Following Harold's Diner, we went to the movie theater. Mark and the girls saw The Dark Knight. Patrick and I chose lighter fare - Space Chimps.
We returned to the villa and prepared for our last trip to the beach.
We all enjoyed boogie boarding, wading and body surfing on this trip. Mark, Hannah, Polly and I enjoyed the large waves - the best of our visit. Boogie boarding was ideal.
Patrick, too, enjoyed a bit of boogie boarding, though starting a bit closer to shore.
After about 2 hours at the beach, we returned to the villa and ordered pizza for dinner.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Harold's Diner Instructions
Harold's instructions for an excellent experience! No one else would get away with this!
Click on the photo to enlarge it!
Click on the photo to enlarge it!
Harold's Diner Part 2
Yes, Harold's was open this time. It is a true diner, with a row of seats at the counter and a handful of deuces along the wall. A trailer, really. We were lucky to find 5 seats together along the counter. The cooking action takes place in front of you. To order, each person checks off what they want on individual order forms. "Harold" quickly asks you what you want to drink. I asked for coffee and was told that they don't serve coffee at lunch! We all ordered and awaited our yummy lunches. While awaiting our food, there was much to see. Funny bumper stickers and signs decorate the place. (See the next post for Harold's instructions!)
Thanks to Annamarie for the recommendation. We really enjoyed Harold's and will definitely return when we go back to HHI.
Last full day at HHI
Friday is our last day on the island.
We started the day in good fashion. Mark and I took a bike ride to McD to share coffee and a nice conversation. We then rode the bikes to the beach to check it out. Weather was threatening again, and we were trying to plan the day accordingly.
We decided that we would go to a movie early in the day and head to the beach later, hopefully dodging the impending rain. Before the movie, however, it was important to give Harold's Diner another try.
We started the day in good fashion. Mark and I took a bike ride to McD to share coffee and a nice conversation. We then rode the bikes to the beach to check it out. Weather was threatening again, and we were trying to plan the day accordingly.
We decided that we would go to a movie early in the day and head to the beach later, hopefully dodging the impending rain. Before the movie, however, it was important to give Harold's Diner another try.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Hannah Savannah
Miley Cyrus, eat our dust.
You may be Hannah Montana, but we've got our own special character - Hannah Savannah!
She's smart, funny and beautiful. Not to mention, she has great sidekick siblings. Vacations allow us lots of togetherness. As parents, we get to witness the effects of continual sibling exposure. After 3-4 days, they are experts at pushing eachother's buttons and calling attention to how they've each been wronged in one way or another.
Unusually inclement weather threatened on Thursday. We decided it would be a good time to take a quick trip to Savannah, about 45 miles away. Mark and I were most excited about this adventure. The kids grudgingly joined us. The prospect of seeing a historic city was not high on their list of things to do. For some reason, Target and the outlet mall were more compelling.
Nevertheless, loaded everyone in the van and headed out. Skies were cloudy and it looked like it could be raining on and off all day. Though we weren't sure everyone would survive the 45-minute trip without electronic stimulation (we banned phones and dvd's), we all arrived intact.
Savannah is an old city, unlike any other we've seen. There are lots of old trees with large limbs, creating canopies over the streets. Savannah's claim to fame is that is was the first planned development city. It is laid out in a grid, with 24 lovely "squares", park-like spaces, each with a monument or fountain.
We decided to take a trolley tour of the city. This way, we would get oriented and learn much of the fun, sometimes eerie, lore that Savannah has to offer. For example, many of Savannah's beautiful homes are said to be haunted. If we had wanted to extend our stay to the evening, we could have taken the "Ghosts and Gravestones" version of the trolley tour.
We enjoyed the trolley's leisurely pace as it navigated its way through the city. We exited the trolley at stop 4 to see a recent addition to the cities gems, a 5-star hotel incorporating an 1888 home and a newer structure built to resemble the older one. It is host to a lot of neat art and we toured ourselves through the lobby and gallery.
We resumed our trolley tour and exited near Paula Deen's restaurant, "The Lady and Her Sons." We were hungry but the restaurant couldn't accommodate us. We found a cafe and relaxed while the rain continued outside.
We finished our Savannah experience with a stroll along the river walk, a series of cafes, shops and restaurants in old buildings on the bank of the Savannah River. The highlight was finding the Savannah Candy Company, which held treats for all.
When we returned to the villa, we spread out and relaxed for a bit, enjoying a quiet evening and dinner "in."
We're from Ohio!
Everybody, give me an O-H! I-O!
We're from Ohio, O-H.
We're from Ohio, I-O.
We don't give a d--n about the whole state of Michigan, 'cause we're from Ohio!
We've learned a lot this week - the meaning of high tide vs. low tide, for example, and other low country terminology. Another important lesson is that we apparently scheduled our visit to HHI during Ohio Week. Either that, or Governor Strickland opened the borders of our fair state for this week only and everyone vacated to Hilton Head.
As we drive around the island, about half of the cars' license plates indicate that they're from the Buckeye state. Any time we meet someone here, they are either from Ohio or just met 5 families from Ohio.
Yesterday is a good indication of this interesting situation. On the road, we saw a van with an Ohio license plate and a frame that indicated it was purchased at a dealer in "Wadsworth/Brunswick." Wow. Small world!
During our day-trip to Savannah (See Hannah-Savannah post), our trolley stopped to pick up some additional riders, and I noticed a kid with a red "Grizzlies" shirt. Yes, they were from Wadsworth!
To set up our trolley tour, we worked with a concierge at the Savannah Hilton. (side note - I told him that it was mom and dad's 60th anniversary. He returned the favor by offering that he celebrated his 61st anniversary the day before! He's worked at the Savannah Hilton for 40 years, and he turned 81 in May. Very impressive gentleman, indeed.) Anyway, the family obtaining his assistance before us hails from Cincinnati.
While shopping in for souvenirs, I overheard a woman talking about a shop back home in Medina. I inquired, "Medina, Ohio?" Yep. Mark asked if she had heard of or been to Grandeland! No, she hadn't had the honor.
We are surrounded by Ohioans, it seems!
We're from Ohio, O-H.
We're from Ohio, I-O.
We don't give a d--n about the whole state of Michigan, 'cause we're from Ohio!
We've learned a lot this week - the meaning of high tide vs. low tide, for example, and other low country terminology. Another important lesson is that we apparently scheduled our visit to HHI during Ohio Week. Either that, or Governor Strickland opened the borders of our fair state for this week only and everyone vacated to Hilton Head.
As we drive around the island, about half of the cars' license plates indicate that they're from the Buckeye state. Any time we meet someone here, they are either from Ohio or just met 5 families from Ohio.
Yesterday is a good indication of this interesting situation. On the road, we saw a van with an Ohio license plate and a frame that indicated it was purchased at a dealer in "Wadsworth/Brunswick." Wow. Small world!
During our day-trip to Savannah (See Hannah-Savannah post), our trolley stopped to pick up some additional riders, and I noticed a kid with a red "Grizzlies" shirt. Yes, they were from Wadsworth!
To set up our trolley tour, we worked with a concierge at the Savannah Hilton. (side note - I told him that it was mom and dad's 60th anniversary. He returned the favor by offering that he celebrated his 61st anniversary the day before! He's worked at the Savannah Hilton for 40 years, and he turned 81 in May. Very impressive gentleman, indeed.) Anyway, the family obtaining his assistance before us hails from Cincinnati.
While shopping in for souvenirs, I overheard a woman talking about a shop back home in Medina. I inquired, "Medina, Ohio?" Yep. Mark asked if she had heard of or been to Grandeland! No, she hadn't had the honor.
We are surrounded by Ohioans, it seems!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
family fun
Pat and Hannah goof around at Guisseppi's restaurant during dinner Wed.
Team Sellers, minus record-breaker Mark, at the putt-putt course.
Patrick enjoys the trolley ride in downtown Savannah, GA.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Jet Skis!
Where to begin this tale of death-defying feats?
At the beginning. We've raised three healthy and reasonably happy kids. Each has a certain tolerance for adventure, some more than others. And don't forget about mom and dad; each of us has a built-in acceptance of risk.
When we called to reserve the jet skis, we learned that you have to be 18 or over to operate the jet skis, and each ski can hold up to three people. We decided that Mark would take the big kids, Hannah and Polly, and I would take Patrick, 6 1/2. As I mentioned, we all have an innate desire or lack thereof to push the envelope in terms of risking our lives for the sake of adventure. This match-up seemed ideal; the big kids would go with dad, a former motocross competitor who relished the idea of testing the jet ski's capabilities out on the open water. Patrick, a mite terrified of jet skis and other things, would ride with me, someone with great respect for the power of machinery and the risks involved.
Processing the paperwork was easy. Sign your life away.
Follow the dock to the end where "Full Throttle Bob" will orient you to the rules and regs of jet-skiing. They issued life jackets and pointed us to the jet skis. Mark and the girls saddled up. I prepared to get on my ski with Pat, when he gently but firmly said he wasn't interested. It took a bit of coaxing and a guarantee that I would follow his command to stop or slow down to get him seated cozily behind me on the ski. He was holding on for dear life and we weren't moving yet.
FT Bob navigated us through a wide-bed shallow area in which we were not to generate a wake. We were crusing single file at about 5 mph. It was a perfect way to acquaint Patrick with the ski and make him more comfortable with how he'd spend the next 60 minutes of his young life.
When we reached the open sound, FT Bob pointed out our boundaries and encouraged us to let loose. As he dashed off, laying backward on his ski, powering it up to full speed, jumping the bumpy, choppy waves, I felt my own fear.
I took a deep breath and assured Patrick that we would be okay, and slowly moved along at 8 mph.
Mark, on the other hand, couldn't wait to see how fast his baby would travel. The girls squeeled with delight and fear as they literally skipped away from us at full speed.
Pat and I spent the next 30-40 minutes enjoying a leisurely pace, seeing the sites and avoiding the loss of our lives, like responsible humans should. We viewed the expansive mansions and their long, high docks, leading to nice, big boats. We looked at the beach and imagined the fun we'd have should we stop and swim for a bit. (Only the possibility of sharks and other sea life stopped us from doing that.)
We periodically spotted Mark and the girls...and at this point mark now has control of the keyboard.
It is true, the memories of dirt tracks and whoop de doos and flying through the air with the greatest of two wheeled eaze resurfaced and challenged my manlihood. Did I still have it in me? Oh, the power of the throttle and rubber grip, like a trigger set to explode at an instant's touch was nearly overwhelming. I was quietly pleased that Bonnie had chosen to take Pat, on to the safe harbour of the kiddie pool while Polly, Hannah and I raced to the deep end. When the gate dropped I hit it hard, knowing the other riders and their rpms were bottled and ready for unleashing.
One thing I forgot was that girls scream like girls.
We leveled off fast and the speedometer rather quickly showed 43mph. The girls surely thought their dad had lost it and we would all soon evaporate. Every acceleration was accompanied by a cacauphony of screams and a finger digging into my sunburned shoulders.
Once I felt I knew the capabilities of the machine I challenged its 4 stroke scope. When I first saw 52 on the speedometer I thought, interesting. Doesn't feel like 52. What would 60 feel like? We hit 60 and decided to stretch it out. In the end we registered 65 and I thought that was enough for a first timer.
Polly asked if we could jump in and swim for a second, as Full Throttle Rob had suggested at the outset. We headed for the beach area, not too close, and I shut down the engine. It's funny how a good idea in concept can become a dumb idea when you're strapped in and the countdown begins. Something about sharks and dolphins and other moving, gill-rich things that can only be felt and not seen made Polly say she'd only jump in if I did. so I did. Polly soon followed with a look that was somewhat similar to the one she had when she opened her phone present for her birthday, combined with a bit of terror and adrenaline that was a cross between Disturbia and bungee jumping from the Bay Bridge.
Tonight it's back to Guiseppe's at hannah's request to see if we get in this time. Then, another round of golf with the family, fast greens, undulating fairways and a limit of 5 shots per hole.
Mark, Bonnie
At the beginning. We've raised three healthy and reasonably happy kids. Each has a certain tolerance for adventure, some more than others. And don't forget about mom and dad; each of us has a built-in acceptance of risk.
When we called to reserve the jet skis, we learned that you have to be 18 or over to operate the jet skis, and each ski can hold up to three people. We decided that Mark would take the big kids, Hannah and Polly, and I would take Patrick, 6 1/2. As I mentioned, we all have an innate desire or lack thereof to push the envelope in terms of risking our lives for the sake of adventure. This match-up seemed ideal; the big kids would go with dad, a former motocross competitor who relished the idea of testing the jet ski's capabilities out on the open water. Patrick, a mite terrified of jet skis and other things, would ride with me, someone with great respect for the power of machinery and the risks involved.
Processing the paperwork was easy. Sign your life away.
Follow the dock to the end where "Full Throttle Bob" will orient you to the rules and regs of jet-skiing. They issued life jackets and pointed us to the jet skis. Mark and the girls saddled up. I prepared to get on my ski with Pat, when he gently but firmly said he wasn't interested. It took a bit of coaxing and a guarantee that I would follow his command to stop or slow down to get him seated cozily behind me on the ski. He was holding on for dear life and we weren't moving yet.
FT Bob navigated us through a wide-bed shallow area in which we were not to generate a wake. We were crusing single file at about 5 mph. It was a perfect way to acquaint Patrick with the ski and make him more comfortable with how he'd spend the next 60 minutes of his young life.
When we reached the open sound, FT Bob pointed out our boundaries and encouraged us to let loose. As he dashed off, laying backward on his ski, powering it up to full speed, jumping the bumpy, choppy waves, I felt my own fear.
I took a deep breath and assured Patrick that we would be okay, and slowly moved along at 8 mph.
Mark, on the other hand, couldn't wait to see how fast his baby would travel. The girls squeeled with delight and fear as they literally skipped away from us at full speed.
Pat and I spent the next 30-40 minutes enjoying a leisurely pace, seeing the sites and avoiding the loss of our lives, like responsible humans should. We viewed the expansive mansions and their long, high docks, leading to nice, big boats. We looked at the beach and imagined the fun we'd have should we stop and swim for a bit. (Only the possibility of sharks and other sea life stopped us from doing that.)
We periodically spotted Mark and the girls...and at this point mark now has control of the keyboard.
It is true, the memories of dirt tracks and whoop de doos and flying through the air with the greatest of two wheeled eaze resurfaced and challenged my manlihood. Did I still have it in me? Oh, the power of the throttle and rubber grip, like a trigger set to explode at an instant's touch was nearly overwhelming. I was quietly pleased that Bonnie had chosen to take Pat, on to the safe harbour of the kiddie pool while Polly, Hannah and I raced to the deep end. When the gate dropped I hit it hard, knowing the other riders and their rpms were bottled and ready for unleashing.
One thing I forgot was that girls scream like girls.
We leveled off fast and the speedometer rather quickly showed 43mph. The girls surely thought their dad had lost it and we would all soon evaporate. Every acceleration was accompanied by a cacauphony of screams and a finger digging into my sunburned shoulders.
Once I felt I knew the capabilities of the machine I challenged its 4 stroke scope. When I first saw 52 on the speedometer I thought, interesting. Doesn't feel like 52. What would 60 feel like? We hit 60 and decided to stretch it out. In the end we registered 65 and I thought that was enough for a first timer.
Polly asked if we could jump in and swim for a second, as Full Throttle Rob had suggested at the outset. We headed for the beach area, not too close, and I shut down the engine. It's funny how a good idea in concept can become a dumb idea when you're strapped in and the countdown begins. Something about sharks and dolphins and other moving, gill-rich things that can only be felt and not seen made Polly say she'd only jump in if I did. so I did. Polly soon followed with a look that was somewhat similar to the one she had when she opened her phone present for her birthday, combined with a bit of terror and adrenaline that was a cross between Disturbia and bungee jumping from the Bay Bridge.
Tonight it's back to Guiseppe's at hannah's request to see if we get in this time. Then, another round of golf with the family, fast greens, undulating fairways and a limit of 5 shots per hole.
Mark, Bonnie
Wednesday
Everyone will get some form of exercise today. Hannah wants to run on the beach. Polly is more interested in a bike ride. So is Pat.
I took Hannah for a nice run and walk on the beach. (see previous posted photo of Hannah)
Pat and Polly joined Mark for a bike ride around the island (see video, below)
Hannah and I returned within an hour. After two hours, I began to worry about the bike riders, assuming especially Pat's little legs couldn't take that much. Mark occasionally rides long routes with his buddies on Saturday mornings. He likes to go fast and his nickname is blade, based on how thin he is. I was worried that Blade left the kids in his tracks and they had to fend for themselves, or that maybe someone was hit by a car and a trip to the hospital was necessary.
Well, they finally arrived back at the villa, saying that they were exhausted from the biking and putt-putt golfing. Polly announced that she had a hole in one, but that wasn't enough to beat Mark's score of 49. She had 62 and Pat came in with a 70.
We ate subs for lunch and are preparing for an outing on jet skis. Patrick has announced that he won't be riding on the jet ski, but he will have to. We'll let you know how it goes...
Everyone will get some form of exercise today. Hannah wants to run on the beach. Polly is more interested in a bike ride. So is Pat.
I took Hannah for a nice run and walk on the beach. (see previous posted photo of Hannah)
Pat and Polly joined Mark for a bike ride around the island (see video, below)
Hannah and I returned within an hour. After two hours, I began to worry about the bike riders, assuming especially Pat's little legs couldn't take that much. Mark occasionally rides long routes with his buddies on Saturday mornings. He likes to go fast and his nickname is blade, based on how thin he is. I was worried that Blade left the kids in his tracks and they had to fend for themselves, or that maybe someone was hit by a car and a trip to the hospital was necessary.
Well, they finally arrived back at the villa, saying that they were exhausted from the biking and putt-putt golfing. Polly announced that she had a hole in one, but that wasn't enough to beat Mark's score of 49. She had 62 and Pat came in with a 70.
We ate subs for lunch and are preparing for an outing on jet skis. Patrick has announced that he won't be riding on the jet ski, but he will have to. We'll let you know how it goes...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
boogie woogie bugle boy
We ate lunch at the villa. The kids are quite content to replicate a Subway turkey sub for most meals. Each has their preferences - Hannah toasts it and includes turkey, pepperoni, provolone and banana peppers; Polly likes black olives, lettuce and salad dressing; Pat copies Polly. A quick trip through Publix supplied what we need for lunch or dinner for at least two nights.Lunch was late - 3PM. We spent the next couple of hours taking it pretty easy. Polly juggled her soccer ball. Hannah bumped the volleyball. Patrick was probably watching tv - boo.
By 6PM we decided to go back to the beach for high tide, hoping to catch larger waves with our $10 boogie boards. It was a great idea. The beach was nearly empty and we spent about 90 minutes enjoying the waning day.
My heart is soaring as I describe Patrick's experience with the boogie board. Normally a very cautious child, Patrick has blossomed in many ways this year. He now rides a bike, an a
ctivity that used to terrify him. He is not afraid to dip his whole head in the water at the swimming pool - a big milestone for him. He fearlessly tried rock wall climbing a couple of times at the club we just joined. I have secretly beamed while witnessing his overcoming of fears and feeling of triumph as he stretches his boundaries. Today, he tried boogie boarding for the first time. (By the way, so did I! Somehow, I've never gotten the chance. It's a blast when you hit the wave just right and get a ride all the way in to shore.)Patrick kept closer to shore but enjoyed the boogie boarding experience nevertheless. I am so proud of my little guy.
Take a moment to watch the video of the whole family (except me) enjoying the ocean!
Tuesday noon - more beach
The rest of the family was ready to return to the beach by noon today. Properly covered and protected from the sun, we all wanted to get back to see the ocean.
With boogie boards in hand, we planned to spend a couple of hours at the beach and return for a late lunch at around 2PM.
Patrick spent a little time in the water and set to work on a castle. Hannah and Polly helped him, and he met a friend who chipped in some of her time.
Tuesday - back to the beach
Tuesday morning - Polly and I made our way to the beach, exercising and rehabbing her leg. It was nearly 9AM and we got to see the early morning crowd.
We walked along the beach, enjoying the cooler early morning water. Polly is happiest when she's active, and it's fun for me to have a morning buddy for an excursion.
We found some shells for her collection and headed back to the condo for the next activity.
Harold's Diner, part 1
Here's a shout out to Annamarie: Our special outing to Harold's Diner was cut short
when it was closed. Unbeknownst to us, the place is only open from 7AM - 3PM "Most Days."
We arrived hungry at 7:30 PM on Monday night and it was closed.
Change of plans
Monday, July 14, 2008
king of the road
Big beautiful birds are common sites. This one was taking a leisurely morning walk as we
left our area for the Target excursion.
Feel the burn
I guess it was inevitable. Our fair skin didn't fare well after the first day at the beach. Only one of us emerged unscathed from the experience. The rest of us are suffering a bit, especially on our backs. Polly was blessed with many things and one of them is olive skin. She has a beautiful tan on her smooth, muscular body. Hannah, Mark and I have got red, sting-y backs. Pat's shoulders are a little sore. We used sunblock and re-applied frequently, but must have missed our backs.
I woke first again this morning. Decided to go for a run on the beach. The sun was higher in the sky than I anticipated. Several people let their dogs enjoy the early morning tide, before the crush of vacationers takes over. The water was cooler this morning, more refreshing than yesterday's bath-water temperature. The bike paths and small roads are pretty here, with trees that overarch the roadway, hanging gently in the breeze.
Once the kids awoke, we took a trip to Target while Mark explored the island on a bicycle.
Pat was anxious to cash in on a promise from long ago. Mark told him that he would get something special when he was able to ride his bike up and down our driveway several times without stopping. Now that Pat has crossed this important milestone, he's ready for his reward. He selected an Indian Jones-themed Lego set. While Pat and i were reviewing his options, he looked up at me and said, "You know the one bad thing about shopping? You have to pay for it." How right he is!
We also picked up more sunblock and a couple of beach towels, some books, cereal, and other provisions for our vacation.
Though it is a little hazy today, the sun still stings our backs, event through our clothing. It's not the worst burn I've ever had, but it is still uncomfortable. Hannah and Mark are worse.
We returned from Target, hungry and ready for lunch. Mark and I went to Publix, the local grocery store. We picked up enough food for at least a couple of lunches, snacks and a dinner. It will save us time and money on the trip.
Now that we've finished our lunch, Polly and Mark rode their bikes to the beach. They will try out our new styrofoam boogie boards and hopefully escape the sun. Pat, Hannah and I may join them in an hour or so, when the sun is not as intense. If we do, I'll wear a t-shirt to protect my back.
I woke first again this morning. Decided to go for a run on the beach. The sun was higher in the sky than I anticipated. Several people let their dogs enjoy the early morning tide, before the crush of vacationers takes over. The water was cooler this morning, more refreshing than yesterday's bath-water temperature. The bike paths and small roads are pretty here, with trees that overarch the roadway, hanging gently in the breeze.
Once the kids awoke, we took a trip to Target while Mark explored the island on a bicycle.
Pat was anxious to cash in on a promise from long ago. Mark told him that he would get something special when he was able to ride his bike up and down our driveway several times without stopping. Now that Pat has crossed this important milestone, he's ready for his reward. He selected an Indian Jones-themed Lego set. While Pat and i were reviewing his options, he looked up at me and said, "You know the one bad thing about shopping? You have to pay for it." How right he is!
We also picked up more sunblock and a couple of beach towels, some books, cereal, and other provisions for our vacation.
Though it is a little hazy today, the sun still stings our backs, event through our clothing. It's not the worst burn I've ever had, but it is still uncomfortable. Hannah and Mark are worse.
We returned from Target, hungry and ready for lunch. Mark and I went to Publix, the local grocery store. We picked up enough food for at least a couple of lunches, snacks and a dinner. It will save us time and money on the trip.
Now that we've finished our lunch, Polly and Mark rode their bikes to the beach. They will try out our new styrofoam boogie boards and hopefully escape the sun. Pat, Hannah and I may join them in an hour or so, when the sun is not as intense. If we do, I'll wear a t-shirt to protect my back.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
harbour town
The boys enjoy some downtime in rocking chairs while the girls stroll through the shops in Harbour Town.
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