Our family is currently enjoying a relaxing week of vacation at Hilton Head Island. Emily, Sammie, and I hit the road early Saturday and took a nice an easy drive to Knoxville, TN. Along the way, we stopped for a picnic and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather. Saturday evening, we stayed in a lovely hotel and enjoyed the indoor pool and a meal at everyone’s favorite…the Cracker Barrel. Sunday morning, we woke up, had breakfast at the hotel, and hit the road. We stopped for another picnic in North Carolina (around Asheville). We stopped again in Columbia, SC for some ice cream and then floored it the rest of the way to the condo.

Hilton Head has been absolutely wonderful. We have made daily trips to the beach (which is maybe two blocks from our condo) to play in the sand (Sammie put her fit in and said “I don’t want to go in the ocean anymore”). Emily and I have taken long walks each morning along the beach (it’s been nice being able to leave Sammie with my family so we can hit the beach alone. it’s almost like we’re one of those wealthy families who take their nannies on vacation!). Around 8am, we have spotted a good number of dolphins fairly close to the shoreline. And, when we arrived, my dad told me to look in the fridge. He said, “Since you always complain that I never have any thing you like in my fridge, I bought you something at the store!” A nice six-pack from a local microbrewery!

Last night, we walked down to a nice little seafood joint. We consumed mass quantities of fresh fish and bottom-feeders while sitting outside. And, to make the deal even sweeter, my sister picked up the tab!

Today, we went to a stable and Papaw Bob and Mamaw Jan purchased some pony rides for Sammie. The pony ride went around a small animal farm (llamas, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits, etc). Sammie was loving it! As she got more and more comfortable, she began to only hold onto the saddle with one hand! She was thrilled. After the pony ride, we went to a playground near a “harbor”. I walked around and admired the large yachts! After spending time on our friends boat this summer, I truly understand the desire to be “boat people.” It’s peaceful, relaxing, and fun! So, I have a couple of boats picked out down here!

Right now, everyone is napping. I went for a bike ride around the island. It was beautiful. I saw a few alligators in small ponds along the bike trail.

Overall, this has been a very relaxing and peaceful vacation. We have been blessed in being able to come to Hilton Head. We needed some time away. I have a tendency to get fairly apathetic about Muncie and need to get away from time to time. It brings about a certain type of refreshing and regeneration that gives me the drive and energy I need to keep on keepin’ on! In other words, time away from Muncie, the church, etc., makes me a better person!

So, I hope to continue enjoying some much needed rest and time away. My cell phone is off (I check my voicemail once a day). I’m not responding to e-mails (I check it, but I figure it all can wait). I’m taking some time here and there to work on my sermon for Sunday (I did a lot of work before we left so I could just do some minor studying and tweaking after everyone else goes to bed).

Right now, I plan to shut down the computer, pour a nice pint of my favorite beverage, and try to decide if I’m going to have cannoli, tiramisu, or German chocolate brownies for dessert!

Pictures will be coming soon!