More Lowcountry Fun

On our last day in Charleston (Thursday), we checked out of the hotel (James quite enjoyed "helping" Daddy with the luggage cart at each check-in and check-out during our trip) then hit the Market and Waterfront Park in the morning. James found the fountains to be quite inviting.

If there was one lesson we had learned the day before, it was to pack extra clothes. Thus, after James's morning exploration of the fountains, we changed him to a dry shirt before walking to King Street for a yummy and fun lunch with some of our college pals. After lunch we headed back to Waterfront to let James run off any remaining energy. Despite the rather cool temperatures, James was thrilled to see the fountain again and all too happy to take off his shoes and socks to play. We thought we should put his still damp shirt back on him rather then ending up with two wet shirts. However, when we took off his shirt, James ran into the spray shirtless!

So there we were with our scantily clad toddler playing in the fountain as though it were 9o degrees! Ha! He sure did have lots of fun; he did NOT want to stop. He'd run in, run out, down the steps, out onto the warm sidewalk, and repeat.

We finally got him out of the water and put on not only his dry shirt (and hoodie!), but some dry long pants as well. And his socks and shoes of course.

At this point we were planning to head on to McClellanville, but then we were "buzzed" by the Blue Angels. They were practicing for an upcoming show by flying over the Market area. We got ourselves some ice cream and enjoyed the show!

Then it was over The Bridge and on to McClellanville for some good shrimp and good fun with family. James got a great nap en route and was OVERJOYED to be with all the cousins' kids-- Jake, Katie, Gray, Emma, Jenna, Eli, Nate and Baby Carter. When everyone went home that night, James was SO SAD! Upon waking Friday morning he said, "You go downstairs and see Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Bill." Of course, they were already at the fish house! We stopped there for a visit before going up to Pawley's to spend the day with Karen and her family.

James was thrilled to spend Friday with Nate, Eli and Carter. We went to Brookgreen Gardens where I think the boys had just as much fun pushing the strollers as they did seeing the sights.

James talked about it for days! "You went around and around the tree with Nate and Eli!"

That night we went back to McClellanville for a laid back and super fun evening at Kim's. James enjoyed seeing Jake's skateboard tricks, watching the fish in the tank, playing with Katie, and befriending the small doggie. We again had tears at day's end.

On Saturday we hit the diner with the fam for our last serving of grits then stopped by the Pawley's yard sales to get in a little more family time. James was sooooo happy to see Jenna! He'd been talking about her all morning. They were so sweet-- holding hands and hugging goodbye when we left.

Then it was back on the road. We made it to southern Virginia before stopping for the night. We were sure to find a hotel with an indoor pool and continental breakfast again. This time we had an Applebee's right next door which we visited for dinner after our swim. On Sunday, we had our last "pick-mick" at Maryland House-- the location of our first stop on the way down-- and were home by 4:30.

James was SUCH a GREAT traveller!! We're looking forward to our next adventure!