Let's Have a Baby: Vacation

In May, Bill finished up his first year of teaching at the College of Charleston, and we decided that it was high time for our first family vacation, just the three of us. But, it was a last-minute decision and most everything we were interested in was either unavailable or out of our price range. Enter John Russell, a.k.a. Uncle Bug, a.k.a. maker of dreams. John, beloved employee of the Grande Ocean in Hilton Head, set us up with an incredible 2BR suite looking out onto various pools and lagoons complete with a crib and high chair. A glorious and luxurious five-night holiday ensued.

First: vacation=no rules. Sitting on the counter eating crackers with no pants on is perfectly acceptable:

Next: golf. Owen picked up his first club and made the Russell men proud. (In fact, he preferred to hold multiple clubs. He's developing his own style.)

The beach (of course). Owen embarked upon the noble project of getting all of the ocean water up on the sand using his trusty measuring cup. Here he's saying, "This ocean's not going to move itself, people. Can I get a hand here?" (We're going to wait a few more months until we tell him about continental drift theory and plate tectonics.)

Each morning we enjoyed breakfast and the paper out on our balcony. When anyone was in need of a refreshment, they just reached out and helped themselves:

Sometimes, Owen liked to enjoy his morning paper sans clothes. Here he is reading about financial reform (not even kidding - zoom in to see for yourself):

Paparazzi: busted. (The below picture is now known as the Winston Churchill.)

It's hard to say which is my favorite between the Winston Churchill and this one - the Playgirl slash Prince Album Cover. (I SWEAR, I did not pose this picture.)

Each evening, Bill would whip up some of his delicious daiquiris (Owen enjoyed an ice-cold milk), and we would take a family bath in our gigantic jacuzzi.

And best of all, we got to visit with our favorite Hilton Head locals. Pictured here with Uncle Bug and Mimi:

Aunt Leigh:

Aunt Jean:

Owen was quite taken with Uncle Bug's fish mouth.

So taken, in fact, that he just decided to give him a big smack on the lips.

Overcome with love and affection, he went ahead and spread the kisses around:

Hugs, too:

Here we are at Shelter Cove, standing under the King Neptune statue. Bill and I both have pictures of ourselves as kids standing under the same statue: