Big Kahuna. {365 - Day 256}

Today was Mommies' day out here at the beach house.  My friend Natalie and I left the kiddos with their Daddies and took off for Charleston for lunch, shopping and pedicures.  Yay.  When we got back, the Dads were itching to catch some waves and we headed out to the beach to watch.

The surf was rough and the current was strong, so every time they paddled out, they ended up way down shore.  There was a lot of walking back on the beach.  Fortunately, they looked cool doing it.

 Day 256 {Canon 5D Mark III + Photoshop}

Magnolia Plantation. {365 - Day 255}

We hit the beach this morning, but quickly realized the nice breeze we felt on the deck was a strong wind on the other side of the dunes.  After 20 minutes of being sandblasted, we retreated to house and decided to go on a field trip.

The destination was Magnolia Plantation.  We have always wanted to visit one of the old plantations around here, but never made it to one.  We read up on a few and decided on Magnolia since it offered a petting zoo that would interest Sarah Beth. 

The big draw (other than friendly peacocks and mini-horses) was the gardens.  The plantation is situated right on the river, and the landscaping is beautiful.  Huge oak trees decorated with Spanish moss.  Formal gardens and informal foliage to explore.  I love the sense of history and the slight creepiness of the old statues watching us walk by.

Day 255 {Canon 5D Mark III + Photoshop}

Sarah Beth relaxing on the plantation porch after a walk through the gardens.

 

Swoon!  She is sitting on a wood plank that was stuck between these two huge trees who knows how many hundreds of years ago.  The trees have grown around the plank to form a bench.

The petting zoo was wild.  A cross between Dr Dolittle and a Disney movie.  All the animals were roaming free.  A doe walked up to great us, nuzzling our hands.  Turkeys, geese, roosters, goats and peacocks milled around, making such a cacophony that you couldn't help but laugh at the craziness.

Pretty white peacock.

Friendly deer.

There was so much more to do at Magnolia Plantation.  We did not do the house tour, tram or boat tours or see the slave quarters.  You could spend more than a day here.  Fortunately, your admission is good for a second visit in the same week.

There was even a swamp tour offered.  We'll have to go back one of these days when Sarah Beth is a little older and is better at keeping hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times.  There are hungry gators out there, after all.

Tides. {365 - Day 254}

Another perfect day.  Lots of beach time.  None of our surfers were injured, and both surfboards survived so far.  Sarah Beth spent at least an hour making "pizzas" in the wet sand.  The waves kept wiping out her creations, and finally she got annoyed enough to look up and say "Ocean!  Stop!!"  Trying to control the tides.  Very ambitious girl, she is.

Day 254 {Canon 7D}

Beach. {365 - Day 253}

Today was filled with giggles, splashes, castle building, and finished with a few glasses of wine for the grown-ups.  The weather was perfect and the water was warm and inviting.  Kurt and Mike were so inspired watching the surfers all day that they rented surfboards of their own for the week.  I'm sure they will be experts before vacation is over. (Honestly, I'm just hoping for no hospital trips.)

Day 253 {Canon 5D Mark III}

We're here. {365 - Day 252}

Folly Beach.  We're back!  This year we are here with some good friends and have a house right on the ocean.  Sarah Beth ran around on the beach, squealing with delight, then started building a castle.  We had to pull her away so we could go to dinner, but promised we'd be back on the beach first thing in the morning.

Day 252 {iPhone + Photoshop}

Local Food and Fun. {365 - Day 251}

Today, our playgroup met at Atherton Market.  One of our playgroup moms, JC, is a strong supporter of local food (check out her blog What House Wife for local food tips.)  She had the fabulous idea of meeting at the local market and had it all arranged.  The kids had fun with arts and crafts, local snacks, and storytime on the trolley.

Day 251 {Canon 5D Mark III}

 

We couldn't leave the market without a treat for Sarah Beth.  And I don't mean these shiny apples.  SB had her sights set on the Cardais Gourmet booth.  She knows exactly where to go to find delicious homemade treats.  We came come with an amazing Maple cupcake (gluten-free!) and some equally dazzling chocolate fudge.  Next time, I'll try to sneak some fruit and veggies in too. 

DNC. {365 - Day 250}

I'm not that interested in politics.  That said, having the DNC here in Charlotte this week has been so exciting for our beautiful city.  We went to an event tonight with our neighbors where we watched Obama's speech on TV while it was happening only a few blocks away.   Something about the proximity really moved me.  Made me wish I was one of the lucky ticket holders inside the arena for this once in a lifetime event.

Day 250 {iPhone + Instagram}

Seeing the Duke Power building lit up in red white in blue, I felt so proud of the way our city has welcomed the convention.  Regardless of one's political affiliations, it is pretty amazing that our city hosted such an historic event, and hosted it well.