Vacation Pictures (minus the vacationers)

Even though we returned from South Carolina nearly a month ago I have just now been able to get back to blogging again. The first and foremost reason being I left my camera near the pool and it disappeared. We were so sad to have lost all of the images of our fun-filled week. I didn't want to continue on with the events of our lives until I could cover our vacation. So.... here are some scenery pictures of the places and things we experienced thanks to google!!! It has taken so long because of some mishaps in uploading the pictures.
We stayed in a cottage like the one above only this was a large 4 bedroom, 3 bath, full kitchen etc. It was great to be able to cook and take care of the meals for all 16 of us. Yes, I know it's funny that we take vacations with our next door neighbors but I guess that shows we have to be getting along well enough.lol Anyway we took turns cooking and spent most of the days either at the beach or the many pools and hot tubs that the resort had to offer. The one big outing was taking a tour to watch the dolphins follow the shrimp boats. Then as we viewed marine life from a net that was thrown on board from the shrimp boat, the boys were able to purchase a few creatures(an eel, small shark, & manta ray) that they preserved in jars themselves (mason jars & alcohol). The dolphins were visible even throughout a thunder storm involving lightning that shook us up a little as we were on the water holding on to metal rails. The experience will be one the kids will never forget.
Kenny and the boys spent most of their time in the waves while the little ones preferred the sand and lazy river ride. A few of the pools sat above the beach giving us a beautiful view. Thanks to the porta-crib, Joseph and Sarah took several naps right on the beach. Ford, Lisa, Kenny, and I were able to sneak away for a quiet dinner of fresh seafood at a nearby restaurant. Since we don't watch regular tv at home, the golf channel, discovery, animal planet, and TLC were quite an attraction for our family.
Kenny and I stayed one day later than our relatives and on the way home we took a little trip further south to Charleston, SC. All I can say is Wow! I think it is the most beautiful city I have ever visited. The historic neighborhood behind Rainbow Row (the picture above is rainbow row) was a big hit with all of us. We spent a few hours just walking and reading the dates of construction. One marker declared that George Washington had been entertained in that home in 1791. I couldn't find pictures of the quiet, shady neighborhood with their beautiful court yards behind their ornate gates. Most of these places were built in the early 1700's. We visited Battery Park where Fort Sumter was visible in the distance. Further on we played in a unique pineapple fountain which led to more walking so we could all dry off. As we crossed the spectacular bridge we were in view of the battleship(forgot the name)so we drove around and stopped at the entrance. The kids had never seen anything quite so huge. We were to late to take a tour so we settled for a picnic dinner at a nearby picnic table. John declared the mosquitoes had planned to all attack us there. It was unbearable so we made it quick and headed home.
We are so thankful to have had a whole week away and the only complaint we have is loosing a much used camera!!!