Beauty & the Beach

Oh my...where to begin? The last several days have been pure bliss relaxing with family at the beach house. My dad occasionally says "I can't imagine heaven being better than this." and even though we are promised that it will be, when I am there on Edisto Island surrounded by those I love, it makes me wonder and relish in it all. By the way, my sweet husband took the picture above after his morning run near the golf course. He noticed the reflection and came home for the camera. For the above photo: Can you say "new screen saver?"

We had 14 of us and enjoyed lots of laughter, bike rides, long walks, games, cards, cooking, deep conversations, tears, jokes, picture taking, college football, Macy's Day parade, lots of amazing food, traditions, and written gratitude on the leaves, and dancing (oooh the dancing...we moved the furniture and danced at night...the adults and the kids. It was hysterical!

Also, a sunset boat cruise

to feed the seagulls and scout for the dolphin...

My brother in law, Captain Douglas

(he is a harbor pilot in Georgetown, SC)

catches Charlotte here as she descends

on the homemade zip line my dad made for all the grandchildren.

This is a HUGE hit and continues to be a highlight of our Edisto visits.

Lots of special cousin time!

William here with Elliott (age 6), my oldest nephew.

Ahhh, the wonder of the coast.

Sweet Chappell (age 3), my youngest nephew.

And of course quality Daddy time...

My sweet Uncle Bill and Aunt Cathy shipped

40 pounds of Alaskan king crab to the beach house!

What a treat!

And Captain Douglas retrieved these fresh oysters himself a few days before.

We were able to have a big oyster roast under the house by the marsh one evening.

Doesn't get much better than that!

My 11 year old boy may not admit it but he likes the Food Network,

loves both his grandmother's cooking and also likes to dabble in the kitchen.

He made this apple pie topper. Yummy!

The kids got a little antsy one afternoon we had chilly winds

so I held a brief art camp at the table...they are so creative!

Elliott's motor boat and ocean with fish.

Mom's amazing centerpiece.

Love how she uses the most random objects to make something beautiful.

Can you see the parsley, hydrangeas, berries and nuts?

Especially thankful for this country we live in...

I noticed this near the place I stopped for seafood one afternoon.

Giant live oak with two American flags...

And who can witness this and not believe in God?

Every night He paints a different one.

This is the painting that started it all. My dad's dad. He was the artist and painted this of my father when he was a teenage boy overlooking Dover's Bluff, where they had a lake cabin. As you can imagine, it brings back such great memories for my father. And because my maiden name is Hood, this painting was named BoyHood memories, now the name of this beach house.

We hired a photographer from Charleston to come and do a photo shoot on the beach. She did a great job we think and cannot wait to see what she captured in the 2 hours she was with us just before sunset. Hopefully I will get permission to share some of those soon. If you find yourself in the Charleston area and need a great photographer, call Banner! She's wonderful!

But our mental pictures will last a long time too and for those I am so very grateful.

No price tag on those babies!

How was your Thanksgiving and is anyone else in denial that today is December 1st?

Blessings to you this advent season!

xoxo,

C