Stuck Like Glue

My happiest memories are associated with a song. When we arrived at Nikki's house bright and early last Friday on our way to Myrtle Beach, she announced that Sugarland's new song was going to be premiered. It quickly became our theme song for the weekend. We must have listened to it about a hundred times.  Even Brad said it was a catchy song. My favorite part about family vacations are all of the funny things that happen. These special moments are what we talk about for years to come. Cozette is at an age where she expresses the cutest little thoughts.

We immediately discovered that she did not like the sand. It just about did her in. She wanted to go back and forth through the scorching sand to wash her hands at the water station over and over.

She looked at Nikki at one point and said, "Nikki, I'm a sandy dandy!" 

All of us quickly became sandy dandies when we were on the beach. I'm not sure where little children come up with these things. I looked at Cozette this morning and asked her if she was a sandy dandy. She looked at me and laughed and said, "No!"

On Saturday, Nikki noticed that the water from her shower was leaking all over the bathroom floor. Cozette was in the bathroom with her.

Nikki said, "Oh, no! What a mess!"

Cozette asked her, "What happened?"

Nikki explained and showed Cozette the water on the floor.

"Isn't it sickening, Nikki?"

Nikki was stunned. "Cozette, did you just say sickening?"

"Yes, isn't it sickening?" She asked again.

I have no idea where she heard the word sickening. It's a word that I never use.

I asked Cozette what was her favorite part of the trip. She answered, "Staying at the big hotel!"

"What did you like about the big hotel?" I pushed for more details.

"Riding in the el-eee-vatah!"

I liked the big hotel too, because they upgraded us to a two bedroom, two bathroom suite on the 20th floor with a full view of the ocean!  

A cute little sandy dandy.

This bathing beauty did not like the sand either. 

Kayleigh said she prefers the night life!

Everett loved being a sandy dandy so much that he asked us to bury him.

The conquering hero. 

Notice Everett's mouth. He was asking for water.

I was happy when Everett busted out of that sand.

On Friday evening, we went to a place called Broadway on the Beach. This is a huge area of shopping, entertainment, carnival rides, and endless restaurants. Cozette was trying her hardest to stay up after a long afternoon without at nap.

Waiting to be seated at the Hard Rock Cafe.

A highlight of the evening was watching Cozette ride the carnival rides. She rode the mini Flying Dutchman all by herself. Well, she had to take her pacifier for a little courage. We all laughed with delight at the sight of her. It was too much for words.

Cozette also rode the boats. the Merry-Go-Round, and the Teacups. I rode the Teacups with her. I was amazed at how fearless she was, and she loved spinning round and round. We loved riding The Caterpillar. It was a roller coaster on a track that went round and round. I can't even begin to guess how fast we were going. I became a smashed taco between Nikki and Kayleigh. We highly recommend this ride.

Speaking of boats, we noticed that people were parasailing from the view of our room. We called to see if was a possibility to do it and by 3:00 pm on Saturday, Nikki, Kayleigh, and I were standing on the beach waiting for our turn. I have never been so nervous in all my life. I suspected it would be like Soarin' at Epcot, but I just didn't know. The most terrific surprise of the day was riding the banana boat to get to the parasailing.

I didn't know what a banana boat was. I thought they were boats shaped like bananas that you rode in. 

NOT on.

We received our directions very quickly.

"Straddle the boat, move quickly to your left, and hold on tight!" the lifeguard instructed.

I just stared at Nikki with horror in my eyes. It's important to mention that it was not smooth waters  that day. It was very windy, the ocean was choppy, and the waves were huge.

At that moment, a jet ski pulling the banana boat approached at a speed of about 50 mph. We straddled it as fast as we could. I found myself at the head of our group. We were riding with two ladies from Quebec who spoke French. They sat to our left. The jet ski took off with a jolt and my head jerked back as I held on for dear life.

We all screamed with horror and delight.  

We were flying through the air.

I thought I did not have the strength to hold on. I was worried about Kayleigh, but I can assure you that she never had a moment of fear.

We were going so fast, I tried screaming to slow down, but he could never hear me. Nikki and Kayleigh were laughing and the French girls were squealing in French. I tried to understand them. After all, I took two whole semesters of French in college. I really only understood one word they said.

Jellyfish.

We were going so fast. I had a hard time keeping my eyes open due to the ocean splashing in them. It really stung. I was losing my strength. I tried to wiped my eyes, but I was afraid I might fall off.  Then, I looked to my right.

There were so many of them.

At that moment, the adrenaline kicked in. I had tons of energy to keep going. I was not going to fall off into a bunch of jellyfish.

We finally arrived at the boat, and I am not sure how to describe how we felt. It was a combination of exhilaration, terror, shock, humor, and thrills. I have never laughed so hard and been so afraid at the same time.

It was awesome.

The parasailing was like a dream.

We also enjoyed a boat ride through the ocean. We were literally flying off of our seats. When we returned, Brad and Everett were ready to go jet skiing. They went to go pay only to return a few minutes later because the jet skiing had been canceled for the rest of the day. It was too dangerous to go out. I was devastated for them. Everett handled it like a man. We promised that we would return next year.

We went to the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum. The skinny mirror was the best part. Kayleigh's legs look like stork legs. Nikki said women would be much happier if they could look into a mirror like this every morning.

I agree.

 
This is Stumpy. He was fantastic. He had to hold on all night to take pictures with the tourists. People loved him. I told Nikki that I thought he had a crush on her!

This is my favorite picture.

These girls are gorgeous.

Good-bye, Myrtle Beach.

See you next year.