Ft. Lauderdale

Doug's brother lives in Ft. Lauderdale, and has been wanting Callen to come visit him in his new condo. It is so easy to fly Allegiant from Greenville to Ft. Lauderdale (less than 2 hours and no stops!) that we figured we should take advantage while Cal still flies for free. We spent Thursday-Sunday in Ft. Lauderdale hanging out with Dave. We enjoyed the beautiful views from his condo as well as getting out in the area and enjoying some fun in the city.

When we first walked into Dave's place, Cal went crazy! There are floor to ceiling windows overlooking the balcony, and windows all around the other exterior wall. Cal could see water and boats in all directions. He spent so much time on the balcony and standing on the step stool by the windows. He was one happy boy in Dave's place...we were too! The view is amazing and Dave has done an excellent job with his renovation. We are kind of jealous of his view!

Thursday afternoon we stayed close to Dave's place and took Cal swimming at the beach by Dave's condo. After the beach, Cal headed straight towards the pool where several 'kids' were playing...2 older girls that he hung out with as much as possible and imitated everything they did. After swimming, we all got ready and came back down to the 'point' to grill and play!

Watching one of the many ship to come in and out of the cut

The Morris Boys

 

Friday we took the Water Taxi around Ft. Lauderdale. The Water Taxi has designated stops around Ft. Lauderdale, allowing you to come and go from the boat as you wish. We stopped at a local marina to feed the fish and then headed towards downtown. We were able to ride along the New River and see all the large houses and boats that line the canals. We enjoyed lunch downtown before heading back to Dave's for an afternoon nap. Later that evening, we were back to the pool for more swimming before heading out to a concert in the park. Cal had a great time watching all the kids and playing with his dad and Dave. Of course Cal isn't exhausted after all these activities, so we attempted to watch a movie with him. This was his first movie, and in 3D no less (spoiled kid!), but he only lasted for about 5 minutes before he was onto something new.

Feeding the fish...he wasn't too sure at first

Finally started throwing the shrimp to the fish

Eating more nacks!

Yes, that's Cal in the bag. All he wanted to do was be carried and swung in the bag!

On Saturday, we headed up to Pompano Beach. That beach was great. Lots of grassy areas before walking out to the actual beach. People had tents and bbqs set up all along the grass. People were planning to spend their entire July 4th there, and made the most of it. The reason we went up there was to let Callen play in the sidewalk water fountains. We also walked to the playground and let him play there for a while. This kid loves to be outside...it doesn't matter where or what you are doing.

For the evening of the 4th, we knew that 2 cruise ships would be setting sail. With the Bon Voyage party on the boat and the people in the condo buildings in that area, there is a mini party around the cut (Dave lives right in the area where the ships and boats come through in order to get out to the big water) when the cruise ships head out. We watched from Dave's balcony when one of the ships set sail, and then headed down to the point for the other. We then hung out there and had happy hour and grilled up a classic American burger dinner!

Enjoying happy hour

Ringing the bell for the cruise ship

Looking for all the kids on the ship!

Later that evening we sat on Dave's balcony and watched so many firework shows. We had about a 270* view from his balcony. We saw displays to the north, south, and west of us. It was amazing. One display after another. 
We could not have asked for a better way to spend the 4th of July holiday. We had a wonderful and relaxing time in Ft. Lauderdale. Thanks Uncle Dave for a great weekend!

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!