Always press record, and other goodies

I have a great group of friends. Neil and I have a way of connecting with people that seem to mix well when we have large parties and gatherings, and we have always enjoyed entertaining. Earlier this year, my good friend from Appalachian, Amanda, and Neil's best buddy from his time with Home Depot, Reece, were introduced at a party at our place. The four of us ended up out lasting the other light-weights, and stayed up drinking and talking until the wee hours. The personalities seemed to work well together, and I am glad to have a new group formed from the old. Complete with many, many inside jokes, like the need to always press record and the orphan babies, the crew is on the move this July.

Amanda ended up making more trips to Atlanta to take a break from Charlotte, and our crew continued to hang out. Lauren and Brian Addington, close friends of ours who just got married a little over a week ago, often joined us as we went out on the town. I decided to bring Amanda with me on our yearly trip to Hilton Head, and Neil, who has been trying to get Reece to come for years, finally got him to take some time off and join in. Lauren, probably without her new hubby, may join us for a few days post-honeymoon. Should be a great time full of sarcasm and alcohol.

Our yearly trip to Hilton Head is a big deal for us because we get to be completely on vacation. No rules, just fun. We usually spend lots of time at the pool, the beach, and try to get out on the water in a boat or kayak whenever possible. Some items on the agenda this year:

1. Amanda and I are excited to keep our running program going by running together at the beach. It is nice to have a partner to keep you on track.
2. Lots of good food. Seriously, we are talking about a low country boil, fresh fish, and all the crab I can figure out how to cook.
3. Great low-key beach activities that Neil can enjoy with us too. We are renting chairs and umbrellas on the beach to be sure to make it there everyday. We'll probably end up renting a boat for a evening excursion. If the doctor's say it is okay with them, we may also go kayaking in the marshes again. And of course, bike riding. :)
4. Heading to the spa. We spend the first night in Hilton Head at a hotel instead of the condo, and we will wake up to a spa morning on Friday. I sooooo need this.
5. Seriously, I think we are taking the entire bar. If it is "summery" or "beachy," we will be drinking it. I may need detox after this vacay. Seriously.

Neil's parents and their friends have a condo in the same area of Sea Pines, so we will get some good family bonding in, too. I'll be sure to keep you updated, dear readers, and post what pictures I can when we return. Some things will surely have to stay at the beach.