We took our first combined family vacation with the Ballenger family from September 16th - 19th to Fripp Island, SC. Much like our trip to Orlando and Atlanta, I wasn't sure what to expect....so I expected the worst! I assumed that 2 days into our 3 day weekend we would be ready to run the other way. After all, Payton and Ella are very similar. Stubborn, independent, still learning to share, potty training, fussy when tired, easily pushed into temper tantrum mode and 2 years old. Even worse, they were sharing a room together so it could have gone really bad. Once again, I was shocked! Aside from Payton deciding that he should wake up by 5 or 5:30 each morning and wake others in the house up as well the roommates did great! In some ways, it is so wonderful when they play together – they have been together for so long that they know EXACTLY what the other will do or will not do – so, one minute they may be whiny and mad but the next they are laughing and happy. Its amazing that still 2 ½ years later they really are still best buds!
Fripp Island is beautiful and I encourage everyone to add it to your “must see before I die” list of places to travel to. Growing up in North Carolina, I've always been biased toward loving NC beaches – and I still do – the Outer Banks and Ocean Isle Beach will forever hold a special place in my heart – but Fripp Island is so different than any beach I had ever been to prior to this trip. In addition to the beach you are able to enjoy some awesome marsh views.
We were greeted with deer.....lots of deer! As we entered at the guard gate, Chad made a comment to the attendent jokingly to “watch out for deer!” He responded, “You better watch out for them because they won't watch out for you!” This was so true! They were every where! The wildlife and beautiful, natural landscape are enough to make you want to come back again.
Payton and Ella enjoyed feeding the deer from our back deck!
We saw a HUGE Alligator eating his dinner...a little turtle. We saw at least 100 deer. We saw beautiful birds flying over the marsh. Magnificent sunsets (Chad and Payton also saw a beautiful sunrise). The beach had so many shells – I found my first sand dollar – and I've been searching for one for 29 years!
The pool, set just off the marsh, had an awesome kids section. Payton and Ella loved the slide.
Owen enjoyed splashing around with the big kids. Where was Alex?? Asleep in the shade...maybe?
Our house was perfect. We each had a room and Payton and Ella shared a room with twin beds. At one point we caught them in the same bed watching a movie....but they're just two! Matt may have to have a serious talk with Payton before his 3rd birthday though. (Update – last week, at church, the girls in the nursery told us that Payton and Ella told them they loved each other....should we be worried yet??).
Owen and Alex roomed in with the parents. Our closet was so big that we set Owen's pack-n-play up in the there!
The best part of our house was the huge porch and the two golf carts! Payton is still asking to go back to the beach “hotel house” and ride the golf cart!
Fripp also has two great golf courses. Payton LOVED seeing all the people playing. Chad and Matt headed to the driving range one afternoon and later that night we had to take Payton out for a little practice!
Hole in ONE!
My only proof that baby Alex was with us! At least this is a super cute picture of the sweet girl!
Payton and Owen on the greens.
Prior to leaving for the weekend, we took a little time to walk through the marsh and snap some pics. Here are a few of my favorites.
They melt my heart!
We will definitely be back to Fripp Island. Three days wasn't quite enough to explore all that we wanted. I look forward to our return!
We also enjoyed lunch in downtown Beaufort. I had never been to Beaufort and I hope to return their someday as well. It looks like the perfect downtown area to spend an afternoon window shopping and enjoying lunch overlooking the water!
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