In our last post, we came to you from Huntington Beach State Park in Murrell’s Inlet, SC, and had a few days remaining before it was time to move on. We were blessed with great weather and took advantage of our good fortune by visiting the beach daily. Additionally, we walked through the marsh at the western edge of the park, which serves as a sanctuary for various marsh dwellers such as egrets, herons, gulls, and wood storks. I captured a few with my camera.
As someone who can’t idly sit in a beach chair, I took my fishing rod with me on most days. I even caught fish, but most were on the small side except for a couple of Pompano. The picture below is a sample of my catch (small whiting). We had fun, and the time passed very quickly, but we were ready to move on to Charleston for some time with our grandchildren.
In addition to sporting events, another reason for our visit was to celebrate Bennett’s twelfth birthday. Bennett’s parents (our son and daughter-in-law) had planned a pool party for Bennett’s sixth-grade classmates, and Helen and I were blessed to receive an invitation. Saturday afternoon was going to be hopping.
We arrived Thursday afternoon and parked Dora (fifth wheel) in Collin and Austin’s driveway. Collin had a fifty-amp outlet installed beside the garage door that gave us electricity, and we connected a hose to the outdoor faucet for water in the trailer. After that, the mother-in-law suite on wheels was ready for business, and I wasted no time jumping into Collin’s hot tub to rid myself of the effects of a three-hour drive.
Although we would celebrate Bennett’s birthday on Saturday, her actual birthday was on Friday. Helen and I were up early to welcome the birthday girl to a breakfast of Strawberry-Nutella Crepes prepared by her father. Balloons and an inflatable Happy Birthday covered the back wall of the kitchen. She opened a few family gifts before it was time for Helen and me to drive her and Cason to school for a long day, including a soccer victory that evening.
On Saturday, Helen sat poolside, drinking coffee while Collin cleaned the pool deck. Their house is beside a marsh with a view of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge. The morning temperatures were delightful, and the poolside was the best place to start the day.
Before the party guests arrived, Cason had a soccer game. Helen and I served as cheerleaders while her parents readied the house and food for Bennett’s party. Cason played well, and her team won in a close match.
Guests began arriving at three that afternoon. Parents either dropped off their children or joined them for the party. Helen and I had a great time meeting Bennett’s friends and their families. It wasn’t long before the pool was filled with uproarious laughter and a few squeals following a pigtail pull or two. Collin served up a meal of hotdogs with everything imaginable to smother them in a bun.
Collin and Austin also arranged to have a photo-booth photographer attend the party, which added greatly to the fun. The photographer furnished funny hats, glasses, deely-bopper headbands, and other items for the children to use during the photo sessions. He gave every participant a strip of four photographs to take home as a souvenir and gave Collin a thumb drive of every picture taken. I “borrowed” a few to share with readers—some photos are great examples of the creativity inside a twelve-year-old mind.
Initially, Helen and I planned to return home on Monday, but work called Collin away for a few days, so Helen and I stayed in place for one more day to help Austin and watch Bennett’s volleyball game on Monday night. By Tuesday, we were Easin’ Along on our way home.
I love being a grandparent…
That sounds absolutely perfect. I don’t think you could have packed much more in. So glad you had fun!!
We had a ball, and Bennett’s friends were a lot of fun to be around. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week! Joe
Sounds like a wonderful time. Pics were fun to see.
Thanks, Ginny! They grow up too fast!
Another wonderful family event. It is always fun to be around young people. I love the marsh view!
Good morning, Suzanne,
I’ve always known that hanging out with young people is the best way to remain young at heart. The children and their young parents were delightful. The marsh at Huntington Beach is awesome. Collin has a great marsh too! Happy Monday! Joe
What fabulous photos of a memorable 12 th birthday party! Thanks for sharing
Hi, Carolyn,
We had fun, and you were missed. Your travel pictures are fabulous. Joe
Joe, I can tell that you love being a grandparent. 😊 It’s such a delight to see the fun experiences that you and Helen share with your family. What a great idea to have the photo booth…I found some strips of photos from my high school days while sorting through boxes of stuff at my folks’ house. They’re still hilarious, after all these years!
By the way, you look very fit! Your exercise plan has definitely paid off. And I love your photo of the Wood Stork. Hugs to you and Helen!
Good morning, Laurel,
I was a bystander at the birthday events, but the young people’s energy was infectious, and I was happy to be infected. Wood Storks were everywhere in the Bird sanctuary, as were several birds we couldn’t identify—we needed Eric to help us out. I have one photo strip from high school, and it’s a hoot. I look like I’m trying to figure life out and not there yet, LOL! Thanks for noticing my current state of fitness. I made Helen take that picture quickly–I can only hold that stomach in for so long! I hope your travels are going well, and so glad that Ian stayed out of the way of the Forgotten Coast. Joe
Happy 12th birthday, Bennett!
Great post, Joe!
Thanks, Donna,
Bennett is a lovely young lady with some very nice friends. Helen and I were honored to be at her party. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs! Joe
So nice to be a granddad and get to spend these precious moments with your family. As a parent, myself, I have many fond memories of watching my own daughter’s sports. Enjoy all those moments, Joe!
Good morning, Terri,
Both of our Charleston granddaughters love sports, and Bennett is a very promising athlete. Soccer is her favorite, but we think basketball may be her true calling. It will be fun to see how things evolve…we just stay back and watch. Looking forward to seeing your dahlia pictures. Joe
Joe, your last sentence closed your post perfectly. And it’s a fact that’s evident every time you talk and write about your family.
You and Helen both get an A+ in grandparenting. You’re all blessed, that’s for sure.
Mary,
Blessed and very grateful indeed! We had a fabulous weekend in Charleston and wished our California kids were closer. They grow up so fast! Great to hear from you. Please stay in touch and let us know where you are this week. Stay safe. Joe