How Football Binds Us

A tradition was started many years ago, thanks to my brother.    You see, Ray has a fierce love for his Alma mater, the University of South Carolina, and their athletic programs.  Over the years, we have been known to attend a football game or two, to help him cheer on his Gamecocks.  I can't remember how long ago it was that our maiden voyage with this tradition began, but it all started in Lexington, Kentucky against the UK Wildcats, with my Aunt Buzzie (who was still well enough to travel), and my Mom (who was still alive), and my friends who live there, Johanna and Ross.  Fast forward to last year, when we started planning for this year's event--- same match up, different venue:  Columbia, South Carolina.  It was our first time to trek into Ray's territory, and the experience did not disappoint.  The southern hospitality abounded, the accommodations surpassed expectations, and the Gamecocks....well, they won in an exciting finish!

More on that in a moment...  
 
Brian and I decided since we were trekking down south anyway, why not attach a little beach get away onto the front end of our trip?  So...first some pix from our recent excursion to Myrtle Beach:

That first moment, when she saw the beach...

and got her feet wet in the ocean.

I've said it before, but the beach is undoubtedly God's playground for children.

Every morning, a spectacular sunrise from our balcony.

 This is where you could find me every morning.
(Lucy is taking more of an interest in being behind the camera.)

The "hand-on-hip-aunt-Lisa-sass'' is now traveling across country!

We don't prompt Lucy to do this;  Aunt Lisa has created a beast!

Why go inside for a nap, when our condo owners provided us a beach bed?

I won't tell you how long it took us to figure out how to break down this tent.
(We must have been a sight to see for fellow beach-goers.)

 

We didn't spend too much time at the pool, as Brian and I prefer the beach.
(In terms of getting in, I think Lucy prefers the pool.)

Sunrise from the balcony:  Day Two

I felt it necessary not  to leave Myrtle without exploring their famous boardwalk.

We walked the 14 blocks down on the boardwalk, and walked back on the beach.

There were butterflies everywhere (see it on the flower?)

Lucy loved chasing them..until they flew towards her!

On Pier 14... a popular fishing location

We got to see this man catch this Drum fish. 

What is better than bubbles?   Bubbles on the beach!

Brian's attempt to save the jellyfish.

Lucy behind the camera again...not bad for a 4 year old!

Girlfriend can jump!

Napping again!

If ever in Myrtle, go to Kirk's Ice Cream...around for 100+ years.   Deeeelish!

Where you would find us relaxing almost every night.

Sunset, the last night we were there.   We went to the other side of our building to watch this.

Sunrise, the last morning we were there.

Breathtaking.

bye-bye Myrtle Beach!

And now, onto Columbia and the game that made it all come together:

Fathers with their Godchildren
 (Uncle Ray and Lucy--closest, Brian and Maddie--walking in front)

Cousins exploring the capitol building in downtown Columbia

Posing with a statue of "Cocky", the mascot of the team.

Lucy reading Maddie a "Froggy" book that Aunt Lisa gave her.

Ross and Brian, out Friday night in Columbia.

Let the tailgate begin!
  Perfect weather.  Great Food.  Hospitable hosts.  Friends and Family.
 Perfect.

Johanna and Ray.   Garnet and Blue got along just fine.

Lucy and Maddie went back to the hotel with the nanny.  Adults headed into the game.

Final score:  South Carolina: 35-- University of Kentucky: 28

Thanks Ray for a great weekend in Gamecock country!

Aren't traditions great?