We pulled in the driveway today and all of us were excited relieved to be home again! I think it was good for Micaiah to realize that we didn't completely up and leave home altogether. I think he was beginning to think we had completely left home for good, because his behavior towards the end of the trip was downright ridiculous! As soon as we were in the car heading home, he was literally back to his normal giggling, laughing self... uh huh, little boy, I see how it is.

This week ended up being pretty trying for me as a mom and not as much of the much needed vacation I was longing for. Well, it was that at times, for sure, but it was also probably one of the hardest weeks, amidst the fun, dealing with so many various issues that completely stressed me out.

 "Ahhhh, this baby is driving me crazy!"

No, really, this is us chasing after the sea gulls. He thought it was awesome and I love my fussy messball, so I run around chasing birds for him.

Remember the days when you could go out on the beach ALL DAY LONG? Yeah, those were over, which I already knew, but definitely discovered to be real. All 3 of us and others in the house got sick. We dealt with a really fussy baby due to ear infections that seemingly got better after our doctor's visit mid-week, and then regressed again making me wonder if he is still having issues. If I was in Cai's line of vision for even a second, he would go into hysterics that he couldn't be in my arms. I mean hysterics...high pitched screaming, crying, the works. Then, I got a little touch of something that kind of made me feel sick in the night and some of the next day, which in turn I passed to Hart, who was sick the last 2 days of our trip. Hence no Hart in this photo:

  We weren't the only ones that dealt with illness. Cai passed his gunky nose junk to Naomi, who has also been struggling with ear infection/sore throat issues the last several weeks. Naomi also broke out into terrible hives from eating Strawberries for the first time, which you can see a tiny bit in this family photo of the Dixons.

It was kind of bizarre we dealt with all that, yet, God showed us so much mercy and grace, giving us great weather and a fun time, too. Even rainbows, my favorite!

 We still had an awesome time. We still walked on the beach, swam, laid in the sun, and laughed til our tummy's hurt playing games and making jokes with all of Hart's family.

 We star gazed and lit sparklers.

 That was worth it. We became a closer knit family because of this beach trip. We made memories.

 We enjoyed the sunshine and our blessing babies.

 We wouldn't trade any of that for anything! I just hope next time, everyone is healthy the whole time!!!

My sick boys (above). Yes, my husband is so wonderful, he would go dress up to take family photos on the beach with me, despite feeling nauseous. He loves me and knows how much family pictures are important to me.

Thanks, Uncle Chuck and Aunt Jiffy for everything you did to get this beach trip together! We love that God gave you four siblings to your parents and in turn we get to enjoy things like this as a family!

"The 4 Macs" - The McKeowns - Otherwise known as: Hart's Aunts and Uncles and his Mom

Pediatrician on Vacation

To say Micaiah has been the fussiest member of the house this week would be an understatement. I literally would walk 2 feet away from him and he would go into hysterics. Something was wrong. He wasn't happy and I didn't know what to do.

Last week, we took him to his 1 year appointment and our doctor discovered an ear infection in one ear. He was put on an antibiotic and since he hadn't had one since April, we decided to see how the antibiotics would do again for him. Day 5 on the antibiotic things were worse and he was miserable. The first day on the beach, he loved everything about it. Yesterday, he hated it, unless I was right by his side, and even then it took some coaxing.

After another fussy morning, I decided to call our pediatrician back in Columbia. Our nurse felt like he should be better by now and to take him somewhere if we could. After some google searches we found a pediatrician that would take our insurance AND see him within the hour. What a blessing!

While he did seem to be in a better mood after his nap this am, we went anyway and are so glad we did! Micaiah's ear infection had gotten worse and now he had a double ear infection. We weren't getting him wet or anything. He has had a runny nose and it has been thick and mucousy. I know, gross.

They gave him a Rosefrin shot and switch antibiotics and just after the shot Micaiah is feeling SO. much. BETTER! He's giggling and happy and not in pain like before! Praise the LORD! We are staying in off the beach today to rest and get healthy, but I thought I would share a few more beach pics from yesterday! What can I say...blogging is my scrapbook...it brings me joy, even on vacation!

I love this husband of mine! He is such a good daddy! While some may think that you aren't really "on vacation" while on vacation as a stay at home mom, I have this guy that is making things easy! It's nice to have him giving out snack and changing diapers....he let me sleep in this morning...I would say I have a keeper!

One of my most favorite things about yesterday was playing with this sweet cousin, Carly!

We played with sand toys, made a sea turtle out of sand, ran around splashing on the beach, and played "Run, Stop, Model" - a dance game where instead of "Red Light, Green Light" you "model". It's pretty hilarious with a 4 year old.

 

 I'm in love with her Ikat bathing suit...do they make one in my size?

 

She was cracking me up, because she would go lie down in this kiddie pool and say things like, "Ah, this is the good life."

After we have had enough of the beach, we head up to the porch and hang out with the family. 

Naomi loves Cai's glasses! 

And as soon as Hart picks up the guitar, these babies crawl over and can't get enough! 

We are too blessed! Thank you Jesus for all these family members and this time at the beach!

Loving the Beach!

We are having a great time at the beach so far! Right before heading down to the beach, we found out that Micaiah had an ear infection, so it was a little bit of a rocky start with him, but I think now on Day 3 everything is smoothing out with him and being a little sick! Thankfully, he is taking good naps today and feeling rested!

The day we arrived we didn't get in until almost 6 pm and it was pretty grey and dreary, but by the following afternoon, the sunshine broke through the clouds and it has been glorious! Mid 80's, a cool breeze, and the ocean! I'll take it!

Here's our house.

There are 16 people sharing this cute little house and 3 one year olds + one 4 year old! It's been so much fun! By night 2, we had all figured out the best sleeping arrangements for everyone and all got better rest! We are all convinced that going to the beach in September is perfect. There aren't many people around, so the beaches feel private, and the weather is just right! Ocean Isle is a really clean beach with almost clear water. It's a close second to our beloved Fripp Island!

Our view from the porch.

Micaiah wasn't sure what to think about the sand at first.

But, before long we were digging for shells

And trying out the water

Last summer, we only had two sets of feet in the sand...now there are 3 and we feel totally blessed.

Later in the afternoon, Micaiah was acclimated to the beach and he was chase crawling after the birds!

Naomi and Micaiah have been playing and enjoying everything!

I think Naomi loves the beach, at least the actual ocean water, more than Micaiah! She was soooo excited to be in the ocean!

 

The guys are enjoying playing bocci ball all over the beach!

In the evenings we all come in and enjoy the inside, eating, and playing music and games!

Love that they are "sharing"!