• Travel & Vacation: Daniel Island Historical Markers & Bike Path (Daniel Island, SC)

    P1490257c

     Beautiful paved Daniel Island bike and walking path

    We love visiting Daniel Island!  Over the past few years we have been several times and it seems like every time we find something new to explore on this island on the outskirts of Charleston, SC.  On one of our trips we took our bikes with us and found a lot of neat places to ride around town. The kids favorite place to ride their bikes was around the cement and paved path in Smythe Lake Park around a little lake in near the Pirates Cove Playground The last time we brought our bikes we would ride around the lake, play for a little bit at the playground, and ride around the lake again.

    The scenery around the lake is beautiful.  On our first pass around the bike and walking trail we noticed Daniel Island Historical Markers along the way.  It was a lot of fun to stop at each one and read about the history of Daniel Island.  We saw some wildlife on our adventures too from alligators to ducks and more!  We got our exercise and learn more about Daniel Island throughout our excursions that day.

    P1490183c

     Biking around the lake

    P1490205c

     On of the historical signs along the biking and walking path – “A Proprietary Governor

    P1490208c

     “Slave Life on Daniel Island”

    P1490212c

     We had a friend sunning himself along the biking trail.  Needless to say we didn’t stop to see if he wanted to play.  Always best to leave the wildlife alone!

    P1490224c

     “Making Bricks”

    P1490226c

     “Tenants & Truck Farmers”

    P1490229c

     “Harry Frank Guggenheim”

    P1490232c

     Friendly ducks swimming and finding little fish to eat.

     The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Travel & Vacation: Amazing Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom (Orlando, FL)

    P1370777c

    Brina ready to head out on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom

    The fast passes were gone for the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom before we decided which day we would be going to the park which is a sign that this is a popular activity.  We waited in line for about an hour to go on the safari, but it was very worth it.  This is the longest we had to wait for any activity while at Animal Kingdom.  During this safari we were able to see real animals in their natural habitats during the expedition through the Safari.

    We got to ride out to the safari where many animals were living in the wild.   We went through mud, standing water, on “shaky” bridges, and more while seeing animals at every turn.  Many of these animals I would not want to meet out in the jungle, however, the animals in this jungle looked well fed, peaceful, and relaxed.  It was a wonderful experience.  The kids LOVED this and rated the Safari as one of their favorite activities while at Animal Kingdom.  If you are ever at Animal Kingdom don’t miss this activity if you like seeing a lot of wild animals fairly close!

    P1370779c

    Karlie on the lookout for animals!

    P1370781c

    An okapi which is half zebra and half giraffe!

    P1370795cc

    Hippo sunning itself on the bank by the water.

    P1370796c

    A group of hippo hanging out in the water.

    P1370800c

    Beautiful scenery!

    P1370803c

    That’s a lot of alligators in one spot!

    P1370806c

    Thankfully that big guy is heading that  direction and not our way!

    P1370814c

    Life is rough!

    P1370823c

    Very tall termite mound!  Surprised at how many of these were around in a variety of different sizes and shapes.

    P1370829c

    Giraffes nibbling on the tree!

    P1370836c

    Grazing!

    P1370854c

    Friendly elephant!

    P1370858c

    The elephants were covering themselves with mud to keep from getting sunburned.

    P1370867c

    A cluster of elephants rooming around.

    P1370876c

    The upside down tree (looks like the roots are growing out of the top).

    P1370881c

    Pink flamingos hanging out around the water.

    P1370885c

    Rhinos munching on hay!

    P1370889cc

    Had to stop our drive through the grasslands when a rhino decided to cross the road in front of us.

    P1370891c

    Meandering along!

    P1370896c

    A gathering of rhinos helping themselves to some delicious rhino snacks.

    P1370900c

    Cheetah napping in the shade.

    P1370907c

    Lion sleeping in the cool rocks.

    P1370909c

    Zebras munching on the grass.

    P1370917c

    Warthogs resting

    P1370919c

    Ostrich eggs?

    P1370920c

    Zebras were pretty!

    P1370925c

    The animals were so peaceful!

    P1370931c

    Relaxing!