Camping At Edisto

Edisto! A special place for us! We go back every year since we were married. We spent our honeymoon there 12 years ago and we can't let a year go by without a visit, even if just a short one. This year, we tried something new...we camped...like in a tent. For some of you, it may be something you do all the time, for me, it was a first! As we began planning our trip, I did lots of reading and list making, trying to make sure I, and the family would survive in a tent for a few days. I found a bucket packing system for camping trips and it was a life saver!! We packed all the kitchen supplies in one, bath/family supplies in one, and all "camp" supplies in another, When we got home I got everything sorted back out and packed away for the next trip! We learned several things too. An outdoor mat of some sort is an absolute must...we had a small rug just inside the tent but a shoe bucket and rug outside would be fabulous. MORE FANS! I'll just leave that there. Ha! Forget the washable stuff, sorry for not being environmentally friendly, but this mama is taking disposable eating supplies from now on. And always put away everything before turning in for the night...critters lurk! Trust me! I now know :)

The first day we got there, we set up camp. That was fun for everyone, the kids really really enjoyed the whole experience and it's definitely something we will keep doing.  We spent the evening on the beach and then showered and enjoyed some walking tacos. The morning was filled with trail hiking and bike riding. We hit the beach again, enjoyed the hammock and more bike riding. Then roasted hot dogs and had some s'mores. We packed up after night two (we had to test out the whole camping thing with a short stay!) and met some friends who were vacationing there as well for breakfast and headed home. It really was an enjoyable time and everyone did so well, even little Ana! Wonderful memories made and already looking forward to making more!

Motherhood

Motherhood is...Messy and loud. It's real, unfiltered and raw. It's a progression over the years. It's changing of the seasons and learning things the hard way. It's babies in your bed (all of them...at the same time)...it's an interrupted shower and potty break. It's everything you could never have imagined and more. Every. Single. Day. It's beautiful, cherished, trying, overwhelming, and amazing. My children teach me everything and challenge me to be better than I am. Every. Single. Day. It's a privilege and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to mother. And forever grateful for an amazing partner to parent with. 

Mother's Day was special, not because of fancy gifts or breakfast in bed, like in a movie, but because it was ordinary...and absolutely everything I love. It was waking up to kid snuggles in my bed, a chaotic breakfast by dad, sweet handmade cards, church, blasting off rockets, wildflower crowns, baby snuggles, little boy "tight hugs", supper on the grill, bedtime crazies, and up and down a hundred times after going to bed. It was perfect. I know on Mother's Day next year, the children will be yet another year older and I will already miss when they were this age. They are a constant reminder of grace, love, mercy and forgiveness. They are all things innocent and beautiful. Precious and cherished. And if I could, I would keep them just as they are for at least one hundred more Mother's Days...

Happy Mother's Day to each and every one of you. Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends...anyone who loves a child or loves their mother. You are all amazing and beautiful and do a HARD job! <3

Creation Speaks His Name

"if they keep quiet, even the rocks will cry out" Luke 19:40

God, our creator, has handmade such a masterpiece  in this beautiful earth! And our eyes have only caught a teeny tiny glimpse of its magnificence.

Chris and I decided a while back that we would do a waterfall tour of South Carolina that I found online for our anniversary. It was wonderful! There's so many hidden treasures here, right under our nose, yet so often overlooked. So many free gifts just waiting to be soaked up and enjoyed, and we spent the day doing just that!

We started with Cedar Falls on the Reedy River just outside of Ware Shoales, SC and worked ourselves up to Chau Ram County Park at the Ramsey River in Walhalla, SC. It was amazing! We packed a picnic and just enjoyed the ride. It was pretty much the best way ever to start our 13th year of marriage! We rode, talked, hiked, ran a tad, took awkward selfies at each waterfall and listened to a bunch of old music in the minivan! ;) Soaked up every minute! If you have a free day, take your favorite person or persons and do it!! There's an amazing feeling of closeness you have with your Creator when you get out and see some of His wonders. You won't regret it.

Cedar Falls

Wildcat Branch Falls

Carrick Creek Falls

Twin Falls (our second favorite!)

 Issaqueena Falls 

(absolute favorite! perfect hike up and beautiful site to see)

 Followed the "blue blazes" of the Palmetto Trail for a bit. This trail goes to Charleston, SC

Chau Ram Park Falls

 Enjoy! :)