Black Marlin Grill in Hilton Head, SC

If you have never visited Hilton Head, SC, you should. It is a golfer's paradise and has wonderful beaches and wildlife. It is a GREAT place for a family vacation as there is something for everyone to enjoy! We recently tried a new restaurant there called Black Marlin Grill. It is fantastic!! Another restaurant used to be in its space near Captain Woody's at the Palmetto Bay Marina. The new restaurant has fabulous food at great prices. The food was some of the best we've eaten at Hilton Head and the prices are much better than most restaurants on the island. For those on a budget, you can order shrimp tacos for $5.99!! I promise it's the only place you can have delicious food for that price! The sushi nachos were out of this world. You had a handmade tortilla chip layered with seared tuna, a little wasabi, pico de gallo, and avocado. What a taste sensation! We loved every bite. We sat outside by the fountain and enjoyed the view of the water! So, visit The Black Marlin Grill on your next (or first!) visit to Hilton Head!

Princess Dive Sticks

Our little H loves princesses, as do her big sisters. We walked through a South Carolina Target and found PRINCESS diving sticks. They are perfect because H can sit and play with her princesses in the pool and not damage a doll. She LOVES them!! Visit your local Target and check out the summer pool toy section. You'll be glad you did!

This is where I spend my time in restaurants....

Whenever we go out to eat as a family, I spend most of my time in the bathroom!!! We had just finished taking everyone to the bathroom, when one of our girls asked to go again. I thought it was so funny that I took this picture!

Who was our mama?

Have you ever felt like you are NEVER in ANY pictures? I do love my camera, and I am not always a big fan of being in front of the camera, but sometimes I would like a picture or two of me with my children so that they will remember me!! Tonight, I posed for a few pictures and this is what they have to remember me by:

This one...



and take two... this one:




In DH's defense, the camera wasn't working well, and it wasn't my Nikon D40, but I still found this to be very humorous!!! You are welcome to link to favorite pictures of you!!

Father & Son

Is there anything sweeter than father & son? I love seeing DH & A interact together. They both share a love of golf. A has been taking lessons & DH said he can see a difference in how he plays this year versus last year. I love that!! They had a great morning on the course together and A couldn't wait to show off his new ball marker!! Times like these are what summer is all about!

Savor each day... we miss you Papa P!

Ecclesiastes really highlights the fact that there is a time for everything. The Bible lets us know that our days are numbered. For this reason, I love birthdays. They are a gift and a blessing. I want to celebrate those I love on their birthdays because I am thankful for that year in their life!!
We lost my dear father-in-law almost a year and a half ago. His presence is greatly missed. We are visiting one of his favorite places and we all feel the void. Our 5 year old named a turtle "Papa P" on this trip. We talk about him and the things that he used to do here. Tonight we returned to his favorite restaurant for the first time since he passed away. DH & his mama weren't ready to go last year, and I completely understand. It was weird being there tonight. D's sweet cousin proposed a toast to Papa and we all clinked glasses. But that didn't bring Papa back. He still isn't here. He can't play golf tomorrow morning with DH & our son. He can't take us to his favorite pizza place or make "Papa's eggs" for breakfast. Things are different, and we all miss him. Even this beautiful picture didn't feel right, because Papa should be in it sporting one of his hats. We miss you, Papa.

Family vacations are not always a vacation. They can be a lot of work. We all say things that hurt one another. Feelings get hurt, people are tired or stressed, and it's not easy. It's hard for different families to share a house or condo or hotel rooms. Yet these times are precious!!! How often do grandparents get to spend hours with their grandchildren? When do adult sons and daughters get to enjoy uninterrupted time with their parents? As you travel this summer and spend time with family, make the most of each moment. Take LOTS of pictures. You will treasure them one day, even if everyone moaned when you took it. I promise!

Practical Idea

When you head to the beach or the pool, there are always times when sand is in someone's eyes or a nose needs to be wiped. Use old burp cloths and throw them in your beach bag!! They are PERFECT for times like this! We used one today:)