one of the best days of my life

As part of our Myrtle Beach vacation, Trip and I spent a morning at a tiger preservation station and got to interact with some pretty cool animals (tigers, leopards, lynx, monkeys, an elephant, and a liger, to name a few). Here is a sampling of our day's photojournal:

Myrtle Beach

We're home from spending a wonderful week at the beach! It was really a fabulous vacation. The kids did great on the drives, and while we were there they were so tired from playing on the beach that most days they slept until 8 or 9! We spent one day shopping, and Trip and I spent half a day at the Tiger Preserve (photos of that posted soon!), but other than that we mostly played on the beach and enjoyed being with family.

Beach House

Anya's Birthday

Anya had a great 4th birthday while we were at the beach -- doughnuts for breakfast, opening presents, spending the day on the beach with Grandma Katie and Grandpa Tom (and Uncle Zach and Auntie Dana), then pizza for dinner and chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream.....whew! Does it get any better? Happy birthday to my beautiful big girl!

Other Highlights from Myrtle Beach

Sesame Place with Grandpa Bill and Grandma Jan

We Love Smoothies!

Twins?

People (strangers) have started asking me if my kids are twins. Granted, they are close enough in size and have the same laugh/cry, so when they're sitting nicely in the cart or stroller I guess they could appear to be twins. But as soon as Anya opens her mouth the jig is up!

A story by Anya while playing with her ponies

"This is Patty and Patty and Susie and Telly. They're having ice cream and cake for Big Bird's birthday. They are very excited for the birthday. And then they're excited to go to the airport and fly on a plane. It's fun to fly on a plane is what I always say. Patty and Telly are going to make a sandwich for Annie and then they can all have some apples when they are hungry for a snack. Susie has to clean the floor so Patty and Grandma Big Bird can go to the airport to get Grandma Ruth because she wants to come visit me. Grandma Big Bird and Grandma Elmo want to be friends with Grandma Ruth, and they all will come here to visit me. Then this pink Patty and Susie will ride on the big wheel ride and Telly will probably feel sick because he ate too much ice cream, but all the other ponies can have popcorn if he's sick."

At Grandpa Tom's house we get to ride on toys and eat ice cream

Who's Been to Myrtle Beach?

We're planning some details for an upcoming trip to Myrtle Beach, and I need input from anyone who's been there -- what's good to do??? Our party will include adults, teenagers, and toddlers, so advice for any age group will be appreciated!