Our main mission was to join my aunt, cousins and their kids in their daily lives, so we went to football and volleyball games, attended a youth event at their church, and savored home cooked meals, crowded around the dining room table together. It was so good to catch up and spend quality time with them. However, we did also have some special adventures and meals out around the area.

My husband is from northwest Indiana. His parents still live up there, as well as his sister’s family. His brother and family live in Miami. We live in St. Louis, MO. In order for us to all get together, some of us have to driveway a long, long way, or fly. This summer, we decided to try something new and meet in a place that was a 10-12 hour drive for everyone. That place was Cherokee, NC. None of us had been to that area before, and with 10 grandchildren, aged 10 and under, we hoped to find many (tiring) activities that wouldn’t cost a fortune.

Ah Charleston, you beautiful, classic city. From the clear white beaches of the Isle of Palms to the towering, moss-laden oaks of Boone Hall - Charleston, South Carolina and the surrounding area is full of beauty - both natural and human made. Dining, shopping, beaches, history…. its easy to see why it is the top destination wedding location in the US. My mom and I spent a far-too-short weekend exploring the area this past February.