Batten Down the Hatches!

We are riding out this tropical storm and marveling at all the branches falling and blowing around. It is raining this afternoon, but we actually walked to the beach this morning so we could see the big waves. Later we had to take another walk so that we could see the baby alligators that Papa and Wilson had reported finding on one of their excursions. Perhaps we will post a picture later. This very nice villa does not have very fast internet service.

Right now the kiddos are sleeping and the adults are reading/sketching/posting. And we are waiting for Faith to arrive.

Here are a few of the highlights from this day so far.

• Coloring time
• Yummy party mix
• Epic nerf gun battle
• BREEZY walk on the beach!
• Baby alligator sightiW and M

Speaking of things that are epic. Thomas and Julie's recital last night certainly was. Here you see Seth and the girls enjoying the post-recital reception.

TODAY!

Thanks, W, for the awesome sign.

BTW, there is no way we will let Hermine keep us from having a great time!

Beautiful Kick-off

Last year we began our tradition of kicking off our vacation with some beautiful music. We are looking forward to continuing the tradition this year with a recital by Thomas and Julie at FPC, Columbia, That will be our first stop on our way to Kiawah Island. I can't wait!

So Close...

There is no such thing as "too much sunscreen" when the Russell's head to the beach.

Counting Down

The Countdown continues. We are hoping that the little munchkins on Gardendale are getting just as excited as we are. After all, half the fun is the anticipation.

Vacation 2016 - A Few Days at the Beach

Is there anything more stressful than planning/preparing for a beach trip? I should be an expert by now. Having to deal with 40 or so students a week while doing this planning doesn't make it any easier. I am relying on old lists from successful vacations of years past. I am also reminding myself that there is a grocery store not far from the villa, and we will certainly not starve. As long as I have a bike WITH A BASKET, I think I will be able to enjoy the paradise of Kiawah. A bike with a basket AND my true love of 34 years. We only get a few days this year, not a full week, but that is okay. We will make the most of having time together as a family. Children and grandchildren, what are you looking forward to the most?

All Good Things Must Come to an End...

...and this vacation has certainly been a good thing. We have enjoyed bike rides, spotting deer and alligators, dinner out, family meals together, sunny days on the beach, craft (coloring and play dough) time, and so much more. Mostly we have enjoyed each other's company without interruption from outside responsibilities. Thomas and Julie, thanks for making the long drive and staying the whole week.  We loved spending time with you and getting to know our grandchildren better.  Faith and Ethan, thanks for having fun with us and helping out with the little ones. Seth, thanks for going a little out of your way on your way back to Boston from Taiwan.  I know you are tired, but you were a trooper, and you really added to our vacation fun.

I will leave you with one last photo.  Here is Mercy going all out and enjoying her first Drumstick with gusto!