Down South Anniversary

Hi there y’all!  I’ve been on vacation in the south all week (thus the y’all).   I’ve missed you!  We drove thousands of miles from sunny “Pure Michigan” to Myrtle Beach to play in the pouring rain all week.  It didn’t matter.  It was our ten-year anniversary trip and we were going to have fun, no matter what Mother Nature had to say about it.

I couldn’t imagine a whole week without my kids…but we made it.  We even had fun, despite rain every single day we were there.  With over 40 hours in the car this week and pure one-on-one time with my husband, I suppose a couple would either come home in silence with their arms crossed, or feeling closer than when they left.  I’m relieved that the latter is true.  I had no doubts.

Have you ever searched for seashells at low tide on the beach in the evening…in the pouring down rain?  It was wonderful.  It was raining so hard…like hair dripping, rain in your eyes…hard.  The waves were rolling in and the water under bare feet was the warmest thing about the evening.  It was amazing.  So amazing, we did it twice.  We found huge shells, danced in the rain, and kissed with our toes in the water.  We were the only people on the beach for miles.  It was one of the very best vacation experiences of my life.  I would highly recommend it…rain or shine.

I was able to meet my brand new niece, Josephine Patricia.  She is a perfect example of why we have babies.  Perfectly cuddly and snuggly…and smelling like a new baby.  You know exactly what I’m talking about…  It’s even better than that new car smell.  It should be.  They cost a lot more.  Isn’t she beautiful?

We also got the chance to stop at White Lake, North Carolina to visit some of our wonderful family.  It was awesome seeing my aunt and uncle and their three kids at their lake house.  The only rule is to relax and have fun.  Sounds perfect to me.  I was in awe watching my aunt mothering her boys.  I honestly felt that I learned something witnessing her in action.  I hope I can bring the relaxed environment that she creates for her kids that I tucked away in my suitcase to carry into my own home.  I love learning from other moms.

Water sports rule the weekends on the lake and boy, are they good!  It was so fun to see the kids in action and they even got Ben and I water-skiing.  I guess it really is just like riding a bike.  Somehow, I got up on my first try.  It has been at least 15 years since I’ve skied!  My arms and shoulders would agree that it has been a long time.  I was so sore.

My six-year-old cousin, Tomas showing his knee boarding skills.  His 360 turn was my favorite.

We took day trips to escape the rain.  My favorite?  Charleston, South Carolina.  I would highly recommend it.  It has the perfect combination of that old historic feeling, mixed with fun shops and amazing restaurants.  We had a fun evening at a local pub playing trivia.  I know…it sounds totally dorky, but it was a blast.  We had several people giving us answers…I guess they wanted to see the two from Michigan win.  We ended up leaving early because I couldn’t stand the thought of winning with so many people slipping us answers!

Bridge to Charleston, SC

I am typing now on our long trek home.  I repeat…LONG.  I am so incredibly excited to see my kids.  They will be asleep when we get there and I can’t wait to give them a pile of kisses on each cheek for all of the days I missed their tiny faces.  I am as excited to return home as I was for any portion of our trip.  I love what and whom I have to come home to.

I’ll have one more post about our trip down South soon.  We did something exciting that I am looking forward to sharing with you.  I’ll give you a hint.  I wore a white dress!

P.S.  We got home last night and I am finally getting around to posting this.  Our reunion with our kids...another one of my trip favorites.