Hilton Head Island 2011

We made our "annual" trip to Hilton Head Island, SC over the July 4th holiday. We decided to travel early as our little family of 4 to spend a few days at the beach ahead of the extended family. It worked out well and the boys enjoyed our days at the Hilton before everyone arrived. We loved our ocean view room, being right on the beach, the full hotel breakfast each morning, and some "quality family time." But once they were with their cousins, there was no looking back! We moved to a house in Sea Pines on July 2 for a week with Nana, Grandaddy, Uncle Mike, Aunt Celeste, Jay and Amelia. The house was wonderful. We have always picked a different place each year and you never know quite what you will get. This home was a great layout and a wonderful location - it overlooked the second green and third tee of the Oceans Course. We were able to watch Patrick and Mike play golf two mornings which the kids thoroughly enjoyed! We were only a short walk from the beach and were lucky to be far enough away from the Sea Pines Beach Club to avoid the crowds. There were days we had a large chunk of beach all to ourselves! The boys played for hours in the sand and especially in the ocean. There were some huge waves a few days and there was no fear in our boys. They jumped over, dove through and rode boogie boards on waves way over their heads. Their smiles were contagious! We also spent a lot of time swimming in the pool at our house and riding bikes all over. Three nights we went to Harbour Town to see Gregg Russell sing - a hit with all the kids. One night Jay even got called up to lead the hand motions for the "Green Alligator" song! He's a star! They climbed all the stairs to the top of the lighthouse, played on the playground, and enjoyed the very hot and humid but beautiful nights. We got to see the Fourth of July fireworks at the harbour which was fun and different. With as many summers as we have visited Hilton Head, we had never been there on the 4th. It was definitely crowded, but a fun experience as well.

I'll post what pictures I have but I wasn't very good at taking photos this year. I'm hoping to get all of dad's pictures soon - I know he had hundreds!

My three boys on the beach the night we arrived...

Trying to take a picture of my little mess...he kept blocking the camera!

The boys building their sandcastle

So proud!

We went to Shannon Tanner the night Jay, Nana & Grandaddy arrived. He doesn't hold a candle to Gregg Russell, but Drew enjoyed the "Hair Had a Party Last Night" song.

Jay & Drew dancing at Shelter Cove

The only time they listen and sit still...when Jay is reading to everyone!

My little guy and I waiting for the trolley to Harbour Town

Allen wasn't loving the fireworks on the 4th...they were a bit loud for him!

A halfway decent family photo in front of the lighthouse.

Look Daddy!

Oh...it's Nigel!

Waiting for our delayed flight in Savannah...after the almost 3 hour car trip that should have been an hour. It took us 1 1/2 hours to get off the island Saturday morning!