Hilton Head Vacation!

Elijah took his first plane ride a few weeks ago when we headed down to Hilton Head, South Carolina for a family vacation with Grandpa Bob and Nana Sherry, and Uncle Jeremy. Elijah handled the flights very well and didn't cry at all! He slept through the entire flight down there, and would have slept the entire flight back except that Daddy, in an effort to pull down Eli's sleeve since he seemed cold, accidentally dunked Eli's hand into the glass of ice water that we had been served. Oopies! That sure woke Elijah up!

I'm sleeping, on a jet plane . . .

The week in Hilton Head was really a treat for all of us. It was a nice combination of activity and relaxation. Our room overlooked the kiddie pool, and was also very close to the larger pool, so that was very convenient. And the complex that Grandpa and Nana's timeshare was in was simply beautiful and very close to the beach and a nice shopping complex, so we were able to visit the ocean! Elijah liked walking the beach and tried tasting the sand of course.

Grandpa explains the waves to Elijah.

Playing by the pool!

We rented bikes and went bike riding a few times too, which was a new experience for Eli, since we don't currently own bikes! He seemed to like it, and both Jon and I really enjoyed it, so maybe we'll get bikes next summer.

We also saw a big lighthouse and climbed to the top, went to a children's "museum" which was actually not a museum but just a place with different children's toys, and went for a sunset dolphin cruise, which was a highlight for me! We saw dolphins riding along near the bow of the boat as we cruised along, and saw a beautiful sunset as well.

At the top of the lighthouse with Grandpa and Nana!

Looking at birds with Nana. The lighthouse we climbed is behind us.

Snuggling with Mom on the Dolphin cruise!

Jon, Elijah, and Jeremy on the cruise!We actually did see dolphins!

Jon and I and Jeremy went kayaking one morning as well, which brought back memories of Jon and I kayaking on our honeymoon together seven years ago. This trip was not challenging, but we did get to see dolphins right in front of our kayak, oyster beds, and all kinds of birds and wildlife. And we didn't tip over, which was good since I brought my camera along despite my husband's misgivings. :)

That dolphin is right there in front of us!

The best part of the week though was getting more time with Jon's family, and seeing Elijah get used to being around them. He's just now getting to the point where he's starting to remember his grandparents and extended family. By the end of the week he was all about Grandpa and Nana and loved their crazy antics to entertain him. Jon's Dad would say, "Da-da-daaaa," and then Eli would repeat it back to him and just crack up!

And Elijah actually started saying "Nana," on the trip - first for a banana, and then also to Nana Sherry. Nana Sherry would say "Uh-Oh" when Eli tipped his cup over at mealtimes so he started doing it and then looking at her quick to see if she would say it. How cute! With all the family around Elijah always had a person willing to take him for walks, so he was in seventh-heaven. If we weren't fast enough in going he'd be by the door though wanting to get out. Another favorite of the week was playing with the elevator. Nana would hold him up to push the button and he'd get so excited when the elevator came and the doors opened. I guess if you look at elevators through a child's eyes they are pretty wondrous, aren't they?

The week was too short for me though; I could have used another few days to shop (sooo much shopping down there!) and sit by the pool. It was a really nice time though, and it was nice to sleep in our own beds when we got home. I'm already looking forward to another vacation!