Memorial Weekend Adventure

2 Years, 6 Weeks.


So what's all the fuss about a little rain?  We weren't going to let some precipitation dampen (no pun intended) a camping trip over the long holiday weekend, were we?

The forecast called for a 70-100% chance of rain, strong sustained winds with gusts of upwards to 50 mph, and the possibility of 1-3 inches of flooding.  Tropical Storm Beryl.

And she was heading straight for us.

We had made plans with some families to spend Memorial Day weekend camping at Jekyll Island, on the southern coast of Georgia about an hour north of Jacksonville.  We originally had the same group of families as we had when we last went camping back in November, but that group over the course of 5 months had shrunk to only 4 families, with 2 of them wavering the day of the trip, due to reports of rainy conditions over the weekend.

We were just heading out of the garage to attend Braelyn's graduation at OJA when I got a phone call from Corey.  She was unsure they would end up going because of the bad weather forecast, and wanted to know what my thoughts were.  Well, I had spent the entire week planning and packing our gear, all without Tangie's help because she had spent the majority of the time out of town for work, and had spent the night previous loading the van because I knew I wouldn't have enough time to do it in the morning before heading out to the graduation.  And not knowing what the weather forecast was because hey, ignorance is bliss, I stood firm in our decision to go ahead and go, settling to make the decision to break camp early if the weather took a turn for the worse.  I also recruited William's help, as he was the chief organizer of the weekend, to help sway those on the fence.  It took a bit of salesmanship and a little arm-twisting, but it worked. In the end, all four families would be there.

All loaded up and ready to head out.

I can't believe our firstborn is on her way to Kindergarten!  How quickly did the past 5 years fly?  And even with her academic development progressing all throughout daycare and pre-school, I never realized how fast this time would come.  And so begins her school career.  She looked so cute in her cap and gown, as she and her Pre-K classmates marched down for graduation.  She also did great in her part of the program, standing up in front of her class and parents to say "Welcome to our graduation!"  Afterwards we enjoyed a special luncheon for the families, and then it was on our way to Jekyll Island.

Mommy and the twins waiting for the program to begin.

In line, waiting her turn to march.

Receiving her diploma from her teacher, Mrs. Berry.  It turned out to be just a blank sheet of paper!

With her very proud daddy.

Striking the pose that says, "Oh yeah!  I did it!"

She was thrilled to get her graduation gift ~ a toy guitar from Target she's been wanting for a very long time.
Thanks Mommy!

I was a little apprehensive about the drive up, because (1) this would be the longest road trip we've had with the kids so far and (2) the minivan was really weighted down with all of our stuff, including a bike rack hanging from the roof and back.  I was concerned about tire pressure the entire drive up, driving on the slow lane the entire time and keeping it under 70 mph, as well as always keeping an eye on the back to make sure the bicycles hadn't fallen off, causing a major accident on the highway.  Luckily everything turned out okay, with us making a quick stop at the local Target for last minute food supplies before heading to the island and campground.  We were the first ones to arrive, with the Cochrans arriving next, Jennifer Bergherm and her boys just a few minutes later, and the Grodacks completing the quartet.  We had a large group campsite that could accommodate many many tents, which was nice considering that the last time we went camping we all had our own individual campsites which prevented all of us to hang out together after the children had gone to bed.  We also made nice with the next group of campers in the adjoining group site, all of them women, all of them fabulous, and all of them playing on the same team.  Got that one figured out?

Kohlden just chilling in his seat with Carter.

The kids getting their energy out at the Georgia Welcome Center.

Maddy and Kohl relaxing on the leather sofa while Brae and Mommy use the facilities.

Coming up to the bridge that would take us from the mainland to the coastal islands.

My co-pilot multi-tasking:  Reading a book on her Kindle while giving me directions from her iPhone!

Entrance to Jekyll Island.

It was a nice stretch of flat and wet marshlands.

Arriving at the campgrounds and taking a walk around.

Brae joins her buddy Blake for a quick ride around the campsite.

The worst part about camping is the setting up, and then the eventual tear down and re-pack.  I must've packed at least half the entire house in order for us to be somewhat comfortable and to have some semblance of normalcy away from home.  Everything from 2 pack 'n plays, air mattresses and sleeping bags, folding chairs and table, shade tent and our mammoth tent, among other things.  But the most important thing we brought, aside from a couple of battery powered fans to offset the searing heat, was the bug and mosquito spray.  I mean, we had to spray ourselves as soon as we arrived!  Ah, the joys of camping!   After setting up camp and getting all settled, we headed out for dinner to a little pizza joint we saw when we came in, with an adjoining playground that the kids played in while we waited for our order.  The pizza was very good, and it was very gratifying to eat outside with the beach just a couple hundred yards away, surrounded by family and good friends.  Oh, if it wasn't for those darned mosquitos! We headed back in order to get the kids to bed at a decent time, since Kohl was the only one that took a nap on the drive up.

Waiting in the van for Daddy to get the tent all set up.

Jekyll Island playground.

Kohl wasn't sure what part of the playground to do first!

Maddy does her thing on the monkey bars.

Braelyn conducts a tutorial on how to swing on the monkey bars.

Finally, food!

Maddy and Kohl sit for a few minutes to enjoy the campfire before turning in for the night.

Remember Kohl's history of restless sleeping on the first night of any trip?  We were very aware of this fact and were anticipating a night of little to no sleep.  So we were pleasantly surprised when we woke up at seven Sabbath morning, all three children sleeping away.  Maddy woke up first, and peeked out over her pack 'n play; Tangie brought her to our bed so as to not disturb her brother.  Then Braelyn joined us and with the air mattress a little sagging, I knew it was time to get up and start the day.

The three girls on our bed.

The children waiting patiently for breakfast.

Chefs William and Jennifer prepare the eggs and potatoes.

Everyone seems happy and content!

And then we decided to climb a tree and chase some squirrels.

Coming back from a morning bike ride with Duncan.

After a hearty breakfast of eggs and potatoes served by the Cochran and Bergherm families, we packed up our gear and headed out to the beach.  The forecast for the day was for 30% rain but it never came.  In fact, it was such a glorious day, and the children absolutely loved their time in the water and sand.  Braelyn, Calleigh, and Blake spent a lot of time jumping over the waves; the younger ones getting bolder and bolder getting into the water.  We brought the shade tent and had a wonderful picnic lunch, complete with chilled watermelon courtesy of Lolo and Lala.  Tangie and I were a sunburned pair afterwards (the children were fine) as we teamed up with the Grodacks in preparing for a dinner of gourmet hotdogs and pasta salad.  Afterwards we all took the kids to the playground to get them extra tired for bed, and then we feasted on the midnight buffet of surf 'n turf  filet tenderloin and salmon.  Exceptionally tasty, under the stars and oak tree canopy.

The children get to work on the sand with their shovel and pails.

Helping Kohlden dig a moat.

The twins helping themselves to some watermelon...

Which Maddy just enjoyed!

Working hard for the camera as Brady saunters towards the waves.

Duncan and I have our Modern Family moment!

Braelyn loved packing sand into her pail to make something!

Corey comforts Aubree who was having a moment.

William was able to take a nice nap, along with the rest of the Cochran family.  Lucky them!

Maddy shows off her entire ensemble, complete with matching shades!

Kohlden finding his balance in the waves.

Spending some time with the twins on the sand.  Tangie and I ended up getting sunburnt on our shoulders here.
I guess I should have put on some sunscreen!

Helping the girls rinse out their buckets.

I found a dead Giant Horseshoe Crab and had a science lesson about this creature that was a part of the dinosaur era millions and millions of years ago.  And then I tied it all together by showing how God protects us like its outer shell!

Angus beef hotdog with spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and chives and a turkey cheddar jalapeño hotdog with mayo and onions!

Corey's Mediterranean Orzo pasta salad!

We decided the next morning over a pancake breakfast that we would indeed break camp and head home a day early, as we had been vigilantly keeping up with the weather reports and realizing how inconvenient it would be to pack up in the rain, as well as how potentially risky and dangerous it would be to be inside of a tent during what now had become Tropical Storm Beryl, our second named system so far this year.  It also helped cement the decision, since the Grodacks were already packing up their gear, as Duncan had to work on Monday.  So began the arduous task of cleaning and packing up, all the while trying to keep the kids at bay and pre-occupied.  We were the last ones to leave the campsite, along with the Cochrans, and decided to stay a while and do some activities on the island with them before heading out.  We went to the Georgia Turtle Center, where they have a museum and rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles, and then afterwards had lunch at a local bistro.  The wind was starting to pick up, and the clouds were moving real fast.  The waves were not the waves of the day previous, and were churning up the surf.  We encountered a few feeder bands on the drive back, relief in knowing we had made the right decision to pack up and leave.

Cooking up some breakfast Sunday morning.

Tearing down camp, the massive tarp was the last thing to go.

The girls keep distracted with the dvd player.

You can see the dark clouds coming in from the distance.

The kids hang on for dear life!

Angry waves with whitecaps everywhere!

Looking for the turtles at the outdoor habitat.

A sea turtle spends time in a tank rehabilitating.

They had numerous large tanks to help house the injured turtles.

Waiting for our food to arrive at the local bistro.

Playing pool with Uncle William before heading out.

Goodbye Jekyll Island, we'll be back!

Monday morning we headed out for brunch at the Cochran residence; they had been in charge of Monday's breakfast at camp, and since they had all the food purchased for the meal, decided to have everyone over to their place.  So we got there around nine and had some fabulous french toast made with croissants.  So fluffy and light, it was like eating buttered air!  We topped the morning with a swim in their pool, before the rains from Beryl arrived and stayed around for the next 24 hours.  After naps we made a grocery run to Publix, and had tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner, which was perfect for the rainy conditions.  More unpacking and laundry completed the evening activities.

The kids immediately went to play with each other and the toys.

Having brunch outside in their screened in patio.

The children enjoyed the pool.  We timed it perfectly, as the rains arrived not 30 minutes after we got out!

Showing their appreciation for those who have defended the motherland.

Maddy and Mommy make the grilled cheese sandwiches.

A fitting supper for a rainy evening.

On Tuesday we awoke to rain, rain, and more rain.  Cloudy, overcast, and very muggy, I decided to take the kids to the Science Center for indoor activities while Tangie worked.  They have a new exhibit there that took the place of Bob the Builder, and now focuses on life-sized games and music, which the children enjoyed, if but for a brief few minutes.  I let them wander and play around until 12:30 and then we headed home for naps.  This was the first official day of summer vacation for Braelyn, and having all three kids now has definitely changed the dynamic of the group, namely, her wanting to be in charge of everything, and me having to divide my energy, strength, and attention from two to three.  So we're in transition here, with me trying to maintain a schedule, and finding activities for all three to do, all the while trying to keep a hold on my sanity. Tangie can't get home soon enough!

A huge backgammon game board that lit up when stepped on.

So this is how it feels like to be a bug on a pool table...

Sharing their chips during snack time.

Watching the tortoise move ever so slowly.

Rough housing after supper.

Kohlden trying to get a rise out of his sister.

At Costco with Braelyn.  What's that she's holding?  "Cheese!"

A few meals this week:

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

Penne with Chicken and Tomatoes in Cream.

Broiled Artichokes with Garlic Mint Aïoli.

Some randoms:

Kohl decided to carry Braelyn's very heavy backpack on the last day of school.

Brae plants some squash seeds in some flower pots.

We were driving around the island and happened upon this beach house.  It seemed a bit odd, with the old French design complete with statues and a very green shingled roof!

Couldn't they have come up with a better name for this road?  Very odd.

I wonder if Corey knows about this stuff.
And I love how they labeled it the "original", as if there are others trying to copy it!

Quotes:

• One morning as I was getting the twins up and out of their cribs, Braelyn tripped over my foot and crashed on her knee.  She started to cry, which prompted Kohlden to mimic her and pretend to cry:

          Brae:  [crying]  "Daddy, why is Kohlden crying?"

          Me:  "I don't know."  [looking at Kohlden]  "Hey buddy, why are you crying?"

          Brae:  [to Kohlden]  "Stop copying me!"

          Me:  "I think he's crying because he feels sorry for you."

          Brae:  "But he's not really crying!  He's making a fake!"

Family photo on the fishing pier, with Driftwood Beach in the background. 

Have a great weekend!