Beach Bums

Our trip to Jekyll Island could not have been better. We were all able to relax and spend quality time as a family. We should begin by saying that Trenton and the beach were meant to go together. Next to a couple other excitements in his life, Trenton was amazed by the ocean and it could possibly be a new favorite. It is so sweet to see the joy simple things in life bring to a toddler. From the instant we first walked down to the beach the evening we arrived, we could not keep him out of the water. He loved the waves approaching and screamed in glee as they crashed into him. However, the ocean sure wore out the little guy so it was nice to have Granna there to take Trenton up to the house to nap in the midst of beach time.

Bocce ball has a big hit on this trip! It was part of Daddy's father's day present with a fishing trip later in the week. Whether we were on the beach or in the backyard, the balls were rolling. It was a daily event for us, especially Daddy and Opa, who challenged each other regularly. Even Trenton tried to play, but we had to distract him because we were afraid the heavy ball would land on his foot when he'd attempt to toss it.

One day we went to the turtle center, a special place on Jekyll Island. Although Trenton was still a bit too young to understand the museum, it was neat to walk into the rehabilitation center and see the tanks with turtles. We actually got to spend quite awhile in here because a thunderstorm rolled in and trapped us in the adjacent building.

Jekyll Island is known for it's bike paths, so we enjoyed several bike rides on the island. Usually we'd depart early before it was too hot. We would bike either to the playground on the island and let Trenton run around or down towards the pier and historic district. It was cute as Trenton would tell say, "Daddy bike" when he was ready to ride back home. He has learned to put words together now and will repeat many two word phrases after you. It was also obvious this trip how much Trenton watches what you are doing and mimics adult actions. One day he went over to the diet coke box. After "hmphing" for approval from Mommy to grab one, he reached in, took out at coke, and returned to his chair. He placed the drink in the cup holder. Then, would pick it up and pretend to take a sip. He'd also give his best friend Woody, his stuffed animal from Toy Story, a sip now and then. (Granna gave this toy to him awhile back and he takes him everywhere now, calling him by name.) In the Jekyll room of the house, he would go sit in the chairs and open a magazine to read. Granna and Opa had done that. This only acknowledges a few.....there are endless actions from using q-tips to deodorant to putting on chapstick. He watches our every move taking it all in.

Our trip ended just as soon as it begun. How does it always seem to work like that? We're thankful for this time together with Opa, Granna, Uncle Brad and Aunt Jacquelyn and look forward to another beach trip next summer!

First walk down to the beach

He went straight for the water and never stopped playing in it.

We hadn't even dressed Trenton in his swimsuit because we were only planning to walk the beach and play in the sand. Little did we know the water was so enticing for Trenton boy!

The wagon ride down to the beach

Bocce ball rivalries

Our little surfer boy

Snacks during a break from the waves

Trenton convinced different people to chase him into the water.

Trenton could act silly in the water with Uncle Brad.

It was hard to keep Trenton out of the water when we were on the beach.

Father's Day dinner at Barbara Jean's--a family favorite!

We played on the playground at St. Simons afterward

Happy 2nd Father's Day, Daddy! We love you!

Like father, like son.....Trenton resembles his Daddy in so many ways!

Trenton wished he was old enough to go on the turtle walks at night looking for turtles laying eggs. Here he tries on Uncle Brad's red head lamp, which doesn't disturb nesting sights. Maybe next summer, Trenton.

Trenton and Opa filled up the bucket and carried it back and forth to the baby pool under the tent. This occupied his attention for sometime, but probably wore Opa out!

Let's go, Opa!

The bocce continued.....Daddy and Opa were always in a match and the wide beach was perfect, especially at low tide.

Mommy, Daddy and Trenton at Driftwood Beach

Family portrait

Trenton exploring Driftwood Beach.

Sunset time is the best time to visit Driftwood Beach! We had fun climbing the trees!

Trenton with Opa and Granna.

Mommy and Trenton at Driftwood Beach.

Driftwood Beach is a well-known part of Jekyll. Trenton enjoyed climbing around the trees.

Trenton walks with Granna and Opa on Driftwood Beach.

These were the first cars, or should we say Red Bugs, on the island.

Although hot, we walked the historic district briefly showing Trenton the "live oaks hung with Spanish moss"--another part of Trenton's Good Night Georgia book.

Trenton really loved his beach chair. It was his special seat. He would carry it outside to the porch or back in the house.

Trenton woke up from his nap a bit early and dosed off again on Granna's lap. Looks like Granna got a in a little power nap, too.

Trenton's first visit to the Turtle Center. The loggerhead turtles are famous to Georgia's coast and mentioned in Good Night Georgia as well.

You can see some of the pools behind us with loggerheads swimming. Trenton and Mommy had to stand on the bench to get a good look at the turtles.

Granna and Trenton wait patiently inside the turtle rehabilitation center for the rain to stop.

Opa and Trenton eat their Dairy Queen ice cream cones together.