Sweet Carolina

After experiencing somewhat of a rough season recently, my sweet hubby decided that it was time for us to visit our dear friends who moved to South Carolina shortly after the new year.  He connived with my parents to buy the tickets without me knowing (an early birthday gift), and before I knew it, Liam was kicking the seat of the poor man in front of us on the airplane, and we were off!   

I’d never been to South Carolina before, and it did not disappoint.  After all, what is not to like about old oaks dripping with Spanish moss, beautiful marshes and beaches, fried food (hello hushpuppies and honey butter), and Southern hospitality?  And such darling architecture!  I’m convinced that if the rest of the world incorporated front porches and rocking chairs into their home designs, world peace would be easily achieved. 

Mike & Ellen and their two kids live in Murrells Inlet where they help to pastor a local church – which we loved.  It was so great seeing them flourishing in their new home.  They are already very much part of the heartbeat of their new church.  Toward the end of the week, our other good friends, Brent & Karen, joined us with their three kids.  Such a fun group!

Sweet Liza Jane – possibly the most content baby ever!

Maybe my favorite picture ever!

These trees – words cannot express.

Sweatin’ it out at Brookgreen Gardens.  They had a cute little zoo and a story book playground that was quite entertaining.

Matt pile-one!

Holding hands with Liza Jane in the car – and singing songs at the top of their lungs, too.  Such joy – well, in between whining for dropped toys & treats, of course. 

 

Dinner on the Inlet at Dead Dog Saloon.  They seriously have hundreds of photos of people’s dead dogs on their walls… Regardless of their rather interesting décor, the grouper and crab cake stack was incredible!

Don’t worry – six of us shared these.  Although I’m pretty sure I could have handled the entire basket on my own…

Brent with 3-week old baby Aaron – he’s already got traveling in his blood.  : )

Glowy lights were everywhere on the pier – love.

Some of my favorite people on the planet – truly.  So thankful for friends who feel like family. 

The Reese's peanut butter cup sundae – amazing.  And yes, I just added Reese’s to my grocery list for this week – not kidding.

Mike & LJ

Liza Jane was making the rounds as we walked along the pier.  Love my boy’s grin here…

View from the pier – lots of yummy seafood fare.  For the record, we hired a babysitter for four of our kiddos so that we could take a triple date, and it was 100% worth it.  The babysitter was a super sweet woman named Rina from their church who basically told us all she wished we lived here because she enjoyed the kids so much.  She served them strawberry milk – how could they not be loveable after that?! 

Kid’s table.  I’m trying to remember if this was before or after Liam spilled his spaghetti ever.y.where.

Aaron conked out at the pool.

Oh Liza Jane…

What are these goggle things?

A late night walk on the pier in Charleston. 

Belgian Gelato – best I’ve tasted yet.  It’s a tie between the salted caramel and the white chocolate mocha – oh goodness. 

Thanks for being such great hosts, Mike & Ellen!  We’re so thankful for your friendship – and hey, it doesn’t hurt that you practically live on the beach.  ; )