A Patton Family update is WAY over due. It's amazing how fast the weeks slip by. There are so many times when I sit down to write and then I just never finish because I get interrupted (or tired...or lazy...)
But March is nearly over(!!!!!) and it has been way too fabulous skip.
My long anticipated GIRLS trip took place this month! This was my very first time being gone (like across the country GONE) by myself, without kiddos, with just women; specifically, my two aunts (Robin and Penny), my Mom and my grandmother.
 |
| How great is this?! All of us together! |
My extraordinary mom turned 60 this year! And, to celebrate, we decided to take her dream trip: Charleston, South Carolina with all us women in the family.
 |
| Here's to YOU mom! |
My mom loves history. Actually, we ALL love history; so Charleston was the perfect destination, as it is a city full of stories about the beginnings of our nation. (It was also Super charming....!)
 |
| Famous 'Rainbow Row' Evie: " Mom, were the houses in the actual proper order of the colors in a rainbow?" Hmm, hadn't thought of that... |
However, in all honesty, it probably didn't really matter where we went; we just cherished every moment we were together.
The blue skies were a welcome sight for me after a grey and rainy Oregon winter.
 |
| Palm trees! |
I left on a Tuesday, flew into Charleston, anticipating a sweet reunion with the rest of my family who live in Chicago. Their flights were scheduled to arrive a few hours before mine.
However, weather in Chicago was not ideal, and flights were delayed and canceled. I ended up getting there before they did, and spent that first night exploring the city alone, dining solo at a local tavern.
 |
| Pretty perfect evening; I could get used to this. |
This suburban mama was on cloud nine navigating the city alone, exploring and getting around quite well!
Long story short...my family ended up not getting in to our rented condo until nearly 2 am that evening! Needless to say, our day the next morning started a little later...but it didn't ruin our time!
 |
| Our first breakfast on the week!!We are just a little happy.....😉 |
We spent our four precious days exploring what life was like in the 1800s.
I admit, my days at home are so full with my family and my home, and I am so preoccupied by my life in 2017 that I don't give much thought to history. Exploring, thinking and learning about our country's history and the events and people that helped shape it was definitely fascinating and refreshing. It ignited a renewed appreciation and interest in something outside of my little Portland suburbia bubble.
Our four days were packed full of activity!:
We toured plantations
 |
| Why hello! |
 |
| A perfect moment |
Strolled though gardens,
 |
| Gator alert! I was so determined to find a real gator. |
 |
| The warning signs only piqued my interest... |
 |
| The plantation owner is actually "buried" inside this magnificent tree |
 |
| No plant is more fun than that overgrown Bamboo!! |
toured various historical homes in the city,
 |
| These pictures really don't capture any of the charm... |
Took a boat ride to Fort Sumter (the place where the civil war began..)
Ate really good southern food (grits anyone?!)
Convinced every to have at least one drink a day 😃
Browsed markets,
Talked, caught up on life....
 |
| Lazy afternoon swing.... |
And just relished every single moment.
I really didn't take one hour, or even one minute for granted. Being with my mom, my aunts and my grandma was truly an experience I will never forget. I am so utterly blessed to have these incredible women in my life. Being so far away only makes these reunions even more treasured.
 |
| Grandma. |
 |
| Aunt Robin, Grandma, Mom, and Aunt Penny: Family forever |
We said our good byes late Saturday afternoon after spending the morning wandering the city and marveling at the beauty of everything one last time.
The only thing that made us feel better about the trip ending was that we vowed to do this again in two years when my Aunt Penny turns 60.
It was just too much fun to stop now! ..................................................>
In other news, life on the home front went on as usual. John took the days off work and focused on being a stay -at -home dad.
He said the kids behaved well and he claimed to enjoy his intentional time with the kids.
 |
| All smiles with dad in charge |
As a pulled my suitcase into the house at midnight on Saturday, the kids apparently sensed my return as they all woke up at 3 am to properly welcome me home.
Back to reality. Day one and already sleep deprived. 😆
Oh well.
The kids all gave me the biggest hugs though, and James made my return sweet when he took my hand and declared,
"Thanks for coming home mom." 💚
Ok James. Its good to be here too.
 |
| Ready for Mom again |
