South Carolina (Greenville and Anderson)

When we lived in Florida we made life long friendships. Now one of those "forever friends families" lives in Anderson, South Carolina.  I haven't seen my friends in five years! It was time, we had grown in numbers, they have six kids and we added two more to our boy club. So, when planning a vacation we absolutely had to visit and spend time with them. We spent a few days in Charleston, SC a few years back, and couldn't wait to go back and explore more of this beautiful state. 

In my previous post I wrote that we went to Atlanta, GA first and spent a few days there, doing all the touristy things and then headed to SC. Click here to read more about our adventures in Atlanta. 

Anderson :

One thing I fell in love with is the historic homes. Oh, the wrap around porches are dreamy.  I did notice a whole lot of homes in decay as well, that all added to the charm of the south.  Closest neighbors are a few acres away and it seemed like everyone had horses, or were next to a horse farm (horses and broken down houses was a theme- I tell ya).  My dad lives in Anderson, so I had to make sure I took the boys to see him and his wife, who is wonderful. See, after my mom died, I found about a few skeletons in my dad's closet, and I was not ok with that. Our relationship was ruined because both of us were hurting from the loss of my mom and we fired on each other with a force. I was not ok with that either. every time we spoke things would just spiral and this unholy anger would fill my heart so bad that I didn't recognize myself. I prayed and prayed for peace and forgiveness towards him.  As time passed I found myself healed from the pain of loosing my mom. Gosh, I still have moments that I miss her so much that I break.  OR those moments that I need her so much in my life and just need to call her. sigh... But, healing came and with it a healing and softness towards my dad happened. My eyes were open, I saw him as Jesus sees him, and a pretty awesome forgiveness occurred in my heart.  I didn't need an apology from him.  I just needed to go and be present. To hug him and just know, and feel that I had forgiven him.  We sometimes forget that our parents are human too. That visit was super important to me. I loved watching my boys bond with their new grandma and reconnect with their grandpa as we taught them to safely play with a sling shot, and chop wood.  His ten acres are covered with trees and is just breathtaking. They don't have horses, just cats. 

Our incredible friends hosted us the entire time we were there. I cant even begin to thank them enough. I do hope Simon marries their daughter one day, hey it can happen! They showed us around Anderson and Greenville, and just loved the heck out of us. (my gosh, we love you guys!) They have the cutest cows that they raise. I say cute - you'll see, they are beautiful (posting pictures below), just one look at them makes me want to go vegetarian.  

I loved the southern hospitality we received.  One afternoon, our friend's neighbor allowed us to tour his horse farm (is there another name for that - I feel like there is) and just love on them. 

Greenville: 

Ok, we LOVED Greenville. I can see myself living there. It has this southern charm, historic homes, good coffee (hello- super important), and it's clean.  The city is just clean. The people are friendly and actually take time and look at you and say "hello" when passing you on the street.  There is this cool park, Falls Park, in the middle of the city that runs along the Reedy River, which is pretty amazing. Lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, and an incredible play garden for kids. Every city needs this. Lets just re-plan Portland and I'll stay forever. 

I love to vacation in a warm, sun drenched, sand between my toes, type spot. But this was so special. My husband went hunting and did other manly things. We got to spend much needed family time. I got together with a dear friend in Greenville, met with childhood friends for breakfast, and went to brunch hosted by an old friend that made me feel like a sister. Gosh, you guys, I wanted to write a post on "friendships" another time. But you know, taking our vacation in SC made me realize what a true friendship is. And that was worth more then sinking my toes in warm sand. And, I will write a post on those feelings later. 

:)