November in SC

Well, we've been in SC for two full weeks so it's about time for some postings.  It was good to be here for Halloween with the Masons but we also were sad to miss the Denjas.  But, doing the 50/50 thing between Michigan and SC seems to be working out.  It gives us time to spend with both families.  The first week down here was very pleasant weather-wise with lots of sun and warm temps.  The last week has been cooler with clouds and some rain, which was needed.  I had a few back issues literally the second day I was here and it's taken the usual couple weeks for it to ease up.  Will start to think and look seriously for a specialist.

Here are some pics of some events so far.

 November 4 and 80deg...not bad

 The rose bush has done well.  Nice to see blooms in November

 For Maeve's birthday she planned a surprise weekend to Savannah with her and Aaron.  The morning they were to leave we had breakfast out with them and here she tells Aaron about the surprise.  She even arranged with his principal to have the following Monday off.  His look is great as he didn't really believe she did all of it!

 So, we watch Avery and Kendall over the weekend.  Kendall wanted a swing for Ken and Barbie so we fashioned one that seemed to do the trick.

 We took the girls to see a community musical production of the Little Mermaid.  Grandma dressed them up in the wedding garb and read stories to set the stage.

 We await the start in front row seats.  The girls were great during the production and got quite a kick out of the children performing.

 Bedtime and grandma reads stories.

 The next day we went to the Riverbanks Zoo.  The girls are ready to go!

 First a stop in the little house in the botanical gardens at the zoo.

 "Not too close!"

 Riding the train at the zoo.  We tried to get Kendall to take a pony ride but she demurred just as they were putting her on the pony.  Maybe next time.

 Matching outfits

 Lunch time

 After the zoo we played outside in the back yard.  Kendall seems fascinated with being tied up so Grandpa complied.

 Here we sand a doll bed that Grandpa made for our girls over 30 years ago in Harbor Beach.  It got a lot of use from Leigh, Erin and Maeve and now works for the next generation.

 Avery thinks the bed is for her.

 Taking a break in the back yard

 "Brush, brush, brush for bedtime"

 After we rested up for a few days from childcare we made a day trip to Mepkin Abbey near Moncks Corner, close to Charleston.  We had visited there last year by a fluke when Grandma Alice was with us.  We had no idea of their annual creche display then but now we like to go back.  

 There are works of art from all over the world.

 You get an idea of some scale of this one...

 and another, Bob's favorite...

 and now a miniature.  This is literally on a matchstick and contains the holy family that is too small to see on the picture!

 This was a great one.  All the characters in the creche had this joyous grin.  It made everyone smile.

As we left the Abbey we checked out their labyrinth.  I'd love to go back when these wild flowers are in bloom.  The grounds are very pleasant.  This was an old rice plantation on the Cooper River that ultimately was purchased by Henry and Clare Boothe Luce then donated as a sanctuary to the monks.