What in the World are You Thinking??

At least, that was the question so many people asked me before our trip. And even after hearing about our trip. And yes, I'll be honest, I asked myself that same question a few times as I began to prepare and pack. 

Here's the lowdown: two pregnant women (both due mid May), three children three years or younger, and Myrtle Beach. Sounds like fun right? Our husbands have been in the field for the past few weeks, so Ashley and I decided to try to find a cheap place for a few days to get away with the kids. We all deserve it- the kids are just great staying home while their dads are gone so much and mom are just plain tired and miserable, and well, we deserve it before having more kids to deal with :) Well, needless to say, we were thinking. And hoping. And praying that it would all work out.

I am now back home telling you it did work out! We all had a blast- the weather was fantastic, the condo perfect for the five of us, and the resort (right on the beach and hosting 5 pools) exactly what we all needed. The kids love each other, and were a huge blessing to us as they distracted each other and inevitably wore each other out each day. Ashley and I were able to crash each evening, relaxing and watching tv, talking and eating the yummy vacation food we all love and hate at the same time.

 Here are a few pictures. Im sorry to say that my packing left much to be desired: everything I did Aidan just came back and undid it. The camera as well as a few unmentionables (cough, cough, ALL of them) were thrown about and in my personal battle to not lock my little "helper" in the closet while I finished packing, I forgot to follow through on repacking what he had undone. The child truly drives me nuts. Im just crazy about him, I tell ya- when he learns at the condo he can open the bathroom door in the condo that doesn't lock and visit whoever is in there doing whatever they are doing, when he throws a bathing suit over the balcony railing from our 14th floor room, when he continuously hits the HELP button in the elevator that is way too low for my liking, when he snuggles and looks up at me with a huge smile on his face, when he giggles uncontrollably, when he nods sleepily in his crib when I ask him if he loves his mama. Sigh. Yep, just absolutely crazy about him.

 Anyway, onto the pictures: Following a filling brunch at IHOP, we loaded ourselves into the van excited and more than ready to go. 3 children, two pregnant women with the pact to not go into labor under any circumstances during our trip, lots of toys, more than enough snacks, and of course, the required diet coke. Yep, we were ready!

Upon arrival, our little helpers helped us unpack and made sure the place was fit for us to stay in. And working- especially the air conditioner/heater. Im sorry to say that it did work. All too well.

The beach and pools were such a blessing. Mornings were spent at the beach, afternoons in the pool. Thank goodness for the heated pool water; we wouldn't have lasted as long as we did otherwise! The kids had a blast and came out of the pool for snacks or the necessary switch from one pool to another. Molly was quite the fish, swimming from one end to the other, while Aidan did the best he could to shovel the pool water into his bucket and dump it elsewhere. And little Riley? Well, she was quite content charming the sunbathers and staying as far away from the water as humanly possible. The poor girl didn't have a chance- Mommy and Riley spent more than enough time in the pool, floating along and watching everyone have fun.

We spent some time checking out the attractions in Myrtle Beach including Ripley's Aquarium where the kids did more climbing than looking at the main reason for being there: the fish. We also spent that time in Target searching out our needed items that had been left at home. Who knew Myrtle Beach attractions included Target? And Chick-fil-A, where we ate dinner and spent over an hour playing in the play place. What a glorious invention play places are. Now, if they could only make the steps up to the slide small enough that a toddler could climb up them! Thankfully, our kids were creative enough to go up the slide and climb or jump down the steps. Um, how do you teach kids something like going up steps and down the slide when its impossible? You don't.

All in all, we ladies thought things would go great. Some doubted or worried about our plans (including me, I admit)succeeding, but I am happy to say that they did indeed go great. We all came home happy, exhausted and refreshed from our trip, ready to welcome our hubbies home- whenever that may be this weekend. The only thing that may have made our week better was to have had our hubbies with. We made the best of it though, and will indeed look back at our memories with a smile.

Even amidst the fun we had, Aidan sent many waves to his papa, missing him and wishing he was with us.