Charleston and the Masters

This weekend was only my second visit to Charleston and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite southern cities. Here is why:

• The city is on the water (and has great beaches nearby)
• Fresh seafood
• Very southern
• Plenty of history and charm
• Not too big and not too small
• Fun markets and shopping

We were in town with John's family for his cousin's wedding. We enjoyed all of the above Charleston has to offer plus a carriage ride tour around downtown, looking at houses in the battery, and of course celebrating the bride and groom. I love John's family. All his extended family from VA were in town they are a fun and crazy bunch! Congrats and Best Wishes to Robert and Ashley!

I could have taken a million pictures of all the precious Charleston homes downtown.

As well as the larger homes on the battery too.

I was in love with all the flowers!

Wedding Festivities with some of the girl cousins

And ever since I met John the second weekend in April has become one of my most favorite times of the year. You can read more here on why I love this event so much. This year was no different than any other (except it was blazing hot)!

A beautiful day and some very exciting golf!

Refreshed

Sunday I had the opportunity to be here with my mom

and watch this winning moment. I love me some Phil!

I was also able to go Thursday with some good friends. With school about to end for John and lots of tests and projects approaching he was not able to go this year. He sweetly let me take the tickets and stayed home to work and keep Caroline. I am so grateful for this little time away. It was good to be totally without Caroline. You cannot even take a cell phone in the tournament and I was gone over 12 hours both days. Obviously, I love her to pieces but I am a firm believer that sometimes every mom (and dad) need their time away. Babies require so much that it is easy to become completely engulfed in baby world. I have for sure been guilty of this already. It was great to be completely away and feel like all my attention and focus could be catching up with mom, friends, relaxing, and watching good golf. Whether it is a whole day, a few hours, or overnight these times are good for my spirit. I feel refreshed. These times make me a better mom for Caroline. And I was thrilled to wake her up Monday morning and be back with her again.

It's Official...

I really like golf. This year was my 3rd year to go to the Master's with John. Two years ago when I went for the first time, I knew absolutely nothing about golf- and I am actually pretty tuned in with sports. My brothers did not grow up playing or watching golf so I guess it never struck my fancy either. I could not have told you the difference between a birdie or a bogie. And Tiger Woods was the only golfer I would somewhat recognize.

John loves golf . He grew up playing and going to the Master's each year. The last two years I have tried so hard to learn as much as I possibly could about the sport (only while at the tournament, of course). I have asked John so many questions (probably multiple times) to try and understand. I was so proud when this year during the tournment, he turned to me and said, "You've become quite the little golf fan." He realized this year I was not asking questions, I was participating in the conversation and keeping up with the tee cards just as he was doing so.

When I told John how much I was loving the golf he said, "I think you just love the Master's." We laughed, but in reality, I think it is true. I love experiences with lots of history and tradition - and that is the Master's. The whole thing truly fascinates me. All the rules: The secret society of members, no phones, no cameras/pictures, no public selling or purchasing of tickets, no sponsors, etc. The traditions: the volunteers in Augusta who make this production happen (so smoothly and very organized), local school teachers who take their spring break to make all the sandwiches, nothing in the concession is over $3, the same very short and simple menu every year, and of course so many of the same fans who come back year after year. It is very much a family event. And talk about a great place to people watch!

Bobby Jones did a great job making this an elite course and tournament. It is amazing how honored people are just to be able to watch the golf at Augusta National. It is refreshing to see a place and an event with so much respect from fans. Of all the sporting events I have witnessed, this is the only one I have never seen a drunk fan, a piece of trash on the ground, a fight or a police officer escort someone out of the crowd.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to have gone several years. It is a remarkable southern sporting event. If you ever have the chance to go, you must take it!

So maybe I do just love golf while at the Master's.