Christmas in July...sort of

Our family just came home from celebrating Christmas with family.

On the beach.

In December. (yeah, I know that's when Christmas usually is...just go with me here).

That was a huge first for us. I believe it was my first winter trip to the beach and for sure was the first time our family was on the beach for Christmas. It was rather strange and surreal. I mean, I am from Kansas. Growing up, the closest ocean was hundreds of miles away. I did not even SEE the Atlantic Ocean until I was in college. So, Christmas on the beach...weird. Palm trees decorated with Christmas lights.

Our family (Wayne's side) is a bit spread out, to say the least, so it has been a while since we have been able to get together to celebrate a holiday. So, back in July, we started planning for Christmas. We decided to head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as it was as good a place as any. We had family there from from Indiana, Florida, Arkansas and North Carolina (and, of course, Virginia). We stayed in a wonderful, luxurious (and thankfully, cheap, due to the off-season pricing) resort that was on the beach.

We were on the 8th floor and this is the view from our room.

The kids had fun even if the water was a little cold.

Uncle Drew and Aunt Lena brought a metal detector they had bought from a friend for just $3.00. They took it to the beach and I watched as the kids found a penny. I said "Well, now your metal detector only cost $2.99." Drew said "Actually, now it cost $3.01." (Figure that one out)

Santa even found us (or at least the kids stockings hanging on the closet doors), so we had some fun opening gifts on Christmas morning.

We were only missing one sister, Susan, from Wayne's family. It turned out to be a really fun week, even though it didn't really feel like Christmas. The trade-off was being able to be with family and reconnect while soaking up some rays.

On the beach.

For Christmas.

In December.

Or was it July?