I may have confused a few people on Facebook a few weeks ago when I commented on how happy our dog was when we arrived “home”. Several people thought “home” meant we had arrived in the states. Actually, just the opposite had happened. For the first time since we started this adventure four years ago, I called our place of residence “home”. And for the first time since we left four years ago, Clemson didn’t feel like home. It was kind of a sad realization for me. Things looked familiar, but they were oh so different at the same time. I would step into places where I used to know everyone, but this time I didn’t recognize a single face. Clemson has grown, changed…and so have I. When I spoke to a friend about this, she said, “Well, what does feel like home?” I could feel my nose tingle as I pondered the thought and replied, “I guess wherever my family is living.” Of course that is tricky, too, because I have family and friends that are like family in the states. So, I guess, I am “home” in the Philippines for now, but we will go “home” for Christmas to visit friends and family. Maybe I need a shrink….
Here is a glimpse of our time at “home” this summer….
Our first stop was Cartersville, GA and a catch up with the cousins.
Next stop: Murrells Inlet for beautiful sunsets...
...and yummy crawfish!
My sweet Mom and Baby Boy treated me to a birthday lunch.
We even squeaked in a week of basketball camp.
Before we knew it, we were on the road again headed to St. George Island, FL to be with Tony's family.
A trip to that part of the world just wouldn't be the same without a stop at Hole In The Wall!
It was a rainy day, so after filling our bellies with oysters, we went to Paddy's to watch Coastal Carolina win the College World Series! Go Chants!
We played a lot of games this trip. I think AJ won that round!
A new family tradition: Roasting marshmallows on the beach!
If we are going to eat and drink, we have to get our workouts in! Pretty sure Lynn was trying to cripple us!
Leaving their Clemson mark at St. George.
After a week at St. George, we just had a quick trip down the road to Panama City Beach. Between this spot and the one in Murrells Inlet, life just doesn't get much better!
It was all was fun and games until my cousin helped reel in a shark. Seriously we saw more marine life (sharks, stingrays and even a sea turtle) that week than I have seen in my entire life of trips to that beach!
The low flying plane just added to the drama!
Cousin Night Out...think we can keep this up until we are 91?
Just YUM!!!!!
So...we may have eaten a lot while we were "home".
The Hub
July 4th with family....
...and fireworks!
Sweet Micah had Clay wrapped around his little finger!
Luckily we caught up with this crew at our new favorite joint, Bruno's.
We left Florida and headed to Alabama. We couldn't leave, though, without a visit with Uncle Bill. At 91, he still had us ALL in stitches!
We also stopped by a farm that Hannah Grace has been visiting since she was three. She swears they have the best drinking water!
Hannah Grace gives Micah a tour of the land.
With all the driving, I decided to go "old school" with Car Bingo! It was just as fun as was when I was little! My kiddos loved it, too!
Next stop: Birmingham. Here is Ellis trying to "beat the clock" at basketball camp.
We make it a family affair at camp. Ike may as well be family!
One more stop in Cartersville before heading to Clemson.
Well, I did have a pitstop in Greenville to see this fabulous friend!
While we were out on the town, Daryl and AJ were sweet enough to squeeze in a visit. Krista heard some interesting stories about Tony's family that night!
Carsen and Hannah Grace have been friends since they were five. I miss my time with her and her sweet mama!
I cherish any time I can squeeze in with these girls (and that guy)! When we are together, I am guaranteed lots of stories and laughs!
A little basketball with Pawpaw, Ellis, Julian and John.
Tubing and skiing is a must when we are in town!
One more swing in the hammock in Murrells Inlet before our last stop...
....back in Cartersville, GA.
Papa loves to entertain the kiddos with stories....usually terrifying ones. His grandchildren are used to it. The little boy at the table? Not so much!
Stan was our tour guide through the woods.
It is always a party at Aunt Kristy's and Uncle Jason's!
Back at the table for some cards.
We ended this trip where it began...on the front porch in Cartersville. Not my home, but it sure felt good to be with family.
