North Myrtle Beach, Part 5! - Final wrap up.

From extreme, competitive go-karting to the dolphin cruise, to playing on the beach, or hanging out in the pool, the location doesn't matter. It's all about being together with family that counts. North Myrtle Beach did not disappoint. It was a great destination for some serious Mazer vacation fun!
 
Being there after the height of the season had ended, had many, many perks. Wherever we went, we dominated and took over.  If not by the sheer number of us, then by the loud, boisterous laughing that we proudly wear as an accessory.

Obviously, the restaurants did not have any wait for a table.  And, the cooler weather made it bearable to be outdoors.  The one thing that would've made this trip the absolute best it could've been, was a friend for Ian and Sam their own age to play with.  I got very spoiled hanging out with Jen and her boys this Summer.  ;)

We had a theme during our week together.  Rita had found this plaque with the words, "Don't be crabby, your at the beach."  Whenever any one of us said something even remotely grumpy, we all were quick to come back with, "Don't be crabby, your at the beach."  It was very funny.

 

 

 

One of the funnier billboards we encountered in Myrtle Beach was a sign advertising for the "Golden Corral" restaurant.  Apparently they offer catering too.  Now, there's a scary thought. 

 

 

Another particularly funny moment came (more for me, than anyone else) was when I was on the sidelines for one of the go-kart races.  I asked the ride operator to play a prank.  I requested that when the ride was over, he make a general announcement to the family to tell them they weren't being nice out on the track and they weren't allowed to ride anymore.  You should've seen their faces!  It was pretty hilarious.  The operator kept this joke going a little too long and they all started getting out of their go-karts to leave the track.  Ha!!  I had to tell him it was ok to let them know it was just a joke.  

I need to give a quick kudos to Jeff.  Anyone who knows him, knows he hates the beach.  Absolutely despises it.  I am very happy to report that he kept his disdain for the beach quietly to himself and the kids still have no idea.   I am trying very hard for Ian and Sam to grow up loving the beach and all it has to offer as much as I do.  Meanwhile, Jeff is counting down the years until the kids are old enough and I won't need another pair of hands to help out.

We did a great job of estimating how much food we would eat in the condo and how much we would go out to eat.  With having a washer and dryer at our disposal, it was so nice to bring back every item of our clothing clean and ready to go back in our closets.  Got to love not having to deal with dirty clothes upon our return.

One of the best surprises about our trip was how amazingly well Sam slept each night.  At home she averages 9.5 to 10 hours.  Each night at the beach, she slept for 12 to 13 hours.  Wowee!!  That alone was enough to make me want to live there permanently. 

I can't possibly end this trip wrap-up without a quick summary of how connected the Mazers were. 

Between the 9 of us, we had the following:

2 iPads
2 Netbooks (mini computers)
7 Smartphones
3 Laptops
1 Portable printer
1 Desktop computer (affectionately referred to as a mainframe by my dad).

Yes, Ben brought his whole entire system!  Here is a picture for your viewing pleasure.

 Ben even brought his guitar!

 

 

I joked that next year, we don't have to actually go anywhere.  Just as long as we are all in a room connected to our devices we can be happy and be together.  :)

 

Inevitably, at some point, we always discuss ideas for next year's trip.  Dad makes it a point of saying that it will be Gatlinburg, Tennessee as it has been a few years since he's been to visit the land they own on top of the mountain.  However, until the road is actually built that goes all the way to their property line, I'll just hang out in the car and take their word for it that it really exists.

 

Ian has finally spoken up this time around and said where he'd like to go.  Where is that, you are curious to know?  Brooklyn.  As in Brooklyn, New York.  Why?  No idea. But he thinks he'd like to visit there.

Like I said before, it doesn't matter the location, it's being with family that counts.  And mine rocks!

Lori and Ben recreating the "Titanic" ship scene.

Dad and his 3 girls.  It should be noted, I am the favorite.  :)

Nana with Ian and Sam -- just 2 of the reasons I am the favorite. 

There is a seriously funny story behind this picture. 
Unfortunately I can't write about it.