Hilton Head Island-Visiting Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is about 40 miles from Hilton Head, Island. We visited Savannah twice. The first time, we took a trolley tour of the city. The second time, we explored on our own. Savannah can be described in two words-old and beautiful. We definitely felt like we were in a true Southern city-from the architecture, to the Spanish moss hanging from the trees, to the distinct accent of those around (Y'all know what I am talking about). One of the kids' favorite things about Savannah was seeing the site of Forrest Gump's bench in Chippewa Square. The bench itself isn't there any longer. The bus guide told us they took it out to preserve it's morality. (Apparently, people were doing all kinds of crazy stuff on Forrest's bench!) However, there are benches all over Chippewa Square that look just like the one in the movie. That was good enough for us. River Street was also fun. There were many, many shops and restaurants. The kids' favorite stop on River Street was Savannah's Candy Kitchen where we watched them make all kinds of homemade goodies. Sugar Brain was in heaven!

Hilton Head Island-Harbour Town

Harbour Town is located in the Sea Pines Plantation on the Island. Although definitely a touristy area, Harbour Town is post card perfect. The yachts in the marina are jaw dropping. Really, who has that kind of money? The red and white lighthouse set against the blue sky and water is so picturesque. The view from the top of the lighthouse was even more beautiful (and made up for what felt like 130degree temperature inside while climbing the steps up). All in all, Harbour Town is definitely a must see spot on Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island-Boogie Boarding

The ocean water was so warm (with heat indexes of 110-115 it should be) and the breeze was perfect most days to ride the waves! Steve, myself and all the boys loved boogie boarding and spent hours doing it each day. As the week wore on, the kids got braver and braver. Although Riley was too small for boogie boarding, she loved the waves just as much. She would sit, run and jump in the waves breaking on the beach.

Hilton Head Island-The Condo

In late July, we took a week long vacation to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We stayed in a two bedroom, two bath condo at Hilton Head Resort. The condo was great! It was completely updated inside. With two outdoor pools and one indoor pools and a boardwalk to the beach, the resort was perfect for us.

"Row, Row, Row Your Boat..."

On Sunday, we went on a canoe trip down the Stillwater River with some friends. The trip took about four hours from beginning to end. We had a great time laughing, splashing and taking breaks to play. Toward the end of the trip, Cole, Riley and I were in the same canoe. Riley was sitting on top of the cooler in the middle of the canoe. We were going through some small rapids and came close to the shore. A tree branch was about to hit Riley and on instict Cole reached out to grab the branch. Immediately, the canoe flipped. Luckily, the water was only about 3 feet at that point. Riley was wearing a life jacket. She went under water very briefly and bobbed right back up. She was fine but was afraid to get back in the canoe. Can't say I blame her. Daddy convinced her that he was a better driver and that his canoe wouldn't flip. She was satisfied with that answer and got in his canoe for the rest of the trip!

Splish Splash

Trying out the new free splash park in Huber Heights.

Tree Hugger or Bug Lover?

Mom thought it would be cute to get some pictures of me in my red, white and blue outside by the tree. I'm a "Tree Hugger" so I was all for it.

See...me hugging a tree.



I was all for it, that is, until, I spotted something.



"Look Mom. What is that?"



"It's a bug shell Riley. It won't hurt you. Do you want to take it off of the tree and hold it?"



"Let me take another look."



"Um, no thanks."



"Daddy will hold it and show you that it is okay. See."



"Swear on your heart that it won't hurt me and I will consider it."



"I will touch it one time only. Get your camera ready Mom."



"Please don't hurt me little bug. Please don't hurt me."



"There. Can we get back to taking cute pictures of me by the tree now?"