Grandpa & I got along famously with little Xander. That was my biggest concern of the trip so I was very happy that we bonded to well. He is such a cutie and I will miss him. He loves his "ba ba" and balls. He also loves pushing anything from stroller to boxes to chairs.
With Steve around, we took a few more opportunities to walk on the beach and explore new horizons.
This particular evening, we saw several people flying amazing kites. It was fascinating to watch. I didn't even think to take photos of the kites. One was like a helicopter--seemed very sophisticated. The evening breezes were perfect for kite flying.
We also made several more trips to the playground and library. On Wednesday, we tended two neighbor kids that are friends with Benson and Sadie so we went early to the playground before it got too hot. Then we went to the library which is next door. After lunch we spent two hours at the pool while Xander and Grandpa napped.
On Thursday, we packed our lunch and snacks and headed south to the Charleston area. We visited Charles Towne Landing an historic site where the first English settlers to the area landed in 1670 and started a colony. Here is Sadie in the museum wearing part of a costume of the era.
We did a lot of walking so we were grateful for the huge old oak shade trees with moss hanging down from them.
Here Benson and Sadie pose with one of the costumed folks telling us about the history of the Common House where people temporarily stayed until they could build something for themselves.
Benson and Sadie helped this sailor swab the deck of this merchant vessel. It is a replica of one use to transport goods from Barbados to the new world.
Here are four men working to raise the anchor so they can set sail.
On Friday we decided to check our Brookgreen Gardens which is a little closer to home, only about 40-50 minutes. The kids enjoyed playing in this area with replica houses, castles, etc from storybook adventures.
Xander really loved this train and loved the ringing bell.
There was also an interactive children's area where the kids were able to enjoy creating and exploring in the wonderful AIR CONDITIONED room. We did not get used to the humidity. Both of the parks had zoo areas with a few animals originally in the area. We all enjoyed that aspect of the parks.
Steve picked up Jeff late on Friday night. He willingly got up on Saturday morning for breakfast with the kids. Here he is helping the kids with the tiniest lego-like projects from Thailand. I think he fully intended to stay up but we were glad we were still there so he could go back to bed for a few hours. Traveling from Asia is grueling.
While Jeff slept, we had one more walk on the beach. It wass cloudy and not crowded and the water was very warm. I loved the sound of the waves and the sand on my feet.
The sand is so fine that even Steve took off his shoes. Amazing!
He took a couple of photos of Case and New Holland tractors grooming the beach.
This section of the beach was very busy. There was a group carrying around sand bags and running back and forth doing some kind of exercise routine. There was a fisherman--you can see his three poles. He would cast way out into the water and then place his poles in holders on the beach. Then he would go out with his net to bring in his catch. There is also at least one surfer out there.
After the beach, we took the kids swimming one last time. Their pool was closed due to broken glass so we went to another one in the complex which was empty but apparently restricted to the condo only residents. Steve charmed the condo watchman into letting us stay about 30 minutes. Way to go, Steve.
Here is one last photo of each of the kids in the car on the way to the airport. Sadie seemed sad to see us go, but I think everyone is super happy to have their Dad back.
Benson and his friend, Jake, both age 11.
Sadie and her friend Sophie. Sophie is 10 and Sadie is 7 but they get along pretty well.
One of the things I enjoyed most during our visit were the evening devotionals. I loved listening to Sadie and Benson, both excellent readers, read from the Book of Mormon. I am so grateful their parents are teaching them the gospel and the value of scripture study and family prayer. I hope that our entire family continues to do these things with their children so we won't tarnish or nullify the sacrifices made by our ancestors to follow the Savior and His teachings.
We enjoyed our visit in SC and the opportunity to become more involved with our grandkids. Goodbye for now!
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