Monday, August 29, 2011

How to Play it All Out?

On this morning, this very first morning of Kindergarten, this first Monday back after a week away on vacation, I have so many things to say, so many stories to tell, so many pictures to show, but I just don't know how to present them all.  I could create an outline, and just short-change everything, or you can just be patient with me (please!) as I let everything tumble out over the course of the next week or so, in completely random order.  Oh, and I'd like to apologize to all of you other bloggers for having absolutely no clue what you've been up to for the last week or so.  Looks like I've got a lot of catching up to do on reading your blogs! 

As I haven't even downloaded the majority of my photos from my camera onto my laptop yet, I'll start today with a recap of Days 1 and 2 of our trip, in Charleston, SC. 

We knew we wouldn't be able to make it all the way down to St. Simons Island, Georgia in one day.  Well, really, we could have, but it would have been folly to try, and really wouldn't have been fair on Samantha.  So we did some plotting, and I cashed in some of my Expedia Rewards points for a night at a historic inn (Fulton Lane Inn) on King Street in Charleston.  King Street reminded me a lot of King Street in Old Town Alexandria, here in VA, only with much nicer shops, palmetto trees, and buildings painted in beautiful, soft hues.

 



We grabbed some burgers and then ice cream (not realizing that this was a first glimpse of our diets for the upcoming week), and retired early.  I have to say, it's kinda hard to get a 5 year old to go to sleep at her regular time when she's sharing a bed in a single room while you're watching TV.  But it is possible.  And once she was out, I had a soak in the bathroom jacuzzi and dove into my vacation reading, The Help (which I have now finished, and which was truly excellent).

The next morning, after having breakfast in our room, we headed down to the waterfront to meet up with blogging/FB/IRL friends, Michelle, Joe, Kayla and Lucas for a few hours before we had to get back on the road. 

The kids had a ball playing in the fountain, as you can see by the water dripping off of Samantha's dress...


Samantha and Lucas jumping off the step.


A stranger was recruited to take this picture, explaining why Samantha looks so miserable...


We enjoyed what we saw of Charleston, but the trip was short by necessity, and the beach was calling to us.




10 comments:

Than4Keeps said...

Oh goodness...gorgeous pictures and even better with memories to match all of the events of your trip. What a great mother you are with keeping notes of your experiences for you baby to reflect on when she's older :~)

Thanks for sharing! Love it...keep it coming

Dawn said...

I love Charleston! When I lived in Atlanta, we used to try to go every couple of years. I'm excited to hear about your vacation and I definitely am looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Unknown said...

those are amazing!! love the pix!! love the fountain play! love Sammi no so thrilled face...love it! glad you all are home safe an sound!! Happy first day of kindergarten! YEAH!! smiles

Anna said...

so glad you are back. We missed you! (and safe too!)

Amy Flege said...

what a cool place!! glad you got to meet up with michelle and joe!!! cant wait to hear more about your trip!!

Cindy said...

Looks like you had an amazing time! I look forward to all the pictures and stories!

Meriah said...

WOW! Those buildings are divinely gorgeous! I'm looking forward to the rest of the story unfolding too + Sammi's first day of school

Rob Monroe said...

Love those pictures - glad you got a vacation before schoole!

(Yummy Word Verification below: quiche!)

Michelle said...

I love the pic of the 3 of them at the fountain - that came out great! Do you mind if I steal it? So glad that your trip took a detour to Charleston and we were able to get together! PS...I know I mentioned we saw The Help the night you got in to Charleston, but don't remember if I told you that we loved it! Joe did too :) Great movie!

Crittle said...

I so super love Charleston AND the H fam. Color me jealous.