Daniel-Symons Beach Trip 2008

Our spontaneity paid off this weekend as the beach trip was a huge success! It was hard to believe that it took us less than one week to find our condo, make plans and get on the road. We traveled overnight on Thursday to arrive Friday morning to gray sky's and a little rain. We ate breakfast and did a little shopping at some outlet stores (Polo...Scott and Geoff are both BIG fans). We couldn't check in until 3:00 that afternoon, but they kindly let us land-lubbers on the beach before that time. The beach was absolutely beautiful! I have only been on a couple beaches in my lifetime, but it wasn't about me...my children's first experience with the ocean is one I will never forget! Their faces were of awe as we walked down to the water. A little anxiety was present as we actually stepped into the water...but after that it was smooth sailing (no pun intended)! After that first afternoon, we had sunny skies, blue surf and white sand the whole time...it was perfect! The complex was very nice, it had several pools and lots of amenities. We drove way out on a pennisula to get their, but it paid off with the vistas from our patio area!

Landon loved the sand; he built in it, shoveled it, threw it, dug holes in it...you get my point. Claire enjoyed the water, and was very brave about going out in it. This lasted until she was stung by a jelly fish, then she really enjoyed the pools! The jelly fish were prominent during the weekend; the concierge told me it was because of the way the wind was blowing. It generally did not stop us, we were just cautious. We drove into the more populated areas to eat in the evenings and found a great seafood and steak place. We shopped in these areas too, and rode a Ferris wheel (another highlight for the kids, but not Sara's favorite). Sara's favorite part? Going para sailing in the ocean. This was an incredible sight, she was really high in the air with one of her friends who was at the same complex. Landon wanted to do this stunt also, and was bummed when he learned he was too little. Scott and Geoff's favorite parts of the trip seemed to be anytime they were sitting on the beach with an adult beverage...and not caring what time it was as they did it. Beth enjoyed this part also, and I think also loved seeing her baby para sailing! Besides time on the beach, we also got some body art, Claire has a hair wrap, we have new build-a-bears, and so many great memories it's hard to know where to start. Thank you Symons' for putting up with us during the ride, but most of all for making this trip one we will never forget (and making it a yearly tradition!!).

PS Geoff is putting together a new slide show of all the pics...that's why I only posted one!