Our Vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

What a wonderful time we had in Myrtle Beach with my Dad, my sister Phyllis and her husband, and with Marshall, Shannon and little Kyle. We stayed at the Marriott Villa Dunes and what a treat. Now, something like this would never be in our budget in the summer (like maybe $700 or $800 a night); but because it was off season, we were able to get a budget price on a high end suite. We had two huge bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a living room and eating area. A balcony with sliding glass doors gave us a great view of the ocean and the grounds around the buildings.
We saw this view every morning from the balcony. The sun would shine on the water and shine through the sliding glass doors warming up the living room. I fully appreciated the warmth as every morning was in the 30's.

This was the view from my sister's room.

The three story high tree house for the little ones.
But this is the view I loved most of all. What a joy to wake up every morning and see this great, smiling face. We had so much fun with little Kyle there (oh and we enjoyed Marshall and Shannon too).

He loved the sliding glass doors

And, he loved being underneath the glass dining room table.

We drove around the town of Myrtle Beach to see what was around. In the winter, so many restaurants and amusement attractions are closed. But, we found plenty of things to keep us busy. Eric and Garret played golf on a golf course that seemed to be mostly made of water. They were even advised to bring extra balls. While they were playing golf, Marshall watched little Kyle so that Phyllis, Shannon and I could go to the outlets. We had fun walking, shopping, doing lunch, and talking. First night there, pizza. Next night we went to TGI Fridays where my dad shared some stories from his older teenage years. There is one story that he has shared before, but every time he shares it he laughs so hard he starts to cry. Marshall and Shannon loved it. Dad even told a story that I hadn't heard before and it was fun to listen to things he did in his days living in Brooklyn. Sunday was football day, especially watching a day of football including a game with the New York Giants. For dinner we had dinner in and enjoyed a delicious spaghetti dinner together. We visited a Christmas store which brought back memories of my mom and her enjoyment of looking at ornaments and other Christmas decorations. I must admit that I got choked up walking into the Christmas store thinking of mom. Monday evening was dinner out at Ruby Tuesday's where we visited, laughed and just enjoyed.

We walked the beach on a beautiful afternoon that was sunny and temperatures in the mid 50's. We walked with Garret and Phyllis and walked a great distance picking up seashells along the way.
My dad knew we were going for the walk and watched for us from his door. When he saw us he went out on the balcony (nine stories up) to wave to us. Yes, where he is standing is on the 9th floor.

My sister Phyllis and little Kyle

The older men sitting around watching football while we were in the kitchen slaving away making dinner!
Here are some great pictures that Shannon took as they walked the beach as a family.

I love this picture

The last night there we went to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner. I loved having the opportunity sitting next to my dad.

Four generations: Kyle, Marshall, my dad and me

Phyllis, my dad and me

Phyllis and Garret deciding what they were going to eat for dinner

Our last view of the ocean before we had to leave. It was drizzling out which made it rather hazy.While walking one of the paths before we left, I took pictures of these plants that look like cabbage. Anybody know what they are called?
After South Carolina, we drove to Florida. We first stopped in Lake City and had dinner with Eric's brother Jack and his wife Karen. I totally forgot to take the camera out and take pictures. But we did take pictures with Eric's mom like we always do in front of the Petersen sign.
We had a great time in Florida with Eric's mom. Eric had business in Tampa (about an hour from his mom's house) while we sat and visited. We had shopping days, of course, looking for clothes (using coupons that gave me great deals);, and most importantly, we looked for Sonny's BBQ sauce and Entenmann's baked goods (we no longer have the Entenmann's in Beaumont and it was a sad day when we no longer could get their scrumptuous baked goods). There is a Greek village down by the water that we visit every time we go to Florida. The boats are gorgeous, the water is calming, and the Greek pastries are unbelievably delicious. I had this chocolate cake with chocolate mousse in between the layers and dark chocolate icing on the outside. Yes, it was to die for.

As always, we love our trips and visits with family; but the time comes when we have to say good-bye. That is the hard part. But, our love is strong and keeps us close together even though the miles separate us. I am so thankful that I was healthy enough to make this trip to see our loved ones. These memories I will treasure forever.

Shannon, Kyle, Marshall, Eric, Rondi, Dad, Phyllis and Garret