I had intentions to blog on vacation. I know most of you are probably thinking Whyyyyyy? Well, the answer is because I enjoy blogging. It’s my quiet ‘me’ time. However, vacation has been pretty darn busy. With 6 adults and 5 kids, it’s no surprise there isn’t a lot of down time. Luckily we are really enjoying the chaos.
First I want to say THANK YOU to those that suggested water shoes for Hailey’s beach fears. We didn’t have any, but wearing her sandals has really helped.
Mema brought a blow up pool for the beach. Hailey loved the idea and helped blow it up.
Having her own little area was really nice. I wouldn’t say she loves the beach yet, but she is tolerating it more now.
Have I mentioned that Koda has never been happy? Can I get a high five for off-leash beaches?!
Sure, she drank too much salt water on day one and got sick, but sometimes you have to learn lessons the hard way.
We’ve enjoyed the pool, exploring the island on golf carts and the beach, of course. I tried skim boarding.
I think I managed to skim for 2 seconds total. I still felt like a rock star. Mostly because I managed not to break my neck.
Yesterday we climbed up Old Baldy, the lighthouse on the island.
I forgot I was scared of heights until I was half way up the rickety, tight staircase. The view from the top was worth it though. It is a gorgeous view of the island… that you can’t see at all in this picture, but we took one anyway 
Can we also take a second for these two words: MY HAIR. Between the wind and the heat, I’ve been in full Monica Gellar mode.
Still, vacation has been a blast. I feel completely disconnected and I’m savoring that, despite the fact I haven’t done any exercise after that first day, my inbox is currently maxed out and Hailey hasn’t subsided on much more than yogurt, fruit and crackers since we arrived. I think her 2nd year molars are coming in with gusto.
We’ve been making all meals at home, which has been nice. (It is WIAW after all)
Breakfasts are close to typical. (Why yes, I did pack my own sriracha).
With a few not-usually-me treats like Grandpa’s famous grilled sandwiches.
And salads that are 90% chili.
I’ve managed a few veggies.
Perhaps that helps even out the wine?
All in all, we’re having a blast. Vacation with kids isn’t the lazy, meandering relaxation that it used to be, but jam-packing the days full of memories and wearing ourselves out with water gun fights and cannon ball competitions isn’t half bad. Nope, I’d say it’s pretty great.
What are your favorite kind of vacations?
Relaxing, book reading on the beach?
Or go-go-go adventures?
Karen says
What a fun looking vacation. Glad you guys are able to relax and have fun with family. I would choose a nice relaxing vacation by a beach then going to some “fun” places for dinner.
Jen says
Fun! So glad you guys are having a blast – and H is tolerating the beach better!
Kari says
We are taking our girls (22 months and 4 months) to the beach in a few weeks. I’m definitely going to remember the water shoes trick in case she doesn’t take to the sand. My husband and I have always taken the “go-go-go” vacations, though now that we have 2 babies I would have a relaxing vacation. 🙂
katie says
The baby pool is genius!!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Sounds like you guys are having a great time! I love a mix of adventures and relaxation on our trips. I love to explore the area we’re in, but I like a few days of hanging out by the pool and napping thrown in there too!
Ashlee@HisnHers says
What a fun vacay! Your little one is so adorable..I’m loving the pigtails!
P.S. Sriricha is my favorite too 🙂
Gcroft says
We are just figuring out what sort of holiday would our now family of three. We’re contemplating a trip to Boston in September with the 8 month-old in tow, but are wondering if a holiday closer to home would be more sensible. Looks like you’re having a ball. Love that you packed your Sriracha!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Looks like you are having a blast! What a great idea to bring a kiddie pool! Last time we went to the lake our little guy wouldn’t not set foot in the water but it was so hot to keep him on the beach. A pool would have been great! I like vacations that include a little of both. Relaxing, sight seeing, hiking, and indulging in good food!
Lindsey says
I like a mix of both, with to little to do I get bored and antsy and like to get out and see things, but then you need your down time too!
Looks like a great holiday 🙂
Lauren B. says
Fun fun! My husband and I usually like a little bit of both adventure and relaxing on our getaways. Normally, we do a hike, bike, or water sport in the morning, and then relax by the pool or beach the rest of the day. Now that we have an 11 month old boy, those days are gone! But we have way more fun and laugh a lot!
Verna says
I just watched that episode of Friends the other night while I was up feeding the baby! Haha! Love that show!
Chelsea says
What beach are you at? I’d love to know for future beach visits. We love taking our dog and haven’t encountered an off-leash beach yet – that would be amazing!
Brittany Dixon says
We are at Bald Head Island, on the coast of NC! Koda has never been happier 🙂
Parita says
As much as I love relaxing vacations where all I do is lay and read, I think the adventure packed ones are more fun – especially when family is involved! Looks like H had a blast – she’s too cute!
jen says
i went to bald head last year for a wedding. such a pretty place! glad you are having a great vacation.
Sarah says
The Monica hair has been me all summer long- I feel your pain!
Danica @ It's Progression says
Beach vacations are my absolute favorite! My immediate family takes a trip to Lake Okoboji, Iowa every summer (coming up next week) and it’s full of exactly what I love…workouts in the morning with my brother and sister, boating, laying out in the sun every afternoon, all afternoon with a good book and deep conversations with my family, plus tons of good (tasting) food and plenty of glasses of wine 🙂
Glad you’re having such a great time!
blackhuff says
That is exactly why I too blog sometimes when I am on holiday. I enjoy blogging. It’s me time.
Thanks for sharing your vacation with us.
char eats greens says
I hope Hailey grows to love the beach when she’s older!! Looks like your vacation was exactly what you needed (and maybe what I need too haha). Welcome back, friend 🙂
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