It’s 9:13 pm and I’m exhausted. I feel like it’s 4 o’clock in the morning. Why? because I spent the day basking in the warm, bright sun, building sand castles, and running along the beach chasing birds. We’re spending the weekend at Island Vista Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC and it’s a remarkable place to enjoy with your family.

We woke up before the sun this morning. Our 8th floor view was the perfect perch to watch it rise.

It’s difficult to find fault with this view. California had spectacular sunsets, but it has nothing on these sunrises.

Athena loved the balcony and we watched the sun come up as a family.

Although she had a blast playing on the balcony, she was ready to hit the beach. She wanted her regular clothes off and her bathing suit on.

I wanted to make sure she was protected from this sun so she was equipped with a sun hat and a rash guard/swimming shirt. I thought she’d complain about the hat, but I think she liked that it kept the sun out of her eyes and she didn’t need glasses.

My hat, on the other hand, annoyed her.

Is that my Mommy under there? I think it is.

We built sand castles, ate sand and rocks and seashells…, and, Athena’s favorite part of the day, we chased seagulls.

Tomorrow is another big day of sun, sand, ocean, and we’re going to add in the pool. Some moments are forgotten in a glimpse; some moments last a short time; and some moments are ingrained in your brain as deep as the ocean sand. Our weekend at Island Vista will remain the latter.