A quick vacay

Noel hasn't been able to take a vacation, or a break for that matter, in a really long time, so we decided to take the boys to Charleston for a quick getaway.

Noel used the airbnb app to find us a place, and it was.....interesting.  It was definitely way less expensive than getting a hotel, and it was definitely "an experience".  We were driving in a pretty run down neighborhood, and I kept thinking, I'm sure we have a few more minutes before we get to the apartment we're going to stay in.  When we stopped, in that neighborhood, in front of a place that looked CRAZY, I gave Noel the serious side eye, and Walker goes, "this isn't Charlestonnnnnn!!!!!" It was that bad.  When we got inside though, Charlie said, "this is AWESOME!!", and the boys had the time of their lives in the apartment (they love apartments), sharing a bed, and being in a new space. They sure do make life fun.

The place ended up being fine, and we had a great time.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from our trip.

^couldn't you just eat him?!!

Our first stop was to USS Yorktown, the aircraft carrier.  We all really enjoyed it.  I loved the history behind it, and the boys couldn't get enough of the jets, sitting in the captain's seat, and the boat in general.

Those lights! This picture doesn't do this setting any justice.  Our restaurant for the first night didn't work out,  so after site-seeing for a while, and walking in the humidity and heat, I was about ready for some dinner.  The only place that didn't have a 3 hour wait was this little Italian place.  I was hesitant at first because the front section of the restaurant looked really fancy and had zero kids in it, but we just had to take our chances because the baby needed some noodles. We've taken the boys to Ruth's Chris (true statement) many times, and they're usually pretty well-behaved at restaurants, and they were here as well.  What made it so nice was that the hostess, who happened to also be the owner, was so welcoming and kind to the boys.  She made them a special fruit juice blend, brought them lots of bread, and treated them like she would any other guest.  It was a great experience.

Blogging, dancing, and now.....in real life friends!! We've been great bloggy friends for a while, so it was so exciting to finally meet Emily in person.  We were able to go to her apartment in Charleston, and she is just the sweetest, funniest, and most fantastic person ever.  

We took a carriage ride tour around town, and I don't think that will ever get old.  I love seeing all the beautiful homes and flowers, and learning more about the history of the city.  (Walker seemed to enjoy the ride as well, and got a great nap out of it.) :)

I'm glad we were able to get away for a few days.  Noel and I definitely need to plan a mini vacation for just the two of us sometime soon, but I love taking the boys with us on trips.  I think one of the biggest reasons my brother and sisters and I are all so close is because we always vacationed together.  My parents took us on their business trips, on regular trips, to fancy restaurants, and just about everywhere, and I'm so glad they did.  

Hope you're having a great week!

PS.  Pictures from our 1st Charleston trip yearssss ago here.