Post Card Series - Volume 6

We are back with a charged camera and a new view from The Grande Ocean Resort. Officially there will be no reason to leave this haven. We had lunch at the Island Grille then swam and beached the late afternoon and evening away!

These pictures are from our room.

Maeve and Myles relaxing on our swing.

So much conversation has taken place on this very swing, year after year.

View from our swing.

In the first pool.

Maeve wanted to catch a tan for a bit.

Star Alert!

Pool Bar Jim's famous drinks!

Even Mady had her own frozen concoction. Isn't she the most precious little lady!

All the children enjoy her. Maeve is such a mother, and Myles dotes over his baby cousin!

Poor Myles can not seem to escape all these girls!

And Himself! Eamon lounging in the villa enjoying such a grand view!

He is such a good boy - always pleasant and up for any adventure we present.

Jerry and his girls have decided to stay until Thursday when they will pass the baton to David, Tim, and Colleen. This week has great potential I'd say!

Post Card Series - Volume 5

Something a little different - a picture-less post card. Just thought I'd shake things up, or maybe I forgot to charge the battery for my camera. Either way, fun was had and pictures in my mind are set to shape new memories.

The sun did indeed shine and we were able to swim in various pools and run around on the beach. I have my first sunburn. Note to self: Irish girls must reapply often when in water for hours!

Finally Papa's dream of fishing with his grandchildren came true. The poles were rented, bait set, and within 3 minutes we heard the first, "Did I catch anything yet?!" Followed two minutes later with, "I'm bored!" At one point, I moved across the pond to another dock. I thought a new location might trick the fish. I look out to see the only fishermen left were Papa, Aunt Erica, and me. I suggested we go for a swim. This scene has already ripened with age, and we are all remembering a great time.

True to form, Myles jumped in most of the day and Maeve collected more shells. There are 4 new crabs living amongst us now. Maeve's Rainbow and the girls' have 3 of their own. We are all under one roof tonight. The crabs are really active and prone to escape. Lord help us!

To watch the kids roam freely on the beach, wind blowing their hair, laughter being raised is surely heaven on earth! I am so thankful for our first week, and looking forward to the next two! Number 113 on my Gift List .

PS - I am currently charging everything!

Post Card Series - Volume 4

"The sea was angry my friend" (George Costanza)

Today, we were met with some rain, but there's a threat of sun tomorrow! Regardless, we enjoyed indoor and outdoor activities.

Mimi rocked with Eamon while we explored the beach.

Maeve, ready to see what the surf churned up.

"Catch of the Day!" - a horseshoe crab still giving me chills - yuk!

All lined up for fun!

A swim indoors. Uncle Jerry as lifeguard.

Relaxing for a moment before Surf Watching.

Highlights that were not captured on film, because why would I have a camera when I really need one. Our first alligator sighting - one large, one small, and one ferociously attacking its prey on land. Glad we were in the car. Myles jumping into the pool and going under - a first. He is not a big fan of under water adventures, but I think he is learning - it was love at first jump! And, Maeve has a new hermit crab, Rainbow, that makes 4!

We are missing you David!

Post Card Series - Volume 3

Look who took the Bubble Gum Cruise this morning! We set sail at 9:30 for what turned out to be a "3 hour tour". It was the final voyage of Greg Russell's kids' boat trip - a chance to see lots of dolphins (check), a haunted light house (check), to have a private concert on the top deck (check) and the impending storm's appearance (check)! We had a windy, wet and wild time.

Good Bye Light House and clearish morning

Windy, windy, did I mention it was Windy!

Greg Russell and the kids!

He is the Jimmy Buffet of Hilton Head.

A pirate ship spotting! Well, a shrimp boat technically.

Concert time

Myles is still trying to sing his song!

The famed haunt - fodder for bad dreams!

Oh my, lets turn this boat around!

Quick!

An afternoon on the porch - watching the rain. And it rained!

All 's well when the day ends on the beach!

Thanks to the rain, I have some time for reading The Shack by W. Young. It presents the trinity to a man who has experienced a great tragedy. Although fiction, I am finding it quite thought provoking and insightful. At one point, the person representing the Holy Spirit is commenting on the beauty of a poisonous flower. She offers it to Mack, the main character, who immediately tries to avoid it. She reminds him that all is safe - she is present. Mack touches it and asks if it would have been dangerous to touch it without her consent. The spirit says absolutely.

This is the part that struck a chord - "If I direct you to touch, that is different. For any created being, autonomy is lunacy. Freedom involves trust and obedience inside a relationship of love. So if you are not hearing my voice, it would be wise to take time to understand the nature of the plant." What comfort, my path - as long as it is ordained for me, is safe. God will not allow me to be harmed, no deadly thing shall poison me, when I am listening closely for his voice and following where He leads. Eamon, my little wildflower, is perfectly suited for me and I for him.

Post Card Series - Volume 2

Rain, a lot, this afternoon. Amazing, on vacation not even the rain can get you down! We spent time chatting, shopping, reading, playing, and eating.


Rocking on the porch with Papa.

A little friend from South Beach

Just before dinner at Crazy Crab

Eamon reaching out during dinner -"Hush puppies! Where's Mine!"

The picture quality is debatable -but it's Greg Russell!!!!!

Oh, for those of you who are unfamiliar, he is a legend - at least in HH!

Same jokes, same songs, same place (under the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbor Town), same fun - comfort food for the soul!

Myles and Brigit sat right in front with big plans to sing.

Much to Myles dismay, he didn't get picked -

"Twinkle, Twinkle" will have to wait until tomorrow night!

Watching the kids sing, use hand motions, and laugh was a perfect end to our day!

We have been vacationing in Hilton Head for 20 plus years. It is our Home, far away from Home. We just love this place - memories relived now through our children. That is surely Gift List worthy! Number 112 - "in my mind I'm going to Carolina...".

Post Card Series - Volume 1

Greetings from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina! We left late Saturday night: Me, Maeve, Myles, Eamon, Mimi and Papa. David will join us the end of next week to finish out our vacation together! My brother Jerry and his family are here as well - we are having fun!

I thought David would enjoy some updates on the children, so I will be posting pictures, lots of them. Just think of it as bloggy post cards!

Maeve in search of the elusive, perfect shell.

This will go on for the next 3 weeks.

Myles trying to escape the wild waves.

Not really, in HH the waves simply roll in.

First time on a body board.

Catchin' a wave

Eamon listening to Maeve's ipod before bed. Guess what's playing!

The beautiful Harbor Town Lighthouse.
And yes, we climbed to the top!

View from the top.

The gang: Brigit, Maeve, Mady, Claire and Myles.

Eamon is down below with MiMi - his girl.