Good morning from a cool and rainy South Carolina, which feels a little crazy for this time of year, but is also getting me in the right mindset for Scotland, which right now is also cool and rainy. When we booked our Scotland trip we didn’t know we’d be heading to the beach right before it, but it’s what ended up happening when we were treated to some family beach time with Mema, Grandpa, David’s brother, and my nieces and nephews! And so, we just got back from spending Memorial Day weekend at beautiful Sea Island, a resort island off the coast of Georgia.

It’s not lost on me that we get to enjoy these times with the people we love because of the men and women that believed that these freedoms are worth fighting for and made the ultimate sacrifice to defend them. The land of the free because of the brave and I appreciate that we have a day dedicated to them so we can remember to pause and reflect. I am so grateful. 

For this family gathering we had a big group so we stayed at one off the cottage rentals, cottage 506 to be exact. It was such a great set up for our crew, which ample space to hang out, a big bunk room, and a covered hangout area outside by the pool, which got a lot of use. 

We checked in on Friday and went exploring so everyone would have a good sense of how to get around the island. There is a beach club area and The Cloister, the incredibly nice hotel area, as well as a fitness studio and spa. To get around the island we biked and had a golf cart, which makes even the getting around a fun experience! We were just a short walk to the beach so we of course had to check that out, too.

We came back to the cottage to eat pizza; we brought in take and bake from Papa Murphy’s in Richmond Hill and it was a great decision because everyone could swim while we we baked up the pizza party.

We had several activities lined up, as well as some open time for swim and beach play. On Saturday morning David and I went to get in an early morning workout while half our crew went inland fishing where they had some luck with trout, redfish, and a couple others I can’t remember. But still, success! 

Then the rest of us visited The Cloister for complimentary coffee and croissants, a game of chess in the incredible library, and some shop wandering before the girls finally convinced us it was time to head to the pools at the beach club. The weather was warm, the pool was refreshing, and the water slide was fun! It wasn’t long before the whole place was rocking. 

We all met up there for the afternoon. We ate lunch, played in the ocean, and probably got a little too much sun before heading home to shower up. 

We had dinner reservations at Delaney’s, an amazing restaurant with a wide variety of fresh dishes located just over the bridge on St. Simon’s Island. We had reservations for our big group and they treated us so well. The food and the service are outstanding. Highly recommend!

Sunday morning we split ways again, with most of the group going to shoot and Mema, K, and I off to falconry. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but let me tell you, falconry was SO neat. We were with Paige, a master falconer, and she was incredibly knowledgeable and kind, telling us all about the Harris Hawk and Eurasian Owl that we got to experience up close. 

We held Betty, the hawk, with heavy duty gloves to protect us from her talons, then we went on a walk around the marsh. Betty followed us, flying tree branch to tree branch doing her best to avoid the annoying crows, then we’d set up with a bit of meat held in our gloved hand, and she’d swoop down to land on us and enjoy her snack. It was such a unique experience!

The rest of the day included some pool time and lunch, then as some clouds rolled in we went over to visit some friends. Isn’t it funny how you can not see someone for so long but then pick right back up where you left off when you finally get together? That’s how I we feel about the Kinseys! They were college friends turned down the street besties when we all were newlyweds, but years and moves put some physical distance between us. When we realized they’d be just down the street from us, we were thrilled to find a couple hours to hang out, chat, and watch our kids play. It was the best.

We got so caught up enjoying the company that before we knew it we were in the middle of a real gully washer. Having dinner plans, we had to head out and while I’m sure we looked ridiculous, biking home in the pouring rain was actually so much fun.

We had reservations for a beach BBQ experience that night, but it ended up getting rained out and moved to a ballroom location. It definitely changed the vibe of the event, but the food was excellent and plentiful.

The next morning a few went to play golf and the rest of us suited up for a horseback riding adventure. I was so proud of H who opted to participate even though her last horse experience left her a little intimidated. 

The horses were sweet, old boys who were gentle with us, just enjoying their retirement job of leisurely beach walks. We started the ride by crossing the bridge, then marched through the marsh, and finally onto the beach. It was a little over two miles total and with a gentle breeze blowing, it was quite lovely! We really enjoyed the experience.

Our last afternoon was a real treat- some spa time! We got there early to take advantage of the sauna and relaxation spaces, then I had a magnificent massage that left me feeling like cooked spaghetti in the best way.

They had a really cool option for a teen facial, and the girls were pumped to get a taste of a spa experience. While anyone under 18 isn’t allowed in the spa facility, they had a special treatment room in the salon area for teen facials. An adult must be present, which I appreciated, and the woman who gave the girls the facials was incredible and the girls soaked up every minute of cleansing, moisturizing, warm towels, and hand massages. What. A. Treat.

We spent our last night all hanging out by the pool. We ordered in a low country boil, which was excellent! They brought everything we needed from paper plates to cocktail sauce and we devoured the spread. We enjoyed one last evening beach walk before getting a good night sleep and bidding farewell the next morning.

As kids grow, it gets harder to get everyone together, so family gatherings become even more special. We thoroughly enjoyed the time together! We took off early morning, made it back in time to pick up Finley (no one tell her we went to the beach without her), and have the kids change for basketball and softball practices. 

Today is all about laundry and house cleaning, so I’m not minding this rainy, cool start to the day. David and I did, somewhat begrudgingly, get up and work out at 5:30. I’m sure Scotland will throw quite a kink into this newly established routine, but we’re doing our best to stick with it when we can. Time to pour another cup of coffee (why I love drinking 1/3 caffeine) and get to it! I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!