G-Vegas

During Clemson graduation weekend I stayed in Greenville (we called it G-Vegas when we were in school) with my older brother.  Usually whenever I'm in Greenville I'm just passing through on my way somewhere else but this weekend I had some time to see more of Greenville.  I have to admit that there is more to Greenville than I ever gave it credit for and I can completely understand why so many people want to live there.

Saturday morning we went to the Farmer's Market.  We've been to a couple markets in Houston but this one was bigger and better.  We didn't buy much but I did get to enjoy some delicious gluten free muffins!

Half of the farmers market.  The other half is behind me.

After the Farmer's Market I went shopping with my mom.  We don't get to spend much time alone these days so it was a real treat!

There was more shopping to be done that afternoon at Artisphere.  Tents lined the streets of downtown Greenville filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative items.  My favorite thing was watching a vendor blow glass and a street performer.

He was making a glass oak tree.

This girl would play the drums but only if
you put money in the hat.

After exhausting ourselves at Artisphere we went to dinner at The Trappe Door.  It is a wonderful restaurant modeled after a Belgian Ale house.  We enjoyed mussels, frites, truffle aioli (or as Brett likes to call it "dirt from Cinderella's forest"), and some great family time.  I am so happy I was able to spend the weekend with my family and I'm really looking forward to spending more time with them in a couple weeks!

John and Layne 

Me and my Mom!

Chris and Brett

The Last Graduation

For the past 15 consecutive years there has been a Cutshall at Clemson but this weekend the streak ended.  My little brother has just graduated with a degree in Marketing and started his first real job.  I'm so proud of him!  I'm also thankful to my parents for putting 4 kids through 18 years of college.  It is no simple feat and it is a gift I hope to one day give our own children.

I watched hundreds of students walk across the stage and I reminisced about the wonderful times I had in college and how much I miss many of the people I met there.  It also made me realize how much my life has changed in the 4 1/2 years since I graduated and how I wouldn't change a thing.  So congratulations to the Class of 2012, you have your whole life ahead of you!

John walking across the stage and shaking President
Barker's hand.

John's girlfriend, Layne, graduating

Whoever is the the Tiger mascot gets to wear the costume
gloves for graduation.  This girl was the Tiger Cub.

Dear Old Clemson, we will triumph
And with all our might
That the Tiger's roar may echo
O'er the mountain height.

John and Layne.  They had to share the honor stole because
they both forgot to order one.

Cutshalls and the graduates

Family of Clemson Tigers!

A lot of the students decorated their caps and I just wanted to highlight some of my favorites.

I feel sorry for these kids.
The economy is just not the same as
when I graduated.

Wishing Layne the best of luck
as she is going to Ohio State to get a
Master's in Music, hence the music note.

New Camera!

I have been wanting a DSLR for the past few years and with some exciting events coming up we decided it was a good time to make the purchase.  Seeing as my point and shoot has started deleting photos whenever it sees fit, the new camera could not have come at a better time.  We purchased the Nikon D5100 and I love it!

The second I got the camera I had to start practicing.  Who better to have a photo shoot with than the Maddie dog?

Finally a Maddie picture without devil red eyes.

Perched in her spot that is at the top of our chair.

Maddie is a cat-dog.  She likes the back of any furniture.

Can't wait to try it out at my little brother's graduation on Friday!

Cheers to Katie!

One of my best friends, Katie, is getting married in a few weeks and we wanted to celebrate her last few weeks as a single lady in Charleston.  We spent the weekend eating, drinking, and hanging out at the beach.

On Friday night after everyone arrived we went to Taco Boy which was down the street from where we were staying in Folly Beach.  I was a little skeptical about Mexican food in South Carolina as I didn't think it could be as good as what I get in Houston but I was pleasantly surprised.  If you are ever in Charleston, check out Taco Boy for some delicious fish tacos!

Cheers!

Tequila shot for Katie

Beth, Emily, and Ashley

Holly, Katie, and Laura

Saturday was spent at the beach where we all enjoyed a few hours relaxing in the sun.  After the beach we had a lingerie shower for Katie and then went downtown for dinner at Coast.  I of course took pictures of all of this but my camera has once again deleted my photos without my knowledge.  I'm hoping one of the other girls will be able to fill in the holes for me.  The only photos I have now are from my phone.

Brittany had so many cute ideas and this was the only picture I still
have of them.   She spray painted the bottom of the glasses with
chalkboard paint so we could all write our names on them.

Sunday we grabbed brunch at The Lost Dog where I tried to satisfy my longing for grits.

Perfect southern breakfast.  Cheese grits and water in a
mason jar.

We got an interesting show while we waited for our table for brunch. Yes, that is a guy in nothing but a speedo.  Yes, he is carrying a boombox blaring "Sexy and I Know It".

I hope Katie had as wonderful of a time as I did!  Can't wait for her to tie the knot with Adam!