A New Patio in our Backyard

After two years in our house, and a year with our back porch, we decided that it was time to add a patio. It took about two weeks for them to get it all done, and they spent a lot of time chipping away at our crummy rock and clay filled soil. We ultimately chose this particular contractor because we loved the design.

This first photo shows the general outline with rock and dirt removed.



Here is the first edition of the completed patio (later, we had them come back and make a few minor edits).

Family Fishing on the Creek

This is the dock behind Sullivans, next to Back of the Moon (the house we stay in).


Mom and Dad have a chance to do a little Spot fishing.



Christine and Brianna take turns holding Zachary.


Avery watches intently, eager to try fishing himself.

Mexican Night

Each year at Pawley's the Bollar/Hilligrass household hosts a Mexican fiesta. They serve a fantastic spread: tamales, shredded pork tacos, and all manner of tasty dips and finger foods. There's also a drink called Goombah Smash made from rum and fruit juice that is not to be missed. Yum!



With no nap, Avery fell asleep early. The rest of us took a late walk on the beach. If you look at Sara's hair, you can see how humid it is.

Fun at the Beach

As usual, our time at Pawley's was full of beach time and relaxation, though the kids added a new wrinkle to everything. Eli managed to squeeze in a daytime creek float, but missed a night float that sounded really fun. We look forward to when the boys are old enough to go along.



Here are some beach shots. At low tide there are tidal pools on the beach that the boys can splash around and play in without giving us too much concern for their safety. The two of them are like tiny dynamos; Nora only got ahold of Zachary in this photo because he fell asleep!

This year Aunt Alison hosted a Spot fishing tournament. Spot are found in the tidal creek that flows along one side of Pawley's. Eli and I took turns fishing and watching the boys play out on the dock.

Brookgreen Gardens

Every year we go to Pawley's Island for a week long beach vacation with Eli's extended family. This year we met up with Cullen at Brookgreen Gardens before our house was available.



Avery and Zach were patient enough to pose for a couple of pictures among the statuary. It's a lovely place to stroll around (parents), run around (kids), and unwind.