried not to get in above our ankles. We spent three wonderful days playing on the beach. We made several awesome sand castles, walked up and down the beach in search of shells, found many awesome treasures and had a wonderfully relaxing time! I have decided that I want to live on the beach...this beach...forever!
One night we headed out to play Miniature Golf. My kids have never played before, so it was an experience. First Hole...Owen whacks the ball and gets a hole-in-one! Next several holes...it was Happy Gilmore style...the ball pinged from tree to tree. I had to remind them that they needed to swing a little softer. We had a great time and laughed hysterically at each other.
We were sad to leave Hilton Head Island, but were excited to stop in Atlanta on our way back home. While we were there, we made a stop at the American Girl Store...for some doll spoiling time. Owen also got to go to the Lego Store and he was pumped! We then went on a tour at the World of Coca Cola. It was awesome! Harper loves history, so she was enthralled with all of the antiques and stories. We even got to see a 4D show. At the end of the tour, we got to taste all kinds of beverages from around the world. We even played a trick on Daddy & Boppy, telling them that Beverly was the best tasting pop ever! My dad said it tasted worse than cough syrup! :) After dinner at the world-famous Varsity...we headed back, hooked up the trailer and started the trek back to Oklahoma. It was a restful, fun, exciting, adventurous vacation!
