Army ROTC

Our son decided to try Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) during his sophomore year at UofSC.  He ended up loving it.  So this week, he committed to serving with the military upon graduation.  

His first choice for a career path is Financial Management and his second choice is Aviation.  The actual career assignment is determined by a ranking system and of course, need.  His performance in acedemics and physical fitness will contribute to an overall cadet score that ranks him among all other cadets across the nation.  The higher your rank, the better chance of getting your first choice.  But with the Army, you still have the possibility of a combat tour or two, so training is essential.  

Some of the requirements before he could commit included a medical evaluation, a basic training camp, and passing a physical fitness test.  Here he is packing the night before his basic training camp.

During the camp, they didn't sleep much.  All cadets had to rotate on night watch.  His time was 1am-1:45am.  Below he's pictured with his "watch" buddy.

With his official signing, I figured it was time to get a shirt and show my support.  His actual deployment(s) in the future will be rough on me, but I'm looking forward to seeing where this leadership opportunity takes him.  

After earning his bachelors degree in finance, he will be sworn in as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army.  Thank you for serving, Luke!  You make me incredibly proud.💝

Hagood Mill

The little one and I decided to spend our Saturday at our favorite place in Pickens County, Hagood Mill.

This gristmill was built in the 1800s and is still grinding corn today.  Back then, it was the focal point of a little farming village that established vital trade goods for an early Pickens community.

We saw an old moonshine still nestled against the hillside.  There was a blacksmith class going on, too.  They were making cast iron hooks.

We enjoyed watching the chickens roaming around...

Then roaming around ourselves in several log cabins.  This one housed the weaving loom.

Although we came here 4 years ago, we didn't remember there being a hiking trail.  So, off we go!

Nice bridge, and a cool addition to the place.

They also have a cotton gin, a country store, and some neat petroglyphs that were found under a road just 20 years ago.  Although it was quiet today, it's still a hopping place every 3rd Saturday of the month.  In October, they are hosting the state's fiddling championship competition!  We may have to come back for that.

Eric's 50th

 After talking (and planning) for months, we finally got to celebrate Eric's 50th birthday.  He always expects a big show of decorations to commemorate his special occasion.  When we didn't have decorations up one week prior, he decided to get some himself.

After cake and presents, he wanted to spend the day at the lake with our friends, the Niperts.

Their three kiddos enjoyed riding the jetski.

So did their dad, Mr. Bart.

We brought the rope and tube as well, which was a big hit!

Here's my super handsome, strong muscles, always a kid, husband.  Yep, this picture is quite fitting.

When we got home, the neighbors across the street were also celebrating their 50th.  They appropriately decorated, unlike me.  But I did get his picture with the sign!

Happy birthday, Eric!

Red Rock Canyon, OK

On a recent trip to see my mom, the girls and I decided to hike some trails near Oklahoma City.  We researched several in Lawton, but the best ones were closed due to COVID-19.  We found another just 45 min. NW of the city called Red Rock Canyon.  

It was surprisingly beautiful and scenic!  The July heat and afternoon sun gave us a good sweat, but the exercise and views were worth it.

The trail was well-marked until you hit the huge rock openings.  Then, it was almost impossible to find where the trail picks up again.  To make matters worse, each huge rock formation looked like the one before it, so we ended up navigating the ridge using the park below as an occasional guide.

We packed plenty of water, which was key.  And we got super dirty with all the red sand.  The reviews said to wear long pants or boots and to watch out for snakes, but fortunately we just saw lizards.  

It took us about 2 1/2 hrs to hike in & out since we didn't want to complete the last mile of the trail loop using black-top road. Overal, a fun afternoon with my girls.

Charleston - Bridge

The Cooper River Bridge was too tempting to pass up on this trip.  So before we headed home, we got up early to get some exercise with the most breathtaking views around.  Fun fact, it's also the 3rd longest in the Western hemisphere.

We started at a park in Mount Pleasant, then followed the trail to the bridge.

Once on the bridge, Ashlyn and Eric pulled away to start their run.  I decided to take it a bit slower and enjoy the views.

The Little One stayed with me for most of it and pushed my walking speed until I was out of breath.

Loved the huge cables and beams!

My favorite picture of the Charleston Bay.

Then just to the left is the USS Yorktown.  

Great trip!

Charleston - Beach

The next morning we headed to the beach.  First, a little play time while freshly exposed beach from low tide provided the perfect opportunity for hand stands.

After pitching our umbrella and setting down the bags, it was time to hit the water.

As the day progressed, more people came out to this little stretch of sand.  But it never got more crowded than a handful of swimmers and shell seekers.  lt was so relaxing!

Our exhausted medical student melted into a coma for a well-deserved break.

We simply enjoyed family time.  And shade.

And a bit of surf.

Charleston - Aquarium

After our morning at Patriot's Point, we headed for a great lunch at East Bay Deli.  We  just stopped here for convenience, but realized quickly why the locals love it so much.  With signature sandwiches like the Citadel, the Carolina, and the Club Calhoun, it was amazing.

The heat of the afternoon was spent indoors at the Aquarium.  

We saw lots of birds and reptiles native to this area, but our favorites were the jellyfish, sharks, and sea turtles.  They have the best sea turtle hospital here!  Outside, they had a nice area to watch the stingrays, Eric's highschool mascot.

He enjoyed petting the baby sharks, too.

This bald eagle named Liberty has a broken wing and can never fly again.  They are occasionally spotted in our state, although a bit smaller in size than their northern counterparts.

At 4pm, we had to depart to pick up our daughter on time at the testing center.  But first, we stopped by the hotel for a quick nap and clean up.  Ashlyn got out at 5:30 and was mentally drained.  She wanted to stretch her legs, so we walked around the mall a bit then ate some dinner.  Fingers crossed (and lots of prayers) she did well!

As a follow up, Ashlyn not only passed the medical board exam, but she also scored high enough for a surgery slot!  Her dream of being a surgeon since she was 8 years old is now coming true.  So proud of you, girl!  All your hard work, late nights studying, sweat, tears, prayers, and much stress were worth it.