Vacation Redefined

Before EB came on the scene, Chris and I loved to travel. We pinched pennies throughout the year in order to go places we have long dreamed of. As a result, we've been to some pretty amazing locales including Ireland, Costa Rica and the Pacific Northwest. Each trip was an adventure as well as a growing experience for our marriage.

Since the arrival of our dear little presh-head, we still love to travel, but our adventures look very different. While we hope the days of foreign travel are not on hold for too long, we have a very realistic perspective on what we will be able to do over the next several years. Family beach vacation, here we come!

Our first beach trip took place last week on the beautiful island of Hilton Head, just on the South Carolina-Georgia border. We were excited to be traveling with a few other families and Chris and I looked forwarded to some much needed time off from hectic schedules and general business. Well, I'll be honest, Chris was looking forward to some much needed time off. . .I anticipated an additional pair of hands to help with our squiggly little 15 pounder.

You know what is really great about a beach vacation? Sleeping in and deciding mid-day what you will do for the day. Lazily walking to the beach with a good book. Relaxing by a pool enjoying the ambiance created by a seabreeze, a distant seagull, and the wonderful smell of sunscreen mixed with sand. Yeah, the beach.

Well, it's not like that anymore. By the time Chris and I got our family coated in sunscreen, put on our bathing suits, changed a dirty diaper, and got the beach bag packed, our window for solid beach time went from about an hour and a half to 30 minutes. Then we found ourselves going through the reasons to not go to the beach. We could just put EB down for her morning nap. One of us could go to the beach and one could stay behind in case she needed anything (ie- the 24 hour dairy bar, which meant I would stay behind).

The "vacation" for me was limited to the times when our little presh-head slept. Granted, she does sleep for long stretches of time three times a day, but the idyllic beach experience is no longer a reality for the Maslins.

We are ok with this. We really are. We are just a little surprised. And tired. But EB loved her time there. Check out the evidence.



EB and mommy poolside. Note the lovely drool mark on my shoulder. Awesome.



EB loved her hat. Thank you, Greenwoods!



EB at the beach with daddy. He's hot. She's adorable. I'm blessed.



Courtney and me plus our satellites. We were alligator hunting.

We loved Hilton Head and we look forward to many more beach vacations. But next time, I'm bringing spray on sunscreen!