Charleston

I'm in love with Charleston, S.C. I got to visit the city for the first time last weekend. I took Thursday and Friday off of work, and Leah and I met my parents in Charleston. They had arrived two days prior to celebrate their anniversary.

After my parents picked Leah and me up from the airport, we drove to Sullivan's Island just outside of Charleston. It felt great to stick my feet in the Atlantic! We had a pretty good lunch at a place called Poe's Tavern, and we had an amazing Italian dinner at Bacco's.

On Friday, we toured downtown Charleston by foot with a tour guide named Tommy. He explained the city's history. This tour was probably my favorite part of the trip. I learned so much. Dinner Friday was at Coast, which was within walking distance to our hotel. Our meal was OK, but not as good as dinner at Bacco's.

Like our matching T-shirts? We didn't pack well for the trip. It was much colder than we expected! We had to buy these T-shits to stay warm on our tour.

Saturday, we spent a lot of time shopping. I didn't expect Charleston to have such great shopping! We also watched the UT v. Florida game at a local pub. Dinner Saturday night was my favorite. We ate a place called Cru Cafe inside of an old historical home.

Meet Larry -- one of the city's tour guides.

I was sad to leave Sunday. The trip was definitely too short. But I plan to return one day!

Rocky Top

Over Labor Day weekend, I went to Knoxville, Tenn., to visit Leah.

I enjoyed seeing her roommates and new apartment. which she wanted me to help decorate. Her bedroom was mostly decorated but need a few more things on the wall to make it complete. So Saturday we went to a few places to find some stuff for her walls. At an antique store, we found a series of three photographs that we loved. We placed two over her desk and one in the bathroom.

At Home Goods, we found a wooden wall decoration that needed some work. We knew it needed spray painting, but we liked how it added some texture to the room. We painted it purple.

Saturday evening we had plans to watch the UT v. Montana game at Downtown Grill & Brewery. We didn't get tickets to the game, but were glad we decided not to once the rain started right before kickoff! Kickoff was delayed for a couple hours, so we spent our time at Downtown Grill eating pizza and drinking beer (or water for Leah) without football.

Sunday was spent running more errands, shopping and eating at another Knoxville favorite -- Chez Guevara!

I headed home on Monday after a great weekend with my sis! Glad I got to come for a visit.

Pizza with Molly and Hunter

On Tuesday of this week, I went to Jackson, Tenn., for another work project. It was the perfect opportunity to have dinner and catch up with Molly. Hunter met us for dinner at Picasso. Molly let me stay the night with her, so I didn't have to drive back late!

I Love Oxford

On Wednesday night, my mom asked to come along with me on a special work project Friday night. She wanted to see what I do! My work project took me to Pontotoc, Miss. -- about an hour and 45 minutes away. We decided that rather than drive the whole way back afterwards, we'd stop in Oxford, Miss., and stay at a bed and breakfast. It was a great decision. We had so much fun!

We checked into The 512 just before 8 p.m. and were so pleased with our room. The whole inn was full of historic charm, yet was very sophisticated. The 512 was built in 1905 by a local doctor and used as an eye clinic in the 20s. It was renovated most recently in 2008. (I took these pictures of it Saturday morning because it was too dark when we arrived.)

After we checked in and dropped off our bags, we walked to dinner on the square. We ate at McEwen's, which is new to Oxford, and had delicious steak and plenty of wine! It's a good thing the bed was comfortable because we were exhausted!

Saturday morning we had a full Southern breakfast in the inn, went to the farmer's market and walked around the square. We ended our fun mother/daughter trip with a Bloody Mary!

Life Lately

It's been a while since I've blogged! I figured I'd do a quick update.

Brian came in town for a two-week visit before the start of his fall semester. It's always nice to be in the same city for more than a weekend! He finally got to officially ask his groomsmen to be a part of our wedding, too.

I also spent some time with Leah before she headed off back to school.

Here's a photo of her new room at school. Can't wait to come for a visit and see it in person!

While the roommates (mom and dad) went to Knoxville to help Leah move into her apartment, Emma hosted a party. Her boyfriend, Hawk, came over to play. She falls fast.

On Sunday, I completed the third race -- a 5 miler -- in the Memphis Road Race Series. Only seven more to go!