Kayaking Trip

Last week Braeden and I rented a kayak on the Isle of Palms and launched on the island marina. We started our trip on the intra-coastal waterway but the current was too strong. We turned around and continued through the marina and into the tidal creeks. In the marina the houses and boats were amazing. We even had to stop and wait while golfers teed off over the creek.
The kayak we rented was a sit-on-top. It was a little more cumbersome than the sit-in kayak. Braeden didn't realize the difference seeing that he sat in front and told me to "paddle faster."

 After kayaking we ate lunch on the rooftop of a marina restaurant.

My tired guy "resting his eyes".

More Summer Pics

One hot day Braeden and I went downtown and he played in the fountain.

We went to Uncle Ben and Aunt Megan's house to watch the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Finals. Uncle Ben, Daddy, and Braeden ended up singing "Roadhouse Blues" by the Doors before we left. Braeden has been singing that song since he was about 2 years old. He also loves songs by Pink Floyd and other classic rock bands.

 Tired dude. He was asleep before we pulled out of Ben and Megan's driveway. He kept everyone entertained that night. 

Joyce, Braeden and I have gone to Middleton Place a few times this summer - or as B calls it, "The Big Swamp". One particular day we saw 5 or 6 large snakes and a bunch of alligators. Middleton Place might be my favorite place to take Braeden. I bought a membership about a year ago and we go a few times a month. 

 

During one of our many walks downtown, Braeden and I stopped at a cemetery that has signers of the Declaration of Independence buried there. Braeden has begun to ask questions about death so we were talking about graves and how when people die they are buried. He looked confused and finally said to me as he was looking at a gravestone, "I don't hear anyone talking down there."

Our Summer... So Far

 This summer has been very rainy so far. I don't remember this much rain since I've lived here. Despite the rain, Braeden and I have been having a great summer. We still have so much to do before my little guy starts kindergarten. Here are some of the things we've done so far:

Most get rained on when we attempt to go downtown. Without warning a storm hit downtown Charleston and we got caught in it. We had to stand under an awning for 20 minutes and wait it out. 

 

The weather has been nice occasionally so Braeden and I take our normal walks downtown. He probably knows his way around downtown by now. 

 

Joyce, Braeden and I spent the day at the water park. Braeden loved the slides but his favorite was the lazy river. That is my favorite too.

 Braeden was very hesitant to get on the slides but once he went down he loved it.

 

 

We've also had some time to goof around at the beach and the parks around Charleston.

 B thought it would be funny to wear my shorts when I told him to get dressed. 

 

 This picture was taken at Charlestowne Landing

 Mt. Pleasant pier

 This ship is a replica of a 17th Century trade ship that first came to Charleston. Braeden brought his pirate cutlass to Charlestowne Landing and we boarded the ship the tour guide said, "I surrender the ship!"

 

 

 

 I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far.

My Little Graduate

Braeden's school held a graduation for the pre-k class last week. All the kids wore caps and gowns (girls in yellow; boys in green). It was so much fun watching the kids walk in to the graduation theme and sing songs about months and class rules.
The pictures did not turn out very well inside the room but the videos are priceless. I will post them on youtube and post link on here at a later date.

 Braeden is the third from the left

Touring the Lowcountry

The day after the kayak adventure I decided to go out on the bike. I have gone out a few times for brief rides this spring but this day was one of the nicest so far. I rode to Cypress Gardens and then walked around the swamp. By the time I got home I had ridden almost 35 miles. Between the rowing and the ridding I was sore for about 3 days.

 When I was walking around the swamp I noticed this 4-foot gator about 4 feet from the path. I've never been that close to a gator that was not in captivity. Later during my walk an employee at Cypress Gardens told me the mom alligator was almost 9 feet long and lurking in the swamp.

 Also saw a snake near the path. Shuffled my feet on the rocks and it slithered back into the swamp grass. I saw another, much larger snake, during my ride back to the house. I don't mind the gators but I hate snakes.

Of course, I can't forget the 3 alligators the swamp has in captivity. Braeden calls them "our buddies." It was such a beautiful day and it made me look forward to summer even more.