After we packed up and handed over the keys to our cousins, we were off to country living on John's Island. We are renting a friends house, which is a 1 bedroom and is available for us as we need it, which is perfect for us...I did not want to sign a 12 month lease anywhere. We were there in January and will be there in April and May before we head to Kiawah Island for the summer. We looked downtown in Charleston as well but thought we would give country living a try for a while.  
 
I think this is a great idea if you want to check out another area of your city, especially if you are relatively new to town. Steph and I tried living downtown a few years ago. We did sort of the same thing...packed up our stuff and gave it a try. It was the most romantic year of my life. I am so glad we got to experience city life, in the heart of Charleston, South of Broad. Trying new homes really does give you perspective on what suits your family. And moving to a smaller home certainly gives you an idea of what you can live with and what you can live without! We downsized to a 1 bedroom and brought the bare minimum. I noticed that Steph and I argued less over chores and spent way more time outdoors and with each other and the kids. Here are a few images from our month on JI. I don't have a ton, I was a little busy doing last minute shoots and working out details for our trip but I hope to get more when we come back in April.  
 
I should also clarify - there is a king bed, where Steph and I sleep, and a little bunk in the wall, where Graham sleeps. Lulu is in her pack and play. Graham and Lulu are in the living room together. I knew this would be an adjustment for the kids with their bedtimes but it was also a good trial for us before we left for South America. I think I get stuck in my head with bedtimes and rules and it's healthy to just get out of your house and all of your creature comforts and just roll with it.

We tried to take as many sunset walks on the dock as possible, it is so beautiful out there!

We had a fire every night and I had a lot of wine...I mean isn't it kind of mandatory to have wine with a fire??? Yes, I think so. Here is our first firewood delivery, the kids were pretty stoked about it.

Graham learned how to make a fire and we did this every night, sometimes we started the fire around 2 or 3pm, after nap.

Apologies for iPhone photo but here are the fruits of our labor...reading a book with Daddy while keeping toes warm.

Lulu celebrated her birthday on John's Island. Steph's Dad and girlfriend came to visit and we had cupcakes from Sugar, it was perfectly relaxed.

Look at this sweet baby girl!!!! She is kind and loving and considerate....a gentle soul, just like my Mimi for whom she is named.

This was one of the last images I got of the kids before we left and I am in love with it beyond words. I can't wait to blow this one up when I get back home. My sweet little Patagonia babies.