Home Again

This last week, a combination of time off from school and really cheap airfare meant we had the chance to visit Erik's brother's family in Georgia. This was Morgan's first time flying, and obviously we were way more nervous about it than she was.

She actually did very well, mostly because she ate her way across the country.

While there, we took a road trip to visit Charleston and the surrounding area, mostly to see my uncle. I hadn't seen him or his family for about 10 years, so the trip was definitely overdue.

They took us to a windy beach in Isle of Palms.

Morgan wanted a bath in the big swirly bath tub, but she was turned down.

After the beach, we drove to Magnolia Plantation outside of Charleston and walked around its Audubon swamp.

Morgan decided she was hungry, and as we were in the middle of a swamp, she had lunch on the go. Thank heavens for Uncle Chris' sweatshirt.

This little beauty was literally 5 0r 10 feet away from us as we walked down the water-level unenclosed path. I thought Erik was going to hyperventilate. Turns out he likes alligators about as much as he does sharks. Now that I think about it, probably not the safest adventure, especially with an infant...

Eating southern barbecue for dinner. I think Morgan was a little confused about whether Uncle Chris was Grandpa or not.

After spending a little time in Charleston (and looking at the gorgeous architecture) I told Erik we are moving there for residency. He was ok with that.

We took several nice walks while in Georgia. While we appreciated the river scenery, Morgan was more interested in the taste-testing.

She's going through a "put everything possible in my mouth" stage.

Some of our favorite people (and animals) in the world. Morgan loved watching her cousins and is already pressuring me for a little sibling. Think again, child.

Our last day we spent in Atlanta, and being essentially frugal people (or maybe just having spent all our money on good food and cake...), the Aquarium and the Coke exhibit were not good options. We opted for the Martin Luther King memorial largely because we had time to kill and it was free - probably not the best of motives, but true. However, we came out feeling quite differently. The best part for me were all the pictures and direct quotes from MLK. I came away with much more admiration and gratitude for him and all those involved in the Civil Rights Movement. You know that kind of warm, full feeling in your heart when something is emotional or spiritual? I actually felt that a couple of times there. Definitely not what I had expected.

This was one of those warm feeling moments. Very powerful writer.

Outside MLK's home growing up.

Exposing herself at the airport. Modesty is not her top priority. Good thing, too, because this outfit was the first of three as we traveled. Fellow passengers got to see (and smell) more than they paid for.

Traveling home again.

Trip Highlights:

1. Eating three different kinds of cake at the Boll Weevil. We committed gluttony.

2. Being able to relax, read, chat, and sleep in.

3. Charleston. LOVE it.

4. Top highlight: Spending quality time with family. How blessed we are to have relatives that are friends as well as family.