Southern Exploring

Before Nick and I had even decided on a program or school we decided one thing.... we wanted to take advantage of were we ended up. We want to see as much of this country as possible. We want to experience different cultures. So when Nicks first break was approaching we knew we had to do something.  After Nicks mom left we still had a few days before Nick started school again. So we started to explore....

First Stop: Savannah, GA:

Savannah is a lot like Charleston. I feel like Charleston overall is cleaner. But Savannah has more Spanish Moss (which I love). I asked my friend Kynslie who lived in Savannah what all we needed to do to get our Savannah experience. She told us: River Street, Forsyth Park, Zunzis, and a few other things. We decided we would do the other things next time we go to Savannah since its not far from Charleston and Nick might have clinicals there.

We loved everything we did. We walked so much and enjoyed every minute of it.

Forsyth Park 

River Street

The steps were killer

Zunzis

Savannah

Second Stop: Saint Augustine, FL

Nick had always wanted to go to Saint Augustine and check it out. So thats what we did.  It is the oldest continuously occupied European established settlement within the borders of the contiguous United States. We spent 2 days there. I loved all the history of the city. Once again we did a lot of walking... but a lot of relaxing.  We walked around all of historic Saint Augustine. Saw this cute light house. And of course we went to the beach. We brought in the new year with smoothies in our hotel room. It was pretty perfect. 

The City Gates

St. George Street

Last Stop: Beaufort, SC

Beaufort is a smaller but beautiful city. A lot of Forest Gump was filmed there. We walked around historic Beaufort. We found a prime spot by the water to sit and relax. It was such a nice day!

Family and Christmas

We were lucky enough to have Nicks mom, Shellie and brother, Alex come visit for Christmas. They had problems with their flight. They were supposed to get in at 2 pm but they got in a 10:45 pm on the 20th. Monday the 21st. I had to work all day. So while I was at work they went Christmas shopping. And relaxed at home. Later that night I stayed at home while the other 3 went on a haunted tour. I don't do scary so I didn't want to go. But they like the tour. 

The next day I worked for a few hours. Once I got off we went to Patriots Point. Patriots Point is a museum that has an aircraft carrier, submarine, other boats, and more. We walked so much! We went all over the aircraft carrier. We explored the submarine and everything else they had. We were even lucky enough to see dolphins. By the time we were done I had a huge blister! But it was a lot of fun.

The 23rd we went to Fort Moultrie. Fort Moultrie was a fort for both the Revolutionary War, and Civil War. After Fort Moultrie we went to the beach for a walk. Once we were done at the beach we went to one of my favorite places to eat Home Team BBQ. We went there to celebrate Alexs birthday... the big 21. It was great food and great company. After dinner we went downtown and as we were walking around we saw a group of missionaries walking around singing Christmas songs. It was so cute.

Christmas Eve we had brunch. I won the almond! It was the first time since I was like 5 or 6. The gift was a book for the baby. We spent the day relaxing and not doing much of anything. That night we went to the Light Festival. It was so cute. I must admit it was a little strange walking around looking at Christmas lights while getting attacked by misquotes. But it was so much fun and like I said so cute.

Christmas Day we woke up and had brunch. I love brunch. And then we opened presents. Nick got a fit bit, a few shirts, luggage.... etc. I got a glider, much needed kitchen supplies, clothes....etc. We also got Elf the movie, and the game Charleston-opoly. But our awesome family didn't forget about the baby. She even got gifts. She got lots of books, pajamas, and soap. After we were all ready for the day we headed to the Battery. We walked around downtown. After downtown exploring we went to Folly Beach (a different beach then the 23rd). We hung out there for a while. Once we got home we played games and watched movies.

Sadly the next day Alex had to leave. Shellie stayed a couple more days. We watched a lot of movies and played lots of games. And of course we hit the day after Christmas sales! It was so nice having family in town for the holidays!!

Haunted Tour

Patriots Point

The Submarine 

Fort Moultrie

The Almond 

Light Festival

Downtown on Christmas

Charleston-opoly

Christmas Break

We had so much fun during Nicks Christmas break. I wish it didn't have to end.  We had lots of adventures during his break. This post is just some of the adventures.... with more posts with more adventures to come later....

Celebrating Christmas Break

Walking Arthur Ravenel Bridge 

Boat Light Parade

Dinghy boat adventure with a fellow student