The Post That Blogger Ate

Blogger ate a big entry all about our Myrtle Beach vacation with the Egans. I am still bitter, even though a week has passed. At any rate, even though I'm too tweaked to re-type the whole thing, at least I can share the pictures.

And yes, we celebrated Caroline's fifth birthday while we were down there. She was thrilled with her no-frills celebration. She got the pink cupcakes she wanted and many gifts she hadn't expected. All good.

It started with Kevin and his kids coming into Altoona to spend the night. Kevin and I (with seven kids between us) left the next morning. Caroline and Emma picked up right where they left off at Thanksgiving. This was the first of the ten nights the spent together. There was A LOT of giggling.

One of the nights spent at Grandma Egan's house. I don't know how kids can sleep in such strange positions.

Gabe and Michael. The curly-haired genes are strong in these two!

Rob arrived on July 5th, well after the kids were in bed. In the morning they dragged him down to the pool immediately after breakfast. I enjoy a short, brief, itty-bitty, mini-break. Most likely I did the laundry. *rolleyes*

There was plenty of beach time too, although we did have more rain this year than we've had in the past. Drew enjoyed his wave board, and got quite good at it!

Gabe was mesmerized by the constant motion of the waves.

Kevin and Pat. Yes, the message on the t-shirt has been confirmed as true. Kevin's kids were absolutely aghast. Hilarity ensued.

Rob and I took Caroline, Drew and Emma to get ice cream. Gabe preferred to stay at the house with Grandpa.

On the afternoon Rob's phone didn't survive a trip in the ocean died, we spent some time at the NASCAR Speedpark. It was the least we could do for the kids after they spent over an hour in the Verizon Wireless Store.
They had a blast. The boys drove min-racecars (Caroline tried, but did NOT enjoy it.) as well as bumper boats with Rob. We were only there a little while, but everyone had a good time. Especially Drew.

See? She HATED it.

Charles.

BINGO! night is always a hit.

Another night with the girls. On this particualr night they chose the air mattress.

Grandma Egan with her first grandchild (Michael) and her last grandchild (Caroline.)

Emma and Gabe were dying to be included in the photo.

Caroline's 5th Birthday Party.

All four of The Littles enjoying Caroline's newest Leapster game.

Gabe and Grandpa enjoying a snuggle.

Drew wanted a trench, so a trench Daddy built!

Gabe is quite the beach bum. He even enjoyed some time jumping the waves while on Riley's shoulders.

Uncle Kevin bought some parklers, snap pops and little fire crackers for The Littles to enjoy.

A final game of BINGO! with just The Littles. They got to clean out the rest of the prizes.

It was a fun, but long vacation. I'm still recovering. We missed the Gainer's, and send them our love, prayers and condolences. There are rumors and talks about changing the venue next year. Who knows where we'll end up!