DAY 3 | More fun weather & the ocean ate my glasses

Today was a rough one - we woke up to yet another round of relentless storms. The sound of thunder echoed through the house, making it impossible to ignore. But after the storms subsided and the dark clouds rolled away, we mustered up the courage to make our way back to the beach.

I may have lost my glasses, but fortunately, I had my contacts packed and ready to go. So, even with impaired vision, I didn't miss a beat. As I stepped onto the beach, I couldn't ignore the cold wind blowing through my hair. The storm had just passed, leaving behind a debris-filled sandy shore. The seagulls, sensing an opportunity, were on the hunt for post-storm beach snacks. However, I knew better than to give in to their plight. Feeding seagulls not only disrupts their natural feeding patterns but also poses risks to their health and the environment. If you're curious about why you shouldn't feed seagulls, check out this informative article from abcbirds.org. Let's be responsible beachgoers and let the birbs find their own meals.

But what abut the crabs!?

We decided to make a spontaneous trip back to the beach that night, eager to search for crabs. As we strolled along the sandy shore, the moonlight casting a magical glow over the waves, we couldn't help but be enchanted by the adorable sight of the crabs scurrying about. Gamely, Noah and Andy joined in on the fun, laughing and chasing the little creatures. However, Jamison stood back, his face a mix of fear and fascination. With a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, he watched his siblings, realizing the crabs were harmless but still hesitant to get too close. After our crab-hunting adventure, we returned to their beach house, only to encounter a surprise guest. A tiny tree frog awaited us, perched on the deck railing. Amidst the debate on which was more adorable, the crabs or the frog, we couldn't help but treasure the fond memories made that night on the beach.

Day 4 | Finally some sun!

On vacation day 4, we decided to soak up the sun and spend the day at the beach. The sound of crashing waves filled the air as we lounged under the sun. We only dragged ourselves away from the beach mid-afternoon, hungry and eager to try some local seafood. The Blue Parrot, a quaint seaside restaurant, was our chosen destination. As we perused the menu, it became clear that a seafood feast was in order for most of us. However, my mother-in-law, who graciously accommodates our seafood cravings despite her own preference, chose a delicious chicken sandwich. Her unwavering love and support are truly remarkable, and I constantly remind myself and others how fortunate I am to have a mother-in-law like her. Even if she loathes seafood.

After the amazing dinner, Team Tatum embarked on an unforgettable adventure through Sugar Kingdom, a truly exhilarating place! As soon as we entered, we were greeted by a dazzling display of candy that seemed to stretch on for miles. Everywhere we looked, there were sweet delights beckoning us to indulge. It was hard to believe that this magical wonderland used to be a humble grocery store, a testament to its vastness. We marveled at the towering 5-pound gummy bears and delighted in the whimsical Dr. Pepper flavored cotton candy. But what truly amazed us was the breathtaking array of rock candy & jaw breakers, with every flavor known to mankind on display. We couldn't help but wonder if there were some undiscovered mysteries hidden within the depths of this sugary paradise.

Jamison, the exuberant adventurer, acquired a thrilling arm companion - a snap-bracelet stuffed shark! With a big grin on his face, he strapped on this enticing accessory and embraced his love for sharks. Throughout the entire trip, his arm became a fascinating spectacle, attracting curious onlookers ( okay maybe it was just us lol ). Jamison's enthusiasm radiated as he proudly displayed his newfound love for these majestic creatures. Every movement was accompanied by the violent sway of the shark, reminding everyone of his hammerhead-like personality. With this darling addition to his ensemble, Jamison not only showcased his love for sharks but also his zest for life and his endless pursuit of exciting experiences.

You can just call him “Shark Boy” now…