Myrtle Beach

What a fun weekend in Myrtle Beach! We headed down Friday afternoon and got settled in our hotel before going out to an exciting evening at the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede. It's kind of a Southern version of Medieval Times. We ate dinner with our hands while sitting around a big dirt performance ring where horses and their riders put on a great show. Dan loved every minute of it! Since it's getting close to the holiday season, the Stampede had a Christmas theme, with toys that came to life, a living Nativity scene, and, of course, Santa and his sleigh. The whole show was great, but my absolute favorite part was the piglet race, especially when the little pigs jumped over miniature hurdles. Too cute! (We couldn't take any flash photography, so we just have a few pictures from Zach's phone.)




After the Stampede, we spent a not-very-fun night in the hotel. Let's just say that Daniel does not do well in hotels. He wakes up at every little noise and then wants to play instead of going back to sleep. So we got up bright and early on Saturday and headed out to breakfast and a walk on the beach. The weather was really nice--mid-60s and just a light breeze. Dan ran around the sand like a crazy person, chasing after birds and finding interesting things to pick up.








He took a short morning nap, then we had some lunch and hit the hotel indoor pool, with the goal of wearing him out so he would take an afternoon nap. Mission accomplished!



The original plan was for Dan to stay in my parents' room on Saturday night while Zach and I partied until the break of 11 pm after the Marine Corps Ball. But after a not-very-restful Friday night, my parents suggested that they go back home with Dan and Zach and I could find a ride back with friends on Sunday. Sold! See you later, Dan, we'll miss you and your waking up every two hours.

Zach and I had a great time at the Ball. It was fun to get dressed up and hang out with new friends, especially knowing that we could sleep in the next day! My sister Layne loaned me a beautiful dress and Zach looked very handsome in his uniform, so we made a pretty good-looking couple. (: