Charleston

There is a big place in my heart for Charleston, and for the friendships I have from there.  In my years since graduating college, I've found it to be increasingly difficult to make the drive to the edge of America, but adding a baby into the mix took it to a whole new level.  So when my mom said that she'd come with me, and jump in the back seat and entertain George for the drive, I knew I needed to jump on the opportunity to see some of my most favorite people.  We found a house on Isle of Palms, and it was right on the beach, and such a perfect place for Saty, George, and me.  

We got into town on Thursday evening, just in time for a walk on the beach, dinner, and then straight to bed for everyone.  It's been a while since I've made the 7-8 hour drive, and we were all exhausted!

 

First thing Friday morning we headed to the South Carolina Aquarium.  This could have been the most fun George has ever had.  I could do an entire post just about the aquarium, but that would probably only interest 1-2 people.  

 George had so much fun in the toddler play areas on each level.

 He was captivated by the fish.

 Then we found a scuba diver who swam right up to George!

 Charleston Harbor with Saty and George

 I don't know why, but this picture cracks me up.

 It was a little chilly, but we always made time for the beach post-nap.

George loved being able to walk on the beach!

 Friday night, Saty and I went to a fundraiser for Palmetto Medical Initiative.  My friends, Michael and Amanda O'Neal have worked for PMI for the last three years in Uganda, building a hospital that is now run by the Ugandan community.  It was such a special night, and I was so glad to see the fruits of their labor.

George stayed at the house and we got our first babysitter ever.  The reason there is no picture is because George and the sitter never met.  We put him to bed at 6pm, and he didn't wake up until 7:30am the next morning!

 We left the fundraiser a little early and had an incredible dinner at Cypress with the Crane ladies.

 My very first friend from college, Margaret, and her mom.

 Saturday morning Saty took George out to the beach while I got ready.

 We headed downtown, and walked through the farmer's market.

 We had to go through campus- it's just so beautiful.

 Oh the Cistern.  So many memories.

 We had lunch at Saty's favorite, Rue de Jean.

George LOVED his mussels.

Just kidding...but he did try one!

Saty took George back to the house for a nap, and I got to spend the afternoon with Amanda.

It was the most perfect day, and then we took George to the beach for sunset!

Saty and George loving the beach.

 Late Saturday afternoon, my college friends who are still in town came out to our beach house and George had SO much fun with them!  They fed him, played with him, and loved on him so much.  It made my heart so happy to see him loving these friends the way I do.

 John feeding George 1 of 1,532,345 chips of the night.

Charleston friends.

This was an extension (so-to-speak) of my thirtieth birthday celebrations, and it was such a perfect trip. George was possibly the happiest he's ever been, Mom and I were able to do fun things with George, and do a few fun things just the two of us, and we got to be in one of our favorite cities together.  I will always be thankful for the ways my four years in Charleston shaped me, broke me, and laid the foundation for who I am today.  It always blows me away how the friendships from this season of my life have grown stronger in the seven years since graduating college (but seriously...how has it been seven years since graduation?!)

Oh Charleston, you always treat me right.