Morgan Kate

Over six years ago when Travis and I were trying to pick out a wedding date we thought it would be a perfect idea to get married on or near the same date as my parents. One, we both admire the marriage they have. Two, we both absolutely love the summer. And three, we just thought it would be really special and sentitmental. And it was. We couldn't use their exact date as it fell on a Sunday and we wanted to get married on a Saturday, but we did go with the day before - July 9. At that time we saw no reason why this might not be the best idea in the world. Fast forward a few years and several anniversaries and a baby and we are learning that maybe, just maybe, we should have kept at least a few weeks between the dates.

The first three years were fine. It was just us celebrating our anniversary and my parent's celebrating their's. The first year Travis and I went on a cruise. So much fun. The second year we saved money and spent extra when we visited Ireland in August of that same year. Our third anniversary was extra special as it was on that date that we found out our Morgan Kate was indeed going to be Morgan Kate and not a William or Harden or any other boy name we were contemplating at the time. My parents went with us to our ultrasound and then we all celebrated with a steak dinner afteward. It was after the third year that our anniversaries began to get a little complicated. For our fourth anniversary and first post baby, my parents kept MK for a few hours while we went to dinner. It was one of our first times out since having her and my parents were thrilled. Plus, I am pretty sure that during that particular year the 9th fell on a week day or a Friday, meaning that my parents could help us out, but still be able to celebrate their big day. Last year we decided to take a trip down to Charleston and spend our first night away from Morgan Kate EVER. Of course my parents were excited to be celebrating their anniversary that weekend as well, but they were even more excited to get their grandchild overnight for the very first time.

And then there is or was this year. I began to realize that while I was so excited to be celebrating another year with my love and while I still think it's so special and sentimental that our anniversary is just a day before my parents, that maybe I should consider the fact that my parents still like going and doing and that if Travis and I go somewhere every year for our anniversary and ask my parents to keep MK, then they can't go anywhere or at least not that same weekend. Which just reinforces the fact that maybe Travis and I should have picked another weekend in July or another summer month altogether. This year my parents are celebrating thirty five years of marriage and I happen to think that's kind of a big deal. A really big deal. I think any anniversary is a big deal, but thirty five years is amazing and it's even more amazing to still like and love one another the way my parents do. I thought it was only right that they get their anniversary weekend. They shouldn't have to share it with anyone or wonder what we might do or need. But, I still wanted to do something with my hunny and I still only feel comfortable leaving MK overnight with my parents, so we went this past weekend to Hilton Head and celebrated our sixth anniversary a few weeks early. 

We had a terrific trip. We spent two nights away from Morgan Kate, which is something we've only done twice now. I'd like to say it's easier, but it's not. We still miss her like crazy and we talk about her A LOT, but we know that trips like this are important. We took the back roads down to Hilton Head and it was so relaxing. We talked, we laughed and I made Travis listen to my iPod, which is something he usually refuses to do. We even stopped at a few places on the way down to "sight see". 

Our sight seeing on the way down - beautiful Old Sheldon Church

These trees were gorgeous

While in Hilton Head we stayed at South Beach Marina Inn. My cousins went a few weeks ago to celebrate their sixth anniversary and the pictures were amazing. I immediately googled this place and booked the weekend. It was beautiful and quaint and just perfect. 

Historic ruins on the island

Friday evening we dined at Salty Dog Cafe and then spent the rest of the evening on the deck watching the Gamecocks play in the College World Series. Saturday morning Travis had us up by 7:00 and I thought I was going to die. We went for breakfast and coffee and then toured the island. We forgot our beach chairs, so instead we spent the day at the pool. It was so nice and relaxing and now I really want a pool. Then, and I'm still not sure how I managed to do this, but I talked Travis into going back inland and shopping at the outlets. Crazy, right? He did happen to score some new clothes, so it wasn't all just for me. After shopping we came back to South Beach, had dinner and sat on the deck and listened to live music. Again, so relaxing. There were so many things I loved about this trip, but my favorite part was just getting Travis all to myself and being able to talk and laugh and just hang out.

Our room

The "locals"

Travis and the "locals"

And I'm sure my parents thought the same thing about having Morgan Kate for the weekend. I am sure they had lots of favorite moments, but the thing they enjoyed most was just having her to themselves. When we went to pick up MK Sunday afternoon she had all sorts of new clothes and new toys. She had even gotten a paint set and a new rake. She had spent both nights in their bed and napped there as well. Needless to say, she had a blast and they spoiled her rotten.

I swear that everyday I just don't feel like it's possible to love Travis anymore than I already do. But, each and every single day I fall more and more in love with him. He is my world and I feel like the luckiest girl in the whole wide world. Happy early six years, boo! I love you more and more.

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Total side note here, but these little "pods" were everywhere on one part of the island. What in the world are these things and who designed them? There was an entire community of them. Strange little things.