Cypress Gardens II

Braeden loved reading the map of the swamp. Diego has a map in the tv show so Braeden thought he was Diego. He kept telling me which way to go to get to Charleston.

Winter Solstice at Cypress Gardens

Braeden and I were in shorts and t-shirts on the first day of winter in Charleston. We went to Cypress Gardens. It is a preserved swamp. They created trails that go around and through the swamp. It is one of the most beautiful places I have been to since living in the lowcountry.
There are alligators (both captive and wild), snakes, a  butterfly house, reptile house - and of course - the swamp itself. If you have seen the movie The Patriot, you have seen Cypress Gardens. The swamp scenes from the movie were filmed there.

This is the sign at the entrance to the swamp.

I think this should be our Xmas card for next year.

This alligator was probably 8 or 9 feet long. There were two other giant alligators in this area.

Braeden was able to feed the fish, ducks and turtles inside the Butterfly House.

Festival Of Lights on James Island

Braeden and I went to the James Island County Park to see the Christmas lights. Every year the park is decorated in scenes made of lights. There were traditional seasonal scenes along with animals, dinosaurs, rocket ships, firetrucks, etc. Of course, Braeden's favorite part involved the pirates and the pirate ship.
It is very cool. I guess some guy designs it all year and that is his only task at the park. Most of the scenes are located along the main part of the park and you drive through them. There is a spot to get out and walk around the trails and see different scenes.

My favorite part about it is listening to Braeden's commentary while we are driving through the scenes.

Patriots Point

With the weather being in the upper-70s today, Braeden and I went to tour Patriots Point. Patriots Point is home to the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and is located in the Charleston Harbor. The Yorktown can be seen from the Ravenel Bridge and Braeden always asks about it.
Braeden was amazed to see all the airplanes inside of the carrier - it is quite impressive. We were able to tour the entire ship, including the different levels of the ship. The Yorktown has been converted into a museum with airplanes, helicopters, and a new portion dedicated to the Congressional Medal Of Honor.

There are a number of models that outline various engagements from WWII. Braeden loved the models.

Beautiful view of the Ravenel Bridge from mid-deck of the USS Yorktown

Braeden in the cockpit of a WWII fighter plane

Inside the ship. All I could think about was what it must have been like for all the sailors when someone announced, "Man Your Battle Stations." The hallways and stairs were so cramped.

Braeden not liking me leaving him to take a photo.

On the flight deck of the USS Yorktown.

Braeden said, "This gun shoots the bad planes."

The views from the ship are amazing. From the USS Yorktown we could see the new bridge, downtown Charleston, Sullivan's Island, and the harbor. I think this is one of the coolest things we have done so far. 

Braeden and Santa

Braeden and I went to the Townecenter in Mt. Pleasant to see Santa. Braeden has been talking about seeing Santa for a few weeks and was not giving any indication that he was scared. I was a little hesitant because the first time he sat on Santa's lap he screamed bloody-murder.

This time was completely different. He ran right up to Santa and told him he wanted a pirate ship for Christmas. They talked about pirate ships and Braeden answered every question with a "Yes, Sir."
Braeden and I spent the rest of the weekend at Uncle Jim and Aunt Alice's house. Great weekend with my little guy.

Thanksgiving 2011

Braeden and I traveled to Chicago for Thanksgiving this year. Braeden was excellent in the car for the 14 hour trip. We chatted and he slept. His favorite part was driving through the mountains and asking why there was smoke on them (they were the Smokey Mountains).

We had a lot of fun being home even though it was only for a few days. Braeden was able to see Meema and Peepa and his aunts and uncles. Braeden also was able to play with his cousin, Charlotte. The weather was nice while we were there but Braeden was expecting snow. I think that Braeden believes that it always snows in Chicago. I wish I could get inside his mind and see how he processes geography...