A Trip To The Carolinas

A vacation spot that holds a special place in my heart, where the palm trees wave their solid green branches, and the humidity almost causes you to lose your breath. It is a place that I have gone a many number of times. I was barely a one-year-old when I was first introduced to the sandy beaches of South Carolina. Hilton Head Island to be exact.

Before reaching our destination, we stopped to tour the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, North Carolina. This mansion is America's largest home. It looks more like a castle if you ask me.

There was a pool and bowling alley in the basement. Back in the day, the servants would set up the pins every time somebody would bowl. No thank you.

The gardens were beautiful too.

After spending several hours touring all that the Biltmore area had to offer, we set off on the next leg of our journey.

You may find it odd that one would travel thirteen hours, only to spend one hour on the beach, but that is the truth. Neither Nate nor I are real fond of the beach. We have our list of reasons, but nonetheless it is a beautiful sight to behold as you gaze across the never-ending water.

Our 1 and only beach picture!

My entire family was able to make it down to Hilton Head this year. With 12 adults and 13 kids, there was usually some action going on somewhere. We had 4 separate condos, and Nate and I got to live with Todd, Jessica, and their three precious kiddos.

We got along pretty well if I do say so myself. They are a pretty easy family to share an abode with.

My oldest brother and his beautiful wife.

Nate and I especially enjoyed getting to know Lexie, Briggs, and Tenley even better. They sure are a fun, lively bunch. Our house seems so dull after living with these cuties for a week.

We spent the majority of our time at the outdoor pool near our condo. Nate did a great job at entertaining some of the kids, or riling them up might be a better way to describe it.

We also enjoyed playing with people our own size.

Along with some relaxing. Clever way to use water wings don't you agree?

Card games around the pool are a hit too. Play 9 has become one of our favorites.

It would not have been vacation without getting some ice cream.

Lemon and cookie dough!

The picture below is probably my favorite from our family "photo shoot." Nate realized afterwards that his mustache was upside down. Only a minor detail, just adds more character to the picture.

Check out this sweet picture of all the nephews in their mustaches.

Even baby Coy cooperated. The mustache is almost wider that his cute little face.

Next we have this cute group of girls. It was special to see some of their relationships really begin to blossom during the week as they interacted with one another. This picture of the nieces won't be updated for long, especially because a baby girl is expected to arrive in Kurt and Staci's family in a couple of weeks, and that will make #9!!

Flashback to when there were only two nieces, actually only two grandchildren total. The picture below is of Lexie and Corinne in Hilton Head, back in 2008.

Grandpa and Grandma (Mom & Dad) wouldn't be able to take all thirteen grand kids on a bike ride in this day of age. Well, they would maybe attempt it, but it sounds stressful and unsafe. The picture below is also from 2008. Bike riding is our main mode of transportation while we are down there. The beach, grocery store, restaurants, and ice cream shops are all within a couple miles.

I thoroughly loved having Nate along this year. Enjoying one of my favorite vacation spots with him was really special. Looking back, I think I always wondered if I would ever be bringing my spouse along with me like all of my siblings did. Thankful that he was willing and excited to come along.

Now back to everyday life, but that is alright. It is always good to be home!