Myrtle Beach South Carolina Part 1

When I was in the MTC on my mission, I met the most wonderful girl from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  I heard so much about her home town from her, that I determined that one day I would go there.  This sweet friend passed away a few years ago, so my desire to see the place that this wonderful girl had grown up grew stronger.  Some sweet friends in our ward planned a fun getaway the week after school got out, just for moms and kids (no dads aloud :) and invited us to tag along.  We were pretty happy to go, and I was especially excited to check out Myrtle Beach.  We stayed in the cutest beach house at the North Plantation resort.  Funny enough, I didn't get a picture of our beach house, which was similar to this one, but white, but I did get a picture of this one, because I thought the colors were just perfect.  

 The beach house we stayed in was behind to this amazing resort and we got to use all of their pools.  It was so much fun.

 After driving 6 hours (by myself I might add), to get to South Carolina, we were all pretty excited to head to the beach, but it was a little late so we just dipped our feet in it (although the boys came out pretty wet for just dipping their feet...).

 The next day we got ready for the beach and headed out as soon as we could get there.  Josh bought the boys body boards, and they first mistook them for surfboards.  Palmer was determined to ride this thing.  They figured them out later and LOVED riding the waves into the beach.

 McKay had a ball playing in the sand.

 Some people brought us a bucket full of crabs.  The kids were all pretty freaked out about them but they were so fun to watch.  We ended up setting them free, which was also fun to watch as they headed for the ocean and freedom.

 That afternoon as it got pretty hot, we headed for pools and some shade.  The lazy river was a favorite.

 The hotel had so many fun activities for the kids and this guy came in with his birds to do a show (I am positive he is Santa Claus in the winter...).

 Lincoln got chosen to go up and help.

 Later that night we went to the boardwalk to explore.  It was so neat and we saw all sorts of things (and people).

 We got ice cream and headed back to the beach house.

 This place was truly like a dream and everything was completely picturesque.  We went back to the beach and watch people with flashlights digging for crabs.  I am determined to do that the next time we get to the coast!!

Last Day of School/Palmer Graduation from Elementary School

 The morning of the last day of school the boys woke up to special treats.  Palmer got an extra special one to celebrate his graduation from elementary school.

The younger boys got a couple of candy bars and a cute note from Dad.

 All ready for graduation day.  I really kept thinking how crazy it was that he is going to middle school.  It's a year earlier than I was expecting because where we were in Utah they don't go until 7th grade.  But I think he's ready to be given more responsibility and opportunities for growth.

 After taking the younger boys to school, we headed over to the high school for the graduation.  They started it off with a slide show and everything was decorated so nice.  I wish I'd gotten a better picture of it all. 

 The 5th graders all ready to graduate.  Palmer was in the third row so we couldn't see him very well.

 Standing up being recognized for being on the honor roll, meaning he got all As every term.  He also stood up to be recognized for yearbook committee.  

 After his name was read, he shook hands with all of the teachers.  

Shaking hands with the principal.

 McKay was such a good sport through the whole thing.  I think he is definitely ready to go to Kindergarten next year.  

 After graduation, the 5th graders went back to school and had pizza and watched their slide show.  At the end of school, all of the students and parents line up and cheer as they 5th graders take their last walk around the halls of the school.  

 Poor Palmer, we seriously over documented everything.  He's a good sport though.

 Palmer's homeroom teacher for this year.

 Doing a little graduation dance...

We did our tradition of running through the summer sign.

 Holding hands ready to go.

 McKay missed the breaking through (we always have someone who misses out...), so the boys let him break through a piece of it later.

The boys always get their new summer bathing suits on the last day of school.  I always have a good time finding the perfect one for each boy.

 We headed to Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor for our end of school celebration.

This little boy and I have been companions when the boys go to school for the last 5 years.  Today was my last day with him one of one.  It made me so sad.

We had such a fun game and ended the night watching the Hawks/Cleveland basketball game and eating pizza.  It was a fun way to end the school year.  On to summer!