Happy November!

We hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween! Ours was eventful, to say the least. Our two-year-old came down with a bad cough and fever, and of course, our baby decided that was the perfect day to make his arrival! We welcomed our third son just a little over an hour after arriving at MUSC, so he now has a very memorable Halloween birthday!

This week’s newsletter is short and sweet, highlighting some fun events happening this weekend, including family movie nights and the tree lighting ceremony with lots of holiday family fun at Tanger Outlets.

The Summerville Sweet Tea Half Marathon is also happening this Saturday, so if you notice a little extra commotion downtown, that’s why! The races are sold out, but you can still head out to cheer on the runners and stop by the farmers market before it closes for the season at the end of November.

Also, if you want to get your free fall family picture courtesy of Ernest Govan, The Dream Maker Agent, remember to stop by Azalea Park (105 W 5th S St.) between 9:30-11am tomorrow. Just remember to bring some school supplies for local teachers to donate!

Santa letters, handled. Your child writes it, a Secret Elf picks it up at your Summerville-area doorstep, and you get all the wonder with zero extra work. Save 10% with code palmettoparents through 11/10. Spots are limited, so reserve yours: www.secretelfservice.com

Space Jam Movie Night
Friday, November 6 | 6:30–8:30pm | Ashley River Branch Library, 2824 Bacons Bridge Rd., Summerville | Registration required

Space Jam turns 30 this year, and the library is celebrating tonight with a screening and 90s-inspired snacks. The best 90s or basketball-themed outfit wins a prize, so this is your excuse to dig out the old windbreaker. It's listed for families and all ages, and 42 seats were still open when I checked on Wednesday. Register here before you head over.

Cinema Under the Stars: Minions
Friday, November 6 | 6pm
Nexton— Greeting House Lawn, 106 Greeting House Rd, Summerville
Free

October’s Cinema Under the Stars got rained out, so Nexton is making up for it with a November movie night. Head to the Greeting House Lawn at 6pm for a showing of Minions. Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union will be handing out gift bags with goodies for both kids and adults, and there will be popcorn available too. Bring a chair or a picnic blanket to set up to enjoy the show.

6th Annual Tree Lighting & Hometown Heroes Celebration — Tanger Outlets
Saturday, November 7th | 4–7pm
Tanger Outlets, 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd, North Charleston
Free

Tanger Charleston is kicking off the holiday season with a festive evening for the whole family. The night honors the 2026 Hometown Heroes at 4pm, followed by local school and community performances at 4:30. Then Santa arrives by parade at 5:30, leading into the big moment at 5:45: the lighting of a spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree.

All evening from 4–7pm there’s plenty to keep the kids busy, with live music from the Cooper River Band, photos with Santa, train rides, stilt walkers, balloon twisting, face painting, and food trucks. Bring the whole family and make it part of your holiday tradition.

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This week's Palmetto Piece is dedicated to the grandparents. We know that many of you reading this newsletter are grandparents yourselves, and the fact that you take time out of your week to see what's happening around town so you can make memories with your grandkids is already proof of how much you love them. We've always been grateful for the role grandparents play in our boys' lives, but this past week has reminded us just how special that role really is.

We know how incredibly fortunate we are to still have both sets of our parents around and involved in our kids' lives. It's something we never want to take for granted, and especially in this season of having babies and raising little ones, their presence has been such a gift. When I went into labor on Halloween, Daniel's parents came right over to take care of our boys so we could head to the hospital. My parents came into town the next morning, ready to jump in and help however they could. And while bringing home a newborn is always an adjustment, we had the added challenge of our older two boys being sick. What could have easily been one of the more stressful weeks for our family has instead been a week we've been able to treasure as we welcome our newest little boy.

I think one of the hardest parts of becoming a mom of three is knowing that I can't be everything to everyone all at once. There are moments when the baby needs me, but my older boys do too, and I can't physically be in two places at the same time. This week, knowing that our older two were being so well loved and cared for by their grandparents has given me so much peace. They've had people to snuggle them, play with them, comfort them when they aren't feeling well, and give them the attention they deserve while Daniel and I adjust to having a newborn again. And I know our boys are just as happy to have that special time with their grandparents as we are to have the help.

It's also made me think about how much grandparents give that often goes unnoticed. It's not just the big things like dropping everything to come watch the kids when a baby is on the way. It's the little things, too. The time spent playing games, reading books, showing up for activities, making favorite snacks, or simply being another person a child knows they can count on. So much of what grandparents do requires sacrificing their own time, energy, and plans, often without expecting anything in return. And while we as parents are incredibly grateful for the help, I think the greatest gift is the relationship our kids get to build with people who love them so deeply.

So to all the grandparents reading this, thank you. Thank you for showing up, for making the effort, for loving your grandkids so well, and for all the ways you make your children's lives a little easier along the way. Whether you're helping with a newborn, taking your grandkids on a special outing, or simply making time to be part of their everyday lives, please know how much it matters. This week has been such a sweet reminder to me that raising kids was never meant to be something we do entirely on our own. We're so grateful for the grandparents who help make our family what it is, and I hope all of you know just how loved and appreciated you are.

Love,

Courtney, Daniel, and the Berk Boys

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