Tybee Island

A few weeks ago my family went to Tybee Island, GA, for vacation. It was great getting all of us together again. My brother and sister-in-law moved to Atlanta in December, and we aren't able to get together as much as we used to. We were all only able to spend a day and a half together (because of work and travel), but any time we can all be together is great. 

My family used to do a beach trip to Myrtle Beach every year with my dad's side of the family. They are some of the best memories from growing up...days spent at the beach and pool, playing putt putt with the grandparents and Aunt Sara, going for ice cream at night, working puzzles with my De-da and mom, riding rides at the Pavilion...all while laughing non stop. Because of changes in life, we haven't been able to go on a family beach trip since before my mom died, and only one family trip since she passed away. It was time for us all to get together away from Greenville and our responsibilities here.

'Pa' with Cal and Ella

 

The original Epps crew (with baby additions)

Trying to stay cool

Spending time with Uncle Scuba and Aunt Liz before they headed back to Atlanta

Look Pa, a container ship

We had not taken Callen to the beach since his first trip last May. He wasn't afraid of anything then, so we didn't think he would have any problems this year. We were right! He went running out onto the sand without any hesitation. Then it was straight to the water. The boy has no fear. He loved walking up to the waves and letting them crash on him (luckily the waves weren't too big, and they only crashed from his belly down!). Each time the wave crashed, he would beg for more. We took him out in the ocean and he would swim between us, go under the water with us, and just laugh and smile at all that was going on. Back on shore, he would dig in the sand and cover people's feet with it. We rode bikes, found a few playgrounds on the island for Callen and Ella to play on, and just hung out. It was wonderful spending time with family and enjoying a 'relaxing' (as much as it can be with a wild toddler to chase after) few days at the beach.

Waiting for the waves to crash on him

My buddy!

Daddy doing more digging than Callen

Callen finally deciding to help!

Look mom and dad...sticks!

You can't see it, but Cal is holding his first shrimp...tee tiny and clear in color! He was pretty excited to show daddy

He also had a great time with Ella. They would play with all the sand toys as well as in the small pool Brittany brought for Ella. It was nice to see them be able to spend time together. Those two really enjoy playing with each other, and both get so excited to see the other. 

We had a wonderful time and look forward to our next trip and adventure as a family. We always have a have a great time with lots of laughter and memories made.

Sick Boy

Last week was spent doing a whole lot of nothing. Cal woke up on Tuesday morning with a 101 fever. By the afternoon, it had reached 104.1. We went to the doctor but walked out of there with no clear diagnosis other than a virus. Our pediatrician told me he could possibly develop hand, foot, and mouth disease, so watch for blisters on his feet and hands. He might also have roseola, so look for a rash as his fever broke. Until then, keep medicine in him to help with the fever. Good thing is that Cal never developed either of the viruses mentioned, and only had a high fever virus. Bad thing is that it lasted a full five days, knocking him down and out the entire time. The child will not take medicine...no matter how you try and administer it. We tried mixing it in his milk (the only thing he would eat or drink the entire week) as well as holding him down and forcing it in him. He would either take 4 or more hours to drink his cup of milk, or spit out the medicine in the syringe. Poor kid was left to fight the fever on his own. 

He would wake each morning without a fever. We still laid low around the house and took it easy. However, everyday after a nap his fever would spike to over 104. We spent many afternoons cuddling on the couch or bed reading books, watching TV, or sleeping. Having a child that is on the go ALL THE TIME, it was kind of nice having a cuddle bug for a few days. I hate that he was sick, but glad it was nothing more than a virus.

Cal could not get close enough to me...he wanted to be on top of me or beside me at all times

Snoozing on the couch

Finally got him to sleep and was able to sneak out of his room.

By Saturday, Cal had no more fever and was starting to perk back up. He is still a little grouchy at times...he gets tired more easily right now and is having to take an earlier nap, but he is definitely showing signs of wild man Cal!!

Just Hanging Out

Since returning from our trip to The Blue Ridge Parkway, we haven't had too much going on. We traveled to Charleston for Memorial Day weekend...and once again Callen was fascinated with the container ships and being on the boat. But other than our Charleston trip, we have been laying low and getting some projects done around the house as well as enjoying some of what Greenville has to offer.

I'll keep this post simple and write below pictures and videos!

Making forts in the rocking chair

Making sure to hinder help dad as much as possible with installing the bathroom light fixture

Learning how to use the blower...his new favorite yard tool

Perfecting his pool shark skills at the Burdette's

Watching the trees being taken down on a neighboring street :(

Chillin' in downtown

Swinging at the park

Enjoying our first 3rd Stage production at the South Carolina Children's Theatre

Riding the train at Heritage Park...

and pointing for more!

Having fun at gymnastics and working on his flip!

Enjoying a 'nack' after all his hard work and adventures!

We hope everyone is having a great week!