Charleston Blizzard of 2016

Blizzard of 2014

School was released early yesterday and cancelled today in anticipation of an ice/snow storm.  We got plenty of ice but just a dusting of snow.  Regardless, the kids are thrilled with our Southern Winter Wonderland!  

Charlie

Charlie, a 600lb gator, and his family have been living on Charleston's Navy Weapons Station since the 1960's.

Today was the closest we've ever seen him come to the fence. 

Holiday Traditions

Today we took the kids downtown Charleston to do some holiday window shopping and to check out the amazing train set displayed in the prestigious Hotel Charleston Place.   Window shopping turned into roars of laughter over a naked mannequin's butt in one window.  I'm learning that my children share my sense of humor in all things inappropriate.  We ended our fun little day at the Market Pavilion Rooftop bar drinking Shirley Temples because it was too warm for hot chocolate.  This is a tradition I'd love to repeat each year!    

Lucky Penny

The day I took Penny in as a foster (September 19th) I posted her picture on facebook asking if anyone was interested in adopting her.  My cousin, Danielle, from Massachusetts messaged me almost immediately with questions about Penny.  After a week of facebook messages, texts and phone calls, her and her fiance, Daniel, decided this was the dog for them.  

They drove down from Beverly, Massachusetts (An 18 hour drive!) yesterday to adopt Penny.  It took about thirty minutes of paperwork at the Charleston Animal Society to make it official.  We learned that Penny was originally found as a stray and then surrendered to the shelter by two different owners in her short little life.  Penny has a luxating patella (trick knee) in her right hind leg and the first owner was worried this could lead to medical expenses later so dumped her and the second owners claimed they couldn't adapt to her so once again she was dumped.  On September 19th, the shelter sent out an urgent message because the shelter was overflowing and 31 dogs were on the kill list.  Penny was one of them.       

Penny went from death row to damn lucky because Danielle and Daniel are so in love with her and I just know it was meant to be!  I got goose bumps seeing the happiness and love surrounding this dog.    

Funny thing is I never met Danielle until yesterday.  It was Penny that brought us together and now we'll always have that bond—Penny and the same wacky relatives!   

I thought for sure I was going to break down and cry when it was time to say good bye to Penny this afternoon but I didn't.  I know she's exactly where she needs to be and knowing I played a role in that makes me happy.  Today was a very happy day.  Fostering is rewarding. 

Rising Waters

 The flooding continues.
 

And we continue to make the best of it!

Hurricane Isaac

Yesterday afternoon the outer bands of Hurricane Isaac hit Charleston and completely flooded our cul de sac.

It was some of the heaviest rain I've ever seen and loudest thunder I've ever heard.  I'd hate to experience the eye of this storm!  

Booze Cruise

As the summer is winding down (sigh), Laura arranged a little girls' night out on a booze cruise out of Shem Creek.  This was two hours of serious fun.  Can't wait to do it again and again!    

Shark Week Hoo Ha Ha

The South Carolina Aquarium is a must for shark week.  We invited our new buddy and birthday girl, Sammy, to come along for a day of terrifying fun! 

Staying in Touch with Sicily

One of my closest friends from Sicily, Meagan, came for a weekend visit.  She's stationed in Virginia Beach now and also has a new addition to her family. 

Currier and Rya fell in love with Charlie and fought over who got to play with him, take care of him, hold his hand, etc. 

Meagan also brought her Sicilian dog, Jack, to see his BFF Paolo (*Notice how even Italian dogs kiss on both cheeks!?) but don't let this picture fool you.  It's been nearly five years since they've seen each other and Paolo's injury makes him a little grumpy so they didn't always get along during the visit. 

We took the kids to an interactive dinosaur exhibit in North Charleston and then Megs and I had our fun by ordering cocktails at lunch. 

And the cocktails continued into the night and there may or may not have been a disco ball and dancing!

Loony Lemurs

The aquarium just got a new lemur exhibit and we spent a good hour watching those crazy creatures.  The exhibit features a tunnel that leads into the enclosure for an up close and personal encounter.  It's really a must see!   

Children's Museum

We met Rya's best friend, Riley, and her mom, Margaret, at the Lowcountry Children's Museum for a day of fun.  Don't let this picture fool you.  A few minutes later Rya kicked Currier in the nuts and Currier called Rya a skank.    

 

On the way to the car the kids had some impromptu playtime in this fountain.  While Margaret and I were chatting we glanced over to see Rya squatting down to pee in the middle of the fountain with hysterical onlookers.  Proud mom moment! 

Dinner Cruising

One of my favorite friends, Ella, came in town for a weekend visit. 

All the girls got together on Jean's boat for a dinner cruise. 





It was a ridiculous blast and the sunset we witnessed was definitely in my top 5. 

Riverdogs

 Heading into the city for a Riverdogs game...

is one of our favorite things to do as a family! 

Eat Tacos and Cuddle

On Friday, poor Rya was up all night with a stomach bug.  On Saturday morning I told her we could do whatever she wanted to make her feel better.  "Anything, you name it?" she responded, "Eat tacos and cuddle."  On our way to Moe's Southwest Grill, we took a quick detour to the aquarium to see the new stingray exhibit and meet Dora the Explorer—which she loved!  For lunch her wish was granted and we followed up the tacos with some serious cuddling.  Perfect Saturday! 

These Are The Days

Yesterday was my last day as a stay-at-home-mom.  I start my new job next week so the kids will be attending school full-time Monday-Friday.  We spent our last Friday together at the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry painting, playing and pretend shopping.  Rya actually said her first sentence after climbing a staircase and dropping a golf ball down a shoot, "Mommy, I did it!"  It was crystal clear and a HUGE accomplishment for a little girl who didn't speak a word several months ago!  My eyes welled up and there was an instant lump in my throat.  Our final weekday together was a GREAT day and I'll never forget the pride I felt that moment!

South East Wildlife Expo

On Saturday afternoon we headed downtown to the South East Wildlife Expo.  In addition to feeding and petting all sorts of wild animals, I swear we saw every single breed of dog known to man!  It was a dog lovers paradise.  Love love loved it! 

Melted

Phew, the snow didn't put up a fight at all. It's already all melted except for our Snowman who is clinging to life on our front lawn.

Charleston Blizzard of 2010

This is what we woke up to this morning!

Rare Snowflakes

It's snowing here in Charleston right now and it may even accumulate so we can play in it tomorrow morning!