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We had a great day together on the beach! Simon was scared of the ocean, though, but he loved the sand and the shells. We went out for pizza at the Island's pizza place, and spent the evening trying to fly a kite on the beach! The air-helper had brought us over a window unit that we put in the bedroom with the king-bed where we hung out when we weren't outside. More bonding came after the beach fun and before going out for pizza when I tried for almost 2 hours to get Simon to calm down and sleep. Only asleep 45 minutes and he gets REALLY sick. Trust me, no details would be wanted on this. So, a bath later, we try and recoup the evening with going out for pizza. Of course, only Matt and I eat!

That night, Simon is REALLY excited about the 3rd night of sleeping with Mommy and Daddy. We are a little scared (for GOOD reason) and put lots of towels under him. Yep, about midnight Simon bonds REALLY well with daddy and then daddy takes a shower and mommy gives Simon a bath. Simon spends the rest of the night on the floor. Mommy also spends most of the night on the floor with Simon on his makeshift bed, comforting him and singing and rocking ... This is my third night of practically no sleep. While sleeping with mommy and daddy equals great fun for Simon, it equals no sleep for mommy!

Did I mention we were all sick with congestion, headaches, and sore throats, too?

I know this might sound like complaining, but really it was quite funny! We bonded as a family and feel that if we could live through those 2 days together and not turn on each other (completely, there were some moments!), then we are only stronger for it!

On our way up to Asheville the next day, we drove through Charleston. It was raining, and Simon was sleeping in the van, but I was able to go into our favorite bakery on Meeting Street and get some pralines--our souvenir from our 'day' in Charleston!

We are thankful for: the pumpkin muffins that we ate between many meals and for 2 breakfasts, audio books, the window unit which made it possible for us to stay another day, God's glorious creation, each other, Simon's general health (even if not experienced on the trip,) Simon's general contentment in the van, our bonding experiences, the fact that there is a beach house we could stay at, pralines, Matt's family's understanding and flexibility, no car troubles, caffeine in its most choice forms-SoBe Energy Drinks (Matt) and Starbucks (Amy)!