Annual Zylstra Vacation

Every summer my family goes to Newport Beach for a vacation! It is probably by far my favorite thing each year. Unfortunately this year Brayden had school, which meant he couldn't come. But luckily I was still able to go! It was weird being gone from him that long, I think that is the longest we have spent apart since we got married. I missed him so much, but I was so happy I got to go since I knew he would be studying 24/7.

Newport was so fun! We went to the pool, the beach, Ruby Shake Shack, Fashion Island Mall, Balboa Island, Javier's, played some Kubb(where I got a little to competitive at), nail salon, etc. It was the best, most relaxing time. I love being able to spend time with my family, I wish we all lived closer so that it could be a usual thing, but for now these trips are as best as we can do!

Thank you mom and dad for another unforgettable vacation!

The floaties Grammy got us were a huge hit at the pool!

Wouldn't be a Newport vacation without Pa taking the grand kids to Balboa Candy!

These kids love spending time with Grammy and Pa! (but who can blame them!)

Morning walk along the beach!

Getting Settled

Our first day in Charleston was HOT. Brayden and I had to unload the trailer and car that day before my parents flew in so that we could pick them up. It was difficult and there was a lot of complaining, but we did it! Living on the third floor and moving in don't mix very well. But after a couple of hours we were finished! Our apartment was a mess with boxes everywhere but we were done with having to haul our stuff in the heat.

Once we finished unloading we headed to pick up my parents! I was so excited to see them. I know it was only a few days since I had last seen them, but I was still excited. We got a lot done in the next few days. We spent a lot of long nights setting up the apartment. My dad and Brayden were in charge of assembling all of our new furniture, while my mom and I made the apartment organized and cute!

Luckily, we didn't just unpack and fix the apartment the whole time they were here. We were able to go and take a tour with my parents around Brayden's new school! It was exciting to be able to see where he will be going to school the next 4 years.

A few days later my sister Whitney flew into Charleston! We still had a lot to do at the apartment, but when she came we were able to do a few touristy things. We went to a couple of plantations, we went on a carriage tour around downtown Charleston, and we ate a lot. Downtown Charleston has a lot of yummy places to eat and we took full advantage of that throughout those few days.

We were so thankful for my parents and Whitney coming to help us move in to our new place. We honestly probably would not have been able to finish it all without them. They worked so hard and made sure everything was finished when they left. They were the best little helpers!

Taking a little tour around Brayden's new school!

Bray Bray's First Day of School!

California

Before we headed out to South Carolina for dental school, we stayed at my parents house in California for about a month. It was so fun! Basically our days consisted of hanging out with my mom, which is one of my favorite pastimes. We were constantly running errands with her going anywhere and everywhere, let me tell you she is one busy woman. Then once my dad would come home from work and Logan would come home from school and sports we would always do something fun. We went to the movies, we went out to dinner or dessert, or we would just make dinner, but no matter what it was always a good time. A couple of highlights from the month long vacation with my parents and Logan were going to Disneyland, my birthday, hanging out with Ryan and Lindsay and their kids, going to plays, sending cute little Logey off to Prom, went on a Newport Home Tour and going to Rodeo Drive. We also were able to go with my dad to the Staples Center to see if there were better seats that we could change ours to. While doing that we were able to shoot around on the floor at the Staples Center. It was so fun to be able to do that with my dad and Brayden! My mom didn't shoot, she takes her role as the cheerleader/photographer very seriously for our family. :)

Brayden and I also had some friends from Utah come to my parents beach house in Newport for the weekend! It was a good time playing tennis, going to the beach, eating, and shopping. We have the best friends and I am so glad we had the chance to see them again before we left.

My family is really close, so spending this month in California was basically like Brayden and I were hanging out with my best friends 24/7, it was great. We are so grateful for all my parents did for us that month and how they helped us prepare for the long trek to South Carolina.