celebrating eight years.

David and I planned to celebrate our anniversary two months ago with a dinner at our favorite restaurant, but that evening we both fell violently ill.  We’ve been looking for an opportunity to celebrate ever since, and it finally came this week.  Thanks to my mom and Shari for keeping the kids, we were able to take an overnight in Charleston on Thursday.

We started with dinner downtown; I mentioned in the reservation that it was our wedding anniversary, and they treated us like royalty.  We got to sit in “The Notebook corner,” where a scene from the movie was filmed, and were greeted with this card and champagne.  The atmosphere, food, and service were exquisite.

After sleeping in Friday morning, we headed back downtown for a late breakfast and enormous mugs of coffee (to the Gentino/Vargas ladies: it reminded me of our NYC trip!)

We walked and walked and walked on Friday.  It was hot, yes, but because it’s on the water there’s usually a stiff, salty breeze to temper the heat.  At the battery park, I stretched out on a bench under the trees while David read to me (We Bought A Zoo, if you’re curious).

Charleston is one of our favorite places in the world.  The trees, the glittering water, the sun and the historic architecture always put my mind at ease.

Ready for our key to long days of eating our way through favorite towns?  We walk as much as possible, and when a little bakery or restaurant catches our eye, we split snacks and coffee and entrees.  It helps us go the distance and eat as much as we possibly can.

Planning out our afternoon.

We strolled through the market, then popped into the candy shop for free praline samples and a treat for the kiddos. FYI: you can find knock-offs of these baskets at Hyman’s Seafood gift shop for way cheaper and made by Ten Thousand Villages.

Artsy graveyard pic.  We finished the trip off with a late seafood lunch: she-crab soup for David, and a fried fish po-boy for me.  It was an anniversary celebration worth waiting for!

Upon returning home, Judah and Amie were enamored with their “Big lollipops!”  And ate too much right before bed.  And experienced subsequent sugar melt-downs.

Amie proudly showed off the artwork they did with Nina.

A wonderful time was had by all!