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.

My Boys

Zachary's First Birthday

For Zachary's first birthday we had three separate parties. One with each set of grandparents, and another with some of our close friends.










Smaller parties are nice because there is less planning and serving, and more time to mingle and talk. But on the flip side it is quite tiring to clean and do all the party prep multiple times.

Zach Looking Cute

Playdoh

Mommy:

"Avery, don't eat that. Avery, don't eat that!"

Daddy:

"It's not toxic, and he's going to get it in his mouth eventually, so lets just see what he does."

Avery:

(thinking) "Mmmm... what's this? Wow it smells pretty nice.. kinda lemony How does it taste? Hmm.. not nearly as good as it smells."