The Loud Americans: South Carolina Fun!!

Since our kids are die hard 'stay at home for Christmas' people, we usually head out of town on 12/26 to see Tracy's side of the family. (and yes, we did watch Die Hard in prep for the holidays this year)

This year we decided to go visit Grandma and Grandpa in South Carolina. They are putting their condo on the market in 2019 and we hadn't been to visit in 8 years (we usually see them in Michigan vs South Carolina). I found 2 VRBO condo's and Tammy's family drove down to meet us. It was fun!!

We flew through Atlanta, landed late, spent the night and got up the next day to get the car and make the drive. Its a super easy drive (2 1/2 hours) and its fun to start heading into the mountains. We arrive about an hour after Tammy's family and it was cousin time!! The girls stayed with Tammy and Jeff, Jimmy got his own room at Grandma/pas and we had Joey (Herbie bailed on us and stayed with Tammy).

After all the hugs and welcome, we walked the nature trail down by the lake. Everyone paired up and chatted the whole time, catching up and just being happy to be together. Grandma had chalupas' ready and we set the TV to the NFL station, the dial would not change in 6 days...

The next day we explored the fitness center. All the kids got a great workout and spent hours swimming and in the hot tub. We had our Christmas dinner (ham and aunt minnies) and watched more football.

Saturday, the rain finally stopped and we headed out for a real hike. Grandpa found one that led to a waterfall and would take us about 2 hours round trip. It was gorgeous but a little treterous. We were hiking along a river. Given all the rain, it was swollen and muddy. We had to cross the river on rocks 5 times and no one managed to stay dry. Billy even fell in. But... Grandma was a trooper and we have new rule. No one is allowed to complain until Grandma complains. And, since Grandma never complains, we are enjoying that rule. Unfortunately we didnt make that rule until the end of the hike. So, the kids were loudly "complaining" (but having the time of their life) the whole way. Our reward for making it was ice cream and more football!

Sunday was the highlight day, Grandpa got tickets to the Clemson basketball game. Since he's an usher there, he was able to bring us down to court level. Best tickets we've ever had. The only bummer was ... the NFL flexed the Vikings game and Tom/Jimmy had to leave at 1/2 time of the Clemson game to go watch the Vikings game. Alls well that ends well though since...they secured a big table at the Wild Mushroom Pizza Joint and we were able to meet them after the game not wait for a table!

Monday was Georgia's 16th birthday so it was her day. The kids went bowling and got fried chicken. Tom made ribs. Jeff made twice baked potatoes and Grandma made a salad. It was ice cream sundaes for dessert and Monty Python the Holy Grail - a cousin favorite!

New Years Day was more fitness center swimming and the Escape Room. I was able to watch in the control room and it was pretty fun to see them solve the puzzles, work together and yell at each other. None of them can claim to NOT be competitive. We did left overs for dinner and watched more football. Tammy and I also went through boxes and boxes of old photos and clothes/memoribilia with my Mom. In her effort to clean out, she wanted us to see some things and help her make some decisions. It was fun to see old photos and show them to the kids. The best was when Grandpa showed the kids his basketball scrapbook from when his team won state. The kids were so engrossed in his stories and pictures.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and we had to head home. Tammy and Jeff got up early and made the drive home in a record 12 & 1/2 hours. We had all day to laze around, met a friend for take out Indian at her house in Duluth GA and then caught our LATE flight (10:45pm). We got home at 1:30am and quickly tried to unpack in order to go to bed. The kids were thrilled to be home and Kay even asked me to make her a quick bowl of fettucini alfreado. Tom offered and she said "no, mom makes it better - thanks mom!". Ahhh... I just wish it wasnt at 2am.

The good part of coming home before the end of break is that you get a bit of staycation time before school starts. So, the last 4 days of break have been spent getting caught up on chores, with friends and ready for school to start on Monday.

Loved our holiday break and are ready (and refreshed) to tackle 2019! (or at least make it through until Spring Break;)) A HUGE thanks to Grandma/pa for sharing their world with us in SC. It is a special place.

So excited to see each other!