PCB 2011

As usual, vacation flew by in the blink of an eye. Here are some interesting tidbits from this year's adventure:

There were 3 kiddos, not just 1.

Even with a bigger condo, we still needed the couch.

There were 2 doggies, not just 1.

For the first time since my teenage years, we had a pool.

We finally went on a Pirate Cruise!

Here are a few more notable memories from this year:

Can't wait for 2012!

PCB Pictographs

The Return, and Subsequent Squashing, of Sassy Pants

As you may have noticed, we leave for the beach tomorrow! And I'm wondering if the fact that today I felt like I had my sassy back is really good or really bad timing. In addition to all the weight numbers I threw at you just days ago, I'm 0.6 pounds away from what I like to call a new weight family (or a new set of 10's if you will). In other words, IF I weighed 130.5 lbs, then I would be 0.6 pounds from the 120's family. But I digress.

Today I feel like there is hope for this fattie. Today I feel that in the near future I can breakthrough the badness. B-u-t. In just a day, I will be faced with the personal manifestation of my failure -- the childhood friend who moved away, while still the chubby kid and turned out super hot. I mean, I don't want to be harsh, but she is the real life Ugly Duckling into the Swan (not that she was ever ugly).

So, I will attempt to be sassy while faced with hotness. Oh dear.

Stories to come after next week!

Two More Days!

I am beside myself with excitement, as is a certain 4-year-old.

See you in 2 days, PCB!

Surprise Domestic Goddess

We've always had a rule in our house that before you can go on vacation the house has to be clean and the car has to be clean (inside and out). For the car, this is usually the only time a year this actually happens. I have carried over these practices from childhood to adulthood, so on top of packing and preparing to leave work each year, there is all this extra stuff to do! But how good it feels to come home to a clean house.

The past few years at the townhouse have brought out an unheard cleanliness in me. It could be because it doesn't belong to me and I'm less forgiving of other people's dirty. It could be that there are more people staying in less square footage (and people who are no longer used to living together) that makes me more willing. But I suspect the main reason is that the condo is free to me (thanks, Daddy!) and so I feel a need to pull my weight. So ye of little faith, know that for a few weeks each year, I obtain a higher level of domestication! Don't worry, it doesn't take long for me to fall back into my terrible habits.

It's always interesting to see which amenities will surpass or not meet those of home. I decided to compile a list this year:

• Shower size: Home is the clear winner.
• Hot water: Townhouse is the clear winner.
• Kitchen size: Home.
• Kitchen cleanliness: HOME!
• Mattress comfort and linens: Home.
• View: Townhouse by a long shot.
• Peace: Townhouse. And it wins bonus points for being cat free.

Until next year, Premier Townhouses! But psst, please let #2-6 be available. No more #1-8.

A Bitchin' Time at the Beach

Oh how I so love my yearly week at the beach. Everyone should take 1 week off each year and rejuvenate. My family spends all year in anticipation of this week. And some strange members are always ready to go by the end of the week, while those of us who are sane begrudge returning to the real world of work, bills and assorted stressors. Luckily Elliott hasn't hit the age where he whines about going home. It's hard enough to console myself.

My little man really enjoyed the beach again this year. Each year he does a little better about how long he will stay out before heading back to the condo. It helped to have the extra help of the grown up boys this year. Frisbee, soccer, football, volleyball, boogie boarding and water gun fights were undertaken. As were some shots at night by those over 21.

Surprisingly enough, 8 people in one townhouse was not too overwhelming. Everyone was very conscious of the situation and behaved accordingly.

Sigh, only 300+ more days until next year...

Beach Bums!

The annual Elliott family PCB trip is here! We spend nearly all year anxiously awaiting this blessed week away from reality. A townhouse on the beach, lazy days, good grilling, and fun activities such as putt-putt golf and Gulf World are on the agenda.

This year is a bit odd for two reasons. One, Jeb is going as are Jack and William. All of whom will be sleeping in the living room. Hmm. Seven adults and one rowdy 3.5 year old in one townhouse. Should be cozy! Two, Mom and Jeb left early this morning to go to Enterprise to close on Jeb's house. Well, that's the way it was supposed to have gone. But unfortunately the morons processing his paperwork have not finished his loan approval packet. So after they were halfway there, they got the news that the closing is being rescheduled for Monday. Ok, not great but not totally devastating since we'll only be 90 miles from Enterprise in PCB. He can drive up, close and drive back. However, Mom drove down in Jeb's fully packed Explorer, and Jeb drove down in a 17 ft. UHaul truck packed full. So, he had to sign yet another agreement to "rent" the house for the next week. And he went ahead and changed all the utilities. Meanwhile I'm back here about to have a major anxiety attack based on the fact that it's all still up in the air. Please God let this all work out!

And being the baby that I am, I'm sad that part of our entourage won't be present for the entire caravan down there. We put a lot of fun into anticipation. Last year mom and I even did our Wal-Mart shopping for the trip together. And now the frequent-urinator won't join us until 5 hours into the trip. Sad, but good for the driving.