Beach Bums

My friend Beth and I should never be allowed to attend an auction together. Last April, Veritas Christian Academy (where Beth and I taught) held a gala dinner and auction to raise money for the school. I don't remember who first suggested that we co-bid on an item with Beth and her husband, Chris, but we all loved the idea. A quick glance through the auction brochure, and we immediately decided that a week's vacation at a beautiful home in Hilton Head was meant for us. We settled on the maximum bid we were willing to make, and then the real fun began. Beth and I agreed to let the husbands handle the bidding, but, as the excitement of the live auction took over, it became clear that the wives ruled the day. A bidding war combined with the intensely competive nature that Beth and I share led to a thrilling, albeit somewhat expensive, victory. And after finally taking our vacation last week, I can say it was worth every penny!

Two other families joined us, bringing the total to 8 adults and 5 children (all 2 years old and under). The home was wonderful, the beach was a short bike ride away, and the weather was close to perfect.





Ryan loved everything about the beach. He was truly free there, able to run around, dig, and splash to his heart's content. After breakfast every morning, we spent 1-2 hours at the beach. We escaped the beach before the heat of the day and returned home to cool off in the pool. Even time at the house was filled with stimulation for Ryan - he adores Steven Edward and Ben, who are ten months older. He copied everything they did and was always in their way. They were very patient and even shared their beloved toys with him.

Warming up for the WWF

Ryan out ate the bigger boys every time.

Believe it or not, the adults did find time to relax. During nap time, silence descended on the house, and everyone slipped off to read, nap, lounge in the hot tub, or go for a bike ride. All of the children were down for the night by 7:30 p.m., and we quickly discovered that a late, adults-only dinner was the way to go. Every couple signed up for a night of cooking, and the other nights were a group effort. I enjoyed my first, authentic low country boil (after I got over the idea of dumping the food in the middle of the table!). I was blown away by the quality of the food everyone prepared and by the quantity of food we consumed over the course of the week.


It really was an amazing vacation! I am glad to be sharing this phase of our life with such dear friends.