4th of July in Murrells Inlet, SC

Last weekend, we packed up and pointed our car to the beach to go visit Murrells Inlet for the 4th of July! My mother-in-law lives there, and if you have ever experienced an Independence Day at Murrells, you know how fun it is.

We began our weekend in North Myrtle Beach with my MIL and Ian's aunt and uncle (my MIL's sister). They own a house up in that area and it is an easy and short walk to the beach. Camille has been out on the beach before but only as a sleepy newborn. This was her first time of exploring the ocean on her own, walking around, and getting sand everywhere. It was adorable watching my mother-in-law and Ian's aunt and uncle just watching her play, splash, and make friends.

 

That evening we just laid low and had dinner at the house. 

Saturday was the day of the big boat parade at the marshwalk. Camille wore a patriotic dress, bloomers, and matching bonnet that my mom made her!

It was hot as all get-out so we didn't stay terribly long, but Camille had a fun time seeing the other babies (bah-bahs) and dogs (dag-dags) who were there to watch the decorated boats motor by in the parade.  

That afternoon, during naptime, Ian and I snuck away for a little bit at my mother-in-law's urging to head back down to the marshwalk and grab a cold drink together. There was also a flyover during that time which was nice to see from afar. 

Upon returning home, we were all able to spend some time in the pool together and the grown-ups had some pina coladas. My MIL adds fresh lime juice to the frozen concentrate that you buy at the store which really kicks it up a notch. She decorated the rims with large strawberries and Camille helped us with those. :)

We all had an early dinner together that evening at Wicked Tuna but not before a quick walk on the marshwalk again and a little baby-dancing to some live music at Dead Dog Saloon. 

And someone tried to sneak up on the singer's stage.

After dinner, Camille met a new baby friend ... a boy ... and proceeded to chase him around while he ran away from her, giggling. Get ready, daddy.

We had a great visit and we have one more beach trip on the books for the summer. Already looking forward to it!