It just seemed fitting this year to return to the way things began...visiting our beloved PCICU and delivering some special Christmas baskets to those precious heart babies {and their families} who are separated from family and in the hospital for such a special day. God showed us favor in the glorious weather as well...73 and sunny! The children's hospital at MUSC is about to move to a new facility...which appears to be amazing...so we knew this would also be our last Christmas visit to the sacred space our Annabelle once occupied. We made sure to take lots of precautions and wore face masks to shield ourselves from any nasty bugs and kept the girls confined as well. We were welcomed by Cheryl {who has opened those doors for us for nearly 12 years} and met a few new nurses. Annabelle's surgeon, Dr. Bradley, came over to visit as well...the moment he stuck his hand out to shake mine, I immediately thought "This hand held my daughter's heart..." So, naturally, I gave him a hug, too. He is in the unit often but stays very focused and very busy so we don't often get a personal visit...and don't ask for one as we well know he is more needed bedside than by ours. He enjoyed seeing the kids...couldn't believe how big Wyatt is now...couldn't believe it's almost been 12 years since Annabelle was there...and helped me navigate a difficult conversation with my littlest. It was a precious visit that we all cherished.
After dropping off baskets for the elves to deliver Christmas Eve, we took a special delivery for a friend up to the sweetest boy {and had a lovely little visit with his mama and brothers}. Then, we headed to Shem Creek for dining al fresco on the water!
We tried to get a reservation ahead of time but they were booked. We chanced just walking up and sure enough they seated us right away! I asked if we could please sit outside and it was perfect!
Shrimp & Grits for the little & middle kids, bison burgers for the big boys & salmon salad for me...Christmas Eve in the South! All outside on the deepest porch overlooking the water...
We then headed over to the harbor preserve to get a little walk in and view of both downtown & the ocean before heading back home for Scott's side Christmas Eve gathering.
I think Wyatt said it best as we were waiting for our lunch to arrive when he declared "This has got to be our Christmas Eve tradition!" Although we can't always guarantee that the weather will be nearly as glorious as it was this year, the company & the city never lose their charm. I think my firstborn is right...it was so so good to resume this sweet tradition...with another baby girl joining us.
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