the alligator

How could I forget one of the most exciting aspects of the trip?!  THE ALLIGATOR!  My dad took the boys out to the pond to fish one day while Mercy was napping, and they spotted an alligator!  The boys were SO excited.  Josiah came back to the house saying, "Mommy, we NEED to call the Gator boys!  PLEASE can we call the gator boys?!"  It was hilarious!  They went out to the ponds everyday to see the gator.  Caroline and I went out to the ponds our last evening there to see the gator.  Aedan spotted him! 

They do have warnings.

the gator

Aedan and Josiah looking at the gator

The kids and I

Charleston ~ Part 2

We went to Charlestowne Landing and Caroline met us there.  Usually we only go see the animal forest, but this time we rode on a little tram to the boat.  The kids loved it and enjoyed the hands-on aspect of it.

 lowering the anchor

I can't remember what they were doing here

steering the boat

peeking at the bear

the bear

Chuck E Cheese

We ordered KFC one night.  The boys love it!  They especially love chicken bones.  Once again, they were telling me that they wanted to bring the bones home.  I don't think so...haha!

We went back to Folly our last day.  It was so beautiful and much, much warmer.  I wish I had brought my bathing suit.  It was so nice, and the kids were so entertained!  I think we were out there for over 3 hours.

After the beach, we headed over to the Crab Shack, again.  I ordered some Mahi Mahi tacos, and they were sooooo yummy!  I wish I could eat some right now!  Now I know why Aunt Sandra goes there often!  I look forward to another visit to Folly....yes, I will be most definitely going to the Crab Shack!

Charleston visit ~ Part 1

I took the kids down to Charleston during the second week of Josiah's spring break.  I'm glad I planned on the second week.  Mercy was sick the first week with a double ear infection and RSV.  She had breathing treatments and all...that's a first for one of our kiddos.  She was over the worse of it by the time we left, but I still had to do treatments on the trip.

Mercy had a rough time on the way down.  I always dread the car rides with her, but we made it! 

Our first day there, we went out to Folly.  Caroline had the day off so she came with us.  The boys had lots of fun with her; collecting beached jellyfish.  At first, Caroline said she was the only one picking them up, then Aedan began picking them up.  Thankfully, the stingers were gone!  The boys went into the water, which was COLD!  Josiah went in about to his waist, and Aedan...well, he fell all the way in.  It was a nice day, but windy...maybe in the 70's.  The wind made it feel cooler, then it was.  

Josiah in the water!

Mercy Cate with Caroline and Papa

Caroline, Mercy, and I

playing with buckets

Caroline with Josiah and Aedan

buckets of jellyfish
Josiah and Aedan wanted to bring these home.  Ummm....I don't think so!  haha!

Caroline was Mercy's buddy on this trip. 

Papa and Aedan

Papa and Josiah

checking out their jellyfish collection

Josiah with his jellyfish on a stick!

Aedan with his jellyfish on a stick.

running!

We went to the Crab Shack after the beach!  The boys LOVE this restaurant and seafood, in general!  It was really yummy!  They also loved the peanuts....mostly cracking them open.

The next day, we went to the Aquarium.  They love going there and seeing all the different animals.

Papa and the kids

walking together

an upclose walking shot

Mercy checking out some fish

Josiah taking notes...my little scientist!

3 chicks!

looking at a turtle

otters!

Josiah with an otter...Mrs. Moss's favorite animal.

snakes! 

Mercy and I

touch tank

Later that night, we went to Mama's for a visit.  The kids were great and played outside well together.  She had balls, frisbees, and bubbles for them to play with.  Caroline came over, too, and we ate pizza together.

Mama with her great-grandkids!

Mercy's hand with Mama's hand

Caroline and the kids