I did not mean to just fall off the earth after Thursday’s post, but when we arrived to our rental in Hilton Head late that night, I found out it was not only where cell phone service goes to die, but also, no internet was available. At first I felt panicked, then I embraced it.
A vacation without technology was just what I needed and since we were there with my mom, dad, bro, SIL and niece, it felt like a flashback vacation to my childhood.
Despite cold and wet weather on Friday, we kept ourselves plenty entertained.
We bundled up for walks on the beach and went to rent bikes. Hilton Head is incredibly flat and bike friendly, making it an ideal destination to park the car and not touch it again until you leave.
We lucked out because Friday and Saturday were gorgeous- sunny, in the high 60s and perfect for exploring. We visited the HHI community of Sea Pines and found the cutest little coffee shop.
The playground is epic and we spent plenty of time there, too.
We dined waterside for lunch, where I mandated every bite I ate contain seafood, my usual beach vacation rule.
We splurged for a beachfront house and though the house itself left plenty to be desired, the location was worth every penny. It made afternoons with the little ones a breeze. We could take turns going to the beach during naps.
And having the beach a few steps from our back porch was also ideal for early morning walks and bike rides.
Oh, and did I mention that during off season, dogs are allowed off leash on the beach? Koda had the time of her life!
In the evenings, the girls would go down at 7 and the adults were left to enjoy cooking dinner and playing charades or various card games. Again, no technology for the win!
I had been aching for a break in routine. Things have been rolling fast and furious around here with David’s schedule and my attempts to start getting the house ready for baby girl’s arrival. The family time and change of scenery totally recharged my batteries.
Also, 2.5 is an incredible age. Watching Hailey explore her new surroundings was priceless. It took some fancy moves to make sure that starfish didn’t end up in the car with us.
It’s amazing what a little getaway, change of pace and family time can do for the psyche. Hailey, David and I hung around for lunch at Salty Dog Café and more playground time yesterday, which made us a little late getting home. Because of that, I have a lot of catch up to do, but I have no regrets.
Sometimes falling a little behind is good for the soul.
What recharges your batteries when you’ve gotten a little too run down?
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
“Sometimes falling behind is good for the soul”– YES! I’m glad you took a little break. I’m jealous, too… I love Hilton Head! My college friends and I would go there for spring break week- one of our friends had a house there. It was the perfect warm getaway in March. It’s also the place where my husband and I first admitted we were interested in each other, so it holds special memories for me. 🙂
Shari says
It sounds – and looks! – like you had a wonderful time. Hilton Head seems so beautiful and charming!
Jen says
It looks like an incredible weekend! Glad you had a chance to unplug. I haven’t been to HHI in ages but it’d be so fun to go with kids.
John J. says
What a fun trip! HH has wonderful honeymoon memories from just a “few” years ago! Revisit, recharge.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Glad you had a chance to unplug and enjoy family time! Love Hilton Head – it’s so much fun!
christina says
that first picture is so pretty. you guys are the cutest!
Karen says
So fun!! Have a great week!!
Avery @ Young Aspirations says
Looks like the perfect weekend to me! 🙂 Glad you were able to recharge. Perfect timing!
jen says
so glad you could get away and that the weather warmed up. hilton head is a special place and i especially love visiting in the off season when it’s not so crowded.
Maria says
Love Hilton Head! My girlfriends and I did a Spring Break trip to Hilton Head one year and I feel in love with the little place. I agree that biking around beats driving around any day and especially biking on the beach!
Glad you were able to have a mini vacation before life gets crazier (and sweeter!).
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
I have such trouble unplugging that usually when I do it’s forced instead of chosen…but always worth it in the end! I’m glad you were able to embrace it. Beautiful photos!
Tracy says
It’s good to go on these getaways mid-year when your kids are young! Once they’re in school it becomes a challenge!! Looked like a super trip 🙂
Lauren B. says
Your trip looks like so much fun! Just reading about all of your excursions makes ME feel refreshed as I live vicariously through you.
Even just a walk outside in beautiful weather can recharge my batteries, but a trip to Hawaii (where I am now!) also fits the bill. 😉
Jenny says
Oh my gosh, I have such fond memories of vacationing with family on Hilton Head. I even have a picture of me while pregnant in that same park in Sea Pines. Glad you had a nice time!
Nan says
What a great getaway!! So happy to hear that you are feeling so recharged! I knew that your background looked familiar… we stayed at SeaPines a few years ago and it was fantastic!! I want to go back!!
jodi says
yay! glad you guys all had fun! I showed Avery the pictures! She was excited to see a picture of Hailey’s Daddy… ha ha! So funny. Right now my big (whopping) 3 mile runs I have been getting in have helped recharge me a little. But, we are heading to Ocean Isle at the end of April and I am sure I will come back a new woman! (one can hope anyways…)
Sarah says
I am just counting down the days until our next vacation, which is going to be a ways off since I am starting a new job on Thursday. But truly, we haven’t been on a family vacation since last August and we are in need of a change of scenery!
Ali says
I want to go to Hilton Head so bad! It looks gorgeous and so relaxing. I hope to get there someday. Vacations recharge my batteries too… I look forward to coming home and getting my life back in order.
Amanda says
Looks like you guys had an AWESOME time — what a great way to re-energize! You know it’s been a good vacation when you are ready to get back at your never-ending to-do list. 🙂 So important to take that time off from routine.
Sherry says
Love Hilton Head and all the good memories from the past and new ones that are being made! Great pictures.
Tori L says
My pup is jealous of Koda and would love to hang out on the beach without a leash! Such a fun looking vay-cay!
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Glad you had fun! We went to Hilton Head a bunch of times when I was younger.
Katie says
Gorgeous pictures from what looked an amazing trip. Glad you slowed down and enjoyed it
Chantal says
Aw you guys look like you had such a fun time!!
Elle says
This looks like such a fun time and a perfect getaway before baby girl comes 🙂 I seriously love your family!
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
That looks incredibly relaxing and your bump is looking amazing. 🙂 XO
pink dress for kids says
Whoa!This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a
totally different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and
design. Outstanding chhoice of colors!