No place I'd rather be.

Have you ever traveled somewhere, and then returned to that very place to find that it may be even better then you remembered?   

I'm starting to understand that some things really do get better with age.

Just like this guy.  Ow, ow!   

Or maybe, it's that your appreciation of those places or people increases because you've seen a little more of the world, and understand something exceptional when you see it.  

This is how I felt being back in Hilton Head last week.

Growing up, my family would spend two glorious weeks visiting Hilton Head almost every summer.  Two entire weeks seems impossible now, but it was perfect.  We'd spend two days driving down in a huge conversion van, passing time using the license plate game,  playing Super Nintendo,  and watching movies like Dumb and Dumber (my brothers' choice) and Runaway Bride (mine).  When we arrived on Hilton Head, we would stop at the local grocery store to stock up for the week and then head to the house my family would rent for our two weeks there.

We've always stayed on the same little part of the island, an area known as Sea Pines.
Sea Pines is an area dedicated to protecting and showcasing the Island's natural beauty.
There is very little commercial development, no neon signs, no stop lights, and biking is considered a primary mode of transportation.

It's a place where deer hang out by the pool in the morning.

Where dolphins swim so close to the shore, you could unintentionally find yourself face to face with flipper. 

And alligators have been spotted crossing the road. 

HIDE THE PURSE DOGS!

That gem was taken on our trip in 2007.  

Growing up we would rent bikes as a family and go for "long, leisurely bike rides".  

We'd spend days on the beach searching for shells with my mom, and learning how to back float from my dad, master of the back float.

We'd soak up afternoons at the neighborhood pool when the beach got too hot due to the South Carolina sun and humidity. 

And we'd spend a few afternoons indulging in the excellent golf, and fabulous Outlet malls.

So you can imagine how one week with Adelaide FLEW BY.
It felt like one of the fastest weeks of my life. 

We did all the same activities. 

Adelaide adored her first bike ride.  

And of course we spent one afternoon taking a long leisurely ride to Harbour Town and back. 

Like a boss. 

A family picture in front of the iconic lighthouse. 

(That one is for you, Amy!)

And an action shot for good measure. 

We spent days splashing in the pool... 

And playing in the sand.

Somebody was especially interested in eating the sand...

And exploring with our trusty green sand shovel. 

For the first time EVER, ladies outnumbered men.  

It was great having Bud's fiance, Anna, and Sam's girlfriend, Celeste, on the trip too.  

  We spent a morning shopping at the outlets....

And even got a round of golf in.   

After our days of play, we'd go out for dinner as a group. 

Many nights we found ourselves at the Marina.  

 It's a short walk from our place, and they always have live music. 

Not to mention, seriously fun activities for the little people.

Hula Hoops, painting, and a DJ.  For the love.

It's also home to the very well loved Salty Dog Cafe. 

  So.  I may be a tad partial...

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But there's no place I'd rather be.