This is what the second half of the (vacation/birthday!) week looked like.
You can catch part one here.
We couldn't have asked for better weather: hot, humid, sunny days with calm ocean conditions.
Best sound in the world.
After B and G wrapped up their science discussions, they'd sit down for a game of chess (my heart!).
I broke my routine one day and traded my swim for a 4-mile walk with G to the stream and it was so worth it.
We saw dolphins so close to us, and they swam alongside us for about a mile.
I was absolutely in my happy place.
Penguino joined us for game night. :)
I had the absolute best gnocchi of my life.
Too bad the atmosphere (cough...server...cough) and the noise level were off, or it would have been a perfect meal.
Fueled by coffee and ocean breezes.
Sweet kiddos always ready for a photo op.
Beers as big as their heads... just like my dad ordered back in 2016.
Outtake... and G's face LOL.
Meet Geiko, who watched us eat dinner.
Who needs a spa day when you have tide pools?
Nature’s hot tubs gave us the most relaxing spa moment.
This was a cute beach read.
Favorite quotes:
"Independent book stores and libraries are not just pretty places to sniff books and meet nice people. They are on the frontline in the battle for strong communities and a healthy, thinking society."
"One thing about caretakers is they are never carefree. Without our cares, we'd just be takers like everyone else."
"It's an act of generosity to share something as precious as your life with someone."
On the way to Sea Captain's House we passed the most stunning mansions.
While my food left much to be desired, the she-crab soup was absolutely delicious.
It ended up being my mom’s favorite meal of the trip, so that made it all worthwhile.
Birthday sunrise.
Knowing SC was one of the only states not affected by the parasite, I took full advantage and ate as much salad as I could before heading home.
Love a Benny selfie.
Starbucks stop on the way home.
Soaking up the breathtaking mountain views in Virginia.
My best cocktail of the week was this lavender lemon martini (sorry, MB, but you like your drinks way too sweet for me).
The perfect birthday celebration: a delicious meal at the charming restaurant inside our hotel.
Not only was it a special evening, but it ended up being my favorite meal of the entire trip.
The dessert had us cracking up because the nuts had a spicy kick that hit the back of your throat after you finished each bite.
Such a surprising (and hilarious) ending to the meal.
We made a stop at a restaurant I discovered on a work trip back in 2021, and it was every bit as good as I remembered.
See also: world's most terrible picture trying to capture our cheers to an incredible trip.
One tired but very happy pup to be home.
There's no place like home.
"You need a bigger world."
Slow down, summer.
James Clear gems.
This made me laugh out loud.
For more life lately:
Week 31 of 2022 Part One and Part Two
