Charleston: You should go

I was lucky enough to tag along with my parents and Beau and Sharee on their trip to see Katie, Spencer, Luke and Ez in South Carolina. It was such a great time for a whole lotta reasons.

Reason #1...the cutest rugrats ever!
Katie and I have had all of our kiddos at about the same time, so I've never been able to be the cool, fun aunt. It was a blast to just be with these boys and really get to know them. I'm crazy about them both and they loved me too! Reason #2...the chance to see their home, Columbia, which was beautiful and watch these boys play soccer. Oh how I love watching little ones play sports.

Reason #3...the Charleston beach. Beaches on the Atlantic Ocean are just completely different. On our morning walks we ran into jellyfish, starfish, coral, sea anemones, crabs and all kinds of other ocean life...plus even in May the ocean was warm-ish, the sand soft and the sun just right.

Reason #4...Downtown Charleston. It is so rich with history, beauty and fun. There was shopping, activities, great food and a carriage ride that introduced us to the city. The mansions were authentic and well preserved and made you want to sip lemonade on the front porch in a white rocking chair breathing in the salty sea air. The cobblestone streets were picturesque as were the colorful row homes and gorgeous foliage; and the bright and worn doorways alone were enough to make a photographer drool.

Reason #5...Magnolia Plantation. This sprawling, well cared for plantation gave us an in-depth history lesson and wildlife extravaganza all in one. The house, slave quarters, gardens, swamp, and aviary gave us our best look at what South Carolina used to be in its glory days and why it still remains a beautiful piece of our country.

An American alligator

A white peacock

My boys snuggled up to me, just the way I liked it.

My sister is having the first girl grandbaby in July! We are all so excited and came bearing gifts for the only girl. She looks great!

We were just a few feet away as many mother birds found food to feed their newly hatched babies. The wildlife was incredible.

Reason #6...Fort Sumter. On my last day in South Carolina, the rain poured out its good bye. We took advantage of the less than stellar weather to explore Fort Sumter (where the first shots of the civil war were fired). I couldn't believe how well preserved it was and the history it holds.

It was such a great trip with so many memories not captured by the camera...late nights with intense 5 deck and deep discussions, shoulder rides, shoe thieves, grocery store runs, too much food, 10 take out desserts, shared clothes and make-up, a short shopping trip, long car rides, dad naps, beach house rooms, snuggles, count downs, good books, great company and lots of love. Thanks mom and dad for letting me tag along (and paying for me to get there). Thanks Katie, Spencer and boys for letting me be part of your life and family. Thanks Beau and Sharee for just being your easy-going you and not thinking I'm too annoying. Thanks greatest friends for taking on extra kiddos. Thanks Mike for holding down the fort so well and encouraging me to go and thanks to my boys for being so great while I was gone and loving me just as much when I got home. No matter how fun the trip, there is nothing quite like coming home.