The Beach

Sunday morning after breakfast at the hotel we headed for the beach at Isle Of Palms.



We were greeted by a flock of seagulls that had Emily squealing because they wouldn't stop chasing us. Sam and Blake got a good laugh and Em and I finally figured out they'd leave us alone if we stopped running, lol!

It was warmer than the day before, but the wind off the ocean was mighty chilly. It's amazing how quickly we become accustomed to our enviorments. It was 56 degrees and we were bundled up like we were visiting the arctic!



Emily couldn't resist and quickly had her pants rolled up so she could splash in the water.



We spent some time walking along the beach and then through some fun shops. At one we met a hilarious talking bird. I told Sam I'd love to have a little shop on the ocean someday!

Dinner, The Battery, and Bridges

After leaving Patriots Point we cruised around the Historic District of Charleston a bit and were all taken back by the beautiful homes and churches.





The narrow (often one-way) streets and sidewalks were bustling and finding a parking spot was next to impossible. We stopped in at a small shopping center and walked through one of the many antique stores. There was some amazing stuff. Sam spotted a table selling for $750,000.00! Sam asked one of the employees where a good place to eat was and he recommended Jestine's. He also said we could leave the rig in their parking lot, sweet. On the way, Sam asked another guy if Jestine's was any good and he replied "It doesn't get any better". I remembered reading about it and how it had been featured on the Food Network, so we figured we'd better try it. There had been a line earlier when we drove past, but we got lucky and were seated right away. It was traditional southern cooking and was delish. Emily loved the fried chicken!



We decided to drive around a bit more to see the homes lit at night and it is lovely, especially the gas burning lanterns. We drove down along the riverfront and got some beautiful photos of the bridge over the Ashley River.




Then we crossed back across the historic district and over the bridge spanning the Copper River to our hotel for the night.

Patriot's Point

For Sam's birthday the kids and I took him on a road trip to Charleston, SC. This city is steeped with history and you can feel the significance as you stroll about. I'll recount our trip in a few segments =)

Our first stop was at Patriot's Point, the world's largest Navel and maritime museum. It's home to the USS Yorktown, commissioned during World War II, it was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the US Navy. We were able to tour the ship from the lower living quarters to the captain's bridge. Very neat experience. Emily was a little freaked out, I think she sensed some of the history. It was surreal knowing what that ship had been through and imagining the stories of those who had served on it.




Cannons to protect the harbor.



Walking the Pier out to the ship.



Down the hatch to living quarters.



Operating Room



Hanger Deck



Flight Deck

We were also able to tour the submarine USS Calamagore. Wow, it totally creeps me out imagining living in such tight quarters UNDER WATER.



Gotta watch your head!




I'd recommend this site to anyone visiting the area (although you have to be able to ascend an descend steep stairways).

Toyota All Star Showdown

Good Luck in the race tonight Jeff!

You too Ron and Ricky (KHI drivers)!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Well, that race didn't go as well as we'd hoped. =(

We are so pleased with how well Jeff did until the big wreck. He should feel extremely proud of what he has done.

Happy New Year!

Ya, a week late, I know. Work was crazy busy the last month and I feel like my days all ran together. I finally had a few days of and regrouped myself. Oye.

Hope the holidays were great for you all. I had to work the night before and the day after Christmas, but we enjoyed Christmas day with the kids. Our friend Larry Pryor joined us for a rousing game of Life.

I also had to work New Year's Eve and New Year day. The kids had mentioned how much they enjoyed last year, so I managed to pull together some goodies for them to open through the night. Before I left for work I put out a spread of finger foods to feast on. I was dejected to be away from them, but was glad I pulled off the goodie bags so they had something to do. When I got home my heart san when they told me they opened the bags, but saves all the activities to do with me. Sweet little monkeys! So we popped the poppers and lit the sparklers, and toasted with sparkling cider!