Winter Excursion 3, Day 63

Cath stayed a camp today as she is still sick with a nasty cold.
I left at 1030 and stopped at Lowes for some wood filler and paint to put the finishing touches on the doll bunk bed. Kennedy and I got two coats on it. It came out really good. Nicole is sewing up the pillows and blankets for the bed. I'll post the finished product tomorrow. Meanwhile here is the painted bunk!

Kennedy was a big help, but she got almost as much paint on herself as the bed!

Nicole is battling a cold also. I hung out with her and the kids for the afternoon and got back to camp around 1700. Cath is still fighting her cold. We had some dinner and watched the football games.

New Years Eve tomorrow!

Winter Excursion 3, Day 62

I left camp this morning around 0900 to do some fishing at Buck Hall (USFS). Cath stayed at the camper as she is fighting a cold. Drove the 40 miles only to run into a locked gate at the entrance! Government Shutdown! I can understand closing the campground, but the fishing pier and boat launch are always unattended anyway.
I drove back to camp. Picked up some clams and whiting fillets for dinner on the way. If I can't catch it, might as well buy it!
Cath and I watched some TV in the afternoon and tuned into the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl in the evening.
Weather was nice today, mostly sunny with 70 deg temps.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 61

We left the camper at 0930 enroute to the Kids house.
Cath, Mary, Nicole, and the Kiddos went to the movies to see the new Mary Poppins.
I was in charge of projects today. Left at 1000 to Lowes for all the materials I needed to build a doll bunk bed. I had that project finished by 1430. I was putting the last nail in when they got home. Here's the finished product. Kennedy and I still have to do a little sanding and painting to make it acceptable to her dolls. The dolls should be able to sleep in it by Tuesday night.

Next project was to fix the remote on the new garage door opener. Nicole gave me a hand and we finished it in a few minutes.
Last task was to install a new soap dispenser on the kitchen sink. That took a few more minutes then it was Miller Time!
Brain got home early and we all enjoyed Friday night Pizza and a few rounds of Janga.

Cath and I headed to the camper around 1930. We had to detour as there was a bank robbery in the area and there must have been 50 police directing traffic and looking for the bad guys. We got home by 2030. The handyman hit the rack and Cath watched a show. It's been another good day for the Boss Camp.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 60

We slept in a little this morning and then had a lazy morning. I ran to the hardware store for some construction glue to repair the sink in the camper. It is an under counter sink and it started to separate from the counter.
We put all of our outside stuff away as, once again, rain is in the forecast. Actually there is rain in the forecast for the next 10 days! Temps are forecast near 80 for the next week!
Cath made a really good pot roast for dinner. We had Kevin over as he is leaving in the morning.
I went to bed early again, Cath watched a show. It's been a nice lazy day!

Winter Excursion 3, Day 59

The Kiddos woke us up at 0645. By 0715 we were downstairs playing with all the toys. They are still totally excited, it is fun to watch.

We all had a nice breakfast and spent the morning playing.

Cath and I left for the camper around noon. The weather is still great and we spent the afternoon sitting outside in the sun.

Kevin came over and we started the fire. Here's a pic of our Christmas present from the kids. We have been wanting one of these propane fireplaces as we are sometimes in campgrounds where wood fires and prohibited, but these are allowed. Here's a pic so you can compare the flame to a real campfire. We were impressed.

Kevin treated us to some really good queso dip and hamburgers for dinner. We sat by the fire and yakked until 2100. Bed will feel really good tonight. It has been a fun Holiday season!

Winter Excursion 3, Day 58

Merry Christmas!
The Kiddos had a wonderful time. It took them all morning to get everything open. They had a blast handing out all the presents to everyone.

Here's Wes with his dino slippers, He didn't want to take them off.

The Kiddos got these really cool mini drones. They flew them all day. These things avoid the walls and ceiling and fly for about ten minutes. They are made to fly indoors.

Later in the day Brian treated them to a tickle fest!

And before dinner the Kiddos treated us to a concert with their new Karaoke machine.

Everyone had a great time. The day went by too quick.
Dinner was really good, Beef Tenderloin with all the trimmings.
Once the Kiddos were in bed the adults were not far behind.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 57

Christmas Eve!
We left the camper late morning and headed to the Kids. We will be staying there for a couple of nights. On the way we stopped at the food store for a few last minute things.
At the house the Kiddos are all wound up....tomorrow is Christmas!
Brian and I washed his car and my truck. The weather is perfect, mid 60s and sunny.
Low Country Boil for dinner, it was fab!
The Kiddos watched a movie and then we got them in bed. They finally fell asleep and then Santa came.
We got to bed around midnight. Tomorrow will be fun.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 56

After a good nights sleep and recovery effort, we did a little camp cleanup and maintenance. Grabbed showers and headed to the Kid's house around 1100.
Nicole's Mom, Mary, arrived yesterday and it was great to see her.
The Kiddos are all jazzed as Christmas is just around the corner.
Brain and I washed our vehicles and drank a few beers. The weather was perfect, warm and sunny.
Around 1600 we all headed to downtown Charleston to Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. The food was fabulous and the beers were good.
Here they are after dinner being their usual crazies!

We headed further into downtown to the College of Charleston as there is a Christmas Light Show to see.
Here's a pic of the Live Oaks with the lights hanging down.

The light show was good, the sound could have been a little better, but a good time was had by all.

Wesley especially had a good time. When the music and lights started he bolted up the stairs and started dancing in front of the whole crowd. This of course, made the other children bolder, and a regular,unrehearsed, dance routine began.

Here's a short vid of Wesley dancing. He actually danced for at least 10 minutes and didn't miss a beat. He will sleep good tonight.

After the show we went for a drive to check out some Christmas lights in Mt. Pleasant. Back at the house Cath and I said goodnight and headed for the camper. We watched a little football and then headed for bed.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 55

Kiddos were up and raring to go at 0730. We had an easy breakfast and then headed to the playground. After that we got in a few games of Yahtzee. Traps and tents were next. The bedroom looks like a tornado hit!
Here's the latest chalk art.

We took the Kiddos home at 1400. Spent some time with Nicole and ran to the store for a few things. We picked up a tuna steak for dinner.
Got the fire going and spent the evening outside. Cath made our first batch of eggnog, it was FAB!  Kevin came by and Brian stopped in after work.

As usual we will sleep good after having the Kiddos around.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 54

I left around 1100 to get the Kiddos. Traffic was terrible due to an accident on one of the bridges. It took me an hour to get there. Loaded up the Kiddos and headed back to camp.
While I was gone, Cath was baking sugar cookies for the Kiddos to decorate (paint). Here they are just getting started.

And here's the finished product. They did a really good job.

We played, watched a few shows, spent some time outside, and then had Sticky Chicken for dinner.
After dinner it was movie time. Here's the elves with their popcorn totally engrossed in another Jurassic Park movie.

By 2200 we were all asleep!

Winter Excursion 3, Day 53

The rain came today as forecast and lasted all day.
We left for the Kid's house around 1000. Some of the roads on the way were closed due to flooding along with a very high tide.
Spent the day playing with Wesley, although he had a friend over for awhile for a playdate.

Here's Mom supervising the playing...LOL

Kennedy got home from school. It was pajama day. The craziness started. She also had a friend over for awhile, they all had a good time being nutty.

Cath got all the laundry done and made another batch of cookies.

Brian got home early and we all sat down to a yummy Taco dinner.

Here's a good pic of Kennedy.

And here she is being crazy.

Cath and I were back at the camper by 2100. The Kiddos are coming over tomorrow afternoon for a sleep over. Cath and I need a good night's sleep to prepare.
All is well in the Boss Camp.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 52

Did a few camp chores this morning and Cath made a nice breakfast. I put the new "bling" lettering on the truck. We think it looks good.

We left camp and did some last minute Christmas shopping. River's Ave area was a zoo!
Back at camp we had a lazy afternoon. Kevin came over and we yakked by the fire. The three of us went to EVOs for dinner and as usual it was really good.
Here's a pic of our Camp Christmas Tree. The only problem is it shines into the bedroom!

Off to the Kids and Kiddos tomorrow. It's laundry day and Wesley has no school.
I almost forgot to mention....there is 1-2 inches of rain in the forecast for tomorrow, I think a boat is in our future!⛵

Winter Excursion 3, Day 51

Left for the Christmas Pageant at Wesley's school at 0800. We got into traffic and the 20 minute trip took over an hour. Stopped on the way and picked up some ham biscuits at the Seewee Outpost.
Got to the school and the festivities began.
Here's Wesley the Wise Man marching down the isle as part of the Christmas Story.

Another one of Wes.

Here's the three Wise Men and the entire cast in the background.

And a pic of the whole show. The Kiddos do a great job.  This was our third pageant at this school and sadly our last. Both Kennedy and Wesley will be in a different school next year.

After the show we went to Brian and Nicole's house. We had some yummy steak subs for lunch. Cath spent the afternoon baking cookies. Wesley and I drove up to the camper, had some candy and played Yahtzee. We made it back to the house in time for Kennedy's bus.

After a good dinner Nicole and Kennedy assembled some reindeer for Kennedy's class. Here's Nicole (the glue-gun master) putting the finishing touches on the twelve reindeer. There was 216 pieces to glue together!

Brian got home around 1930. As he has to work late tomorrow, we celebrated his birthday before we left.
We got back to the camper by 2130 and went straight to bed. It's been a fun day.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 50

We slept in a little this morning. I left to go fishing around 0900. On the way I stopped at the Frances Marion National Forest Ranger Office.
The fishing was OK. I caught a few salt water Catfish, but no Whitting to be had. Guess I'll just keep trying.
Back at camp Cath and I ran a few last minute Christmas errands, then spent the afternoon and evening by the fire with our neighbor Kevin.
Off to the Kiddos in the morning for the annual Christmas Pageant at Wesley's school.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 49

The Kiddos slept in until 0730 this morning! We had waffles and sausage for breakfast.
It was an "artsy" day for the Kiddos.
Wesley made his "Money Machine" and proceeded to dispense coins to everyone all day.

He also made a "game", but the change of winning was loaded in his favor...LOL
Kennedy also made a "game", it was a little more fair. She also made enough snowflakes for the whole campground. Cath and I have to add construction paper to our shopping list.
Brian arrived late morning and he, Cath, and the Kiddos went over to Camping World. They got back to camp with subs for lunch.
The afternoon was filled with football, outside activities, and just general craziness.
Here's a short vid of the Kiddos cleaning up the place.

Nicole arrived in the afternoon. We all had a nice dinner and the Kids and Kiddos left for home. I was in bed by 2030 and Cath was not far behind. We will sleep good tonight.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 48

Picked up Wesley at 0800 and the breakfast adventure started.

Wesley got a hat at Waffle House and of course Granddad had to wear it.

Breakfast was fun and then we headed to the camper.

We've had so much rain that Wes had to sweep the water away.

Mom and Dad showed up around 1500 with Kennedy. We all had a great afternoon by the fire.

Chicken dinner and then Brian and Nicole headed for home. Cath and I and the Kiddos watched ET the Extra-terrestrial. We all went to bed around 2130. I'm sure we will sleep well.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 47

The rain started again this morning and pretty much continued all day. The campground is once again a swamp.
We hung out in the camper in the morning, Had a quick lunch and then went shopping for supplies. The Kiddos are coming tomorrow.
I went over to the hardware store for a new toolbox. The toolbag I've been using keeps getting soaked from all the rain. I don't want the tools to rust. Got the tools dry and the new box all set up.
We had a nice dinner, watched some TV, and hit the bed early. I'm taking Wesley to breakfast in the morning, that should be an adventure!.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 46

I drove over to Francis Marion Ranger Station this morning to check on possible hosting for next year.

I guess I should have called first. This sign greeted me at the closed gate!

Back at camp we had a quick lunch and headed over to the Kid's house to assume our BSing duties.
Wesley was home from school today. We had a good time playing and fooling around.

He and Grandma spent an hour cutting out dinos and taping them into the "show".

Kennedy got home around 1500. We did her homework and then had a nice dinner.
Took Nicole to her tennis party and then we toured some of the Christmas lights in Mt. Pleasant.
Back home we got the Kiddos in bed and watched the football game. Brian and Nicole made it home and Cath and I headed to the camper.
Heavy rain is in the forecast for the next two days, 1-4 inches! What else is new?😕😝

Winter Excursion 3, Day 45

Cath and I slept in this morning recovering from two days of Kiddos. Left the camper at 1030 and headed north to check out Santee State Park, SC.
It's a nice park with two campgrounds. The smaller one is the best for us. The large one (150+) campsites would be a mud pit in a rainstorm. The sites are also very unlevel. SIte 41 would be the bomb. The park is on Lake Marion near Holly, SC.
Back at the camper we did a little food shopping and enjoyed a nice campfire until 1900.
I'm sure we will sleep good again tonight. Steak and cheese hoagies for dinner.
Baby sitting tomorrow, we need to recoup our strength!

Winter Excursion 3, Day 44

Wesley woke us up this morning at 0600. We played in bed with him for about an hour. He is a great alarm clock if you like to get up at 0500!
I left to go fishing at Buck Hall around 0900. Beautiful day, but the fishing was lousy. No bites, only crabs.

Back at the house Cath had another batch of cookies finished. Here's her and Wes outting the powdered sugar on them.

Kennedy took this pic of their Christmas Tree. Looks Nice!

It was a great fall day and here's the Kiddos in the leaf pile. I think they played in this for an hour. Baths were in order afterward.

Cath and I headed home around 1730. It's been a fun couple of days.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 43

We went over to the kids early in the morning. Cath is doing laundry and baking Christmas cookies. Brian and I put the finishing touches on the garage door opener.

We all went over to pick up Wes. Here he is on the way to lunch jammin' to some Christmas songs.

After lunch we stopped at the food store for a few things. Wes was in charge! We got some looks due to the Shock Top in his cart.

Brian and Nicole met some friends for dinner. Cath and I watched the Kiddos. They were in bed by 1930 as it is a school night. Cath and I watched the football game. The kids got home around 2200. We all finished the game and hit the rack.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 42

We headed to the Kids after a late breakfast.
Brian and I went right to Lowes. They needed a new garage door opener as the old one had a range of about 2 feet from the remote. We spent the afternoon installing the new one and it works great!
The Kiddos were not happy as we did not pay a lot of attention to them, but we all sat down to a really good steak dinner.
We hung around until the Kiddos hit the hay, then we drove back to camp. The place is still a swamp from the rain we had last might and this morning. I'd guess we got 3 or 4 inches! As I've said before this is the Rainy Winter Trip. We may have to turn in the camper for an Ark.⛵☔

Winter Excursion 3, Day 41

We were awaken this morning at 0545 by two Kiddos and a dog (Kaylee). That was the end of our nights sleep. We played and snuggled until 0700.
Around 0800 Kennedy lost another tooth. They are falling out like raindrops! If she loses too many more she won't be able to eat...LOL.
Brian made a nice breakfast of pancakes and sausage.
Then it was off to Kennedy's basketball game. She's the player on the left with her hands up.
After the game we celebrated at Chick-Fil-A. The kids and Cath thought the peppermint milkshakes are to die for.

On the way home we stopped at Boone Hall for a Christmas Tree. The Kiddos picked out a nice one. We got it home and set up. They will decorate tomorrow.

Kennedy decided she needed a tree for her doll. Her and Cath made this masterpiece from rosemary in the garden and a ball jar.

We headed back to camp around 1500. Cath took a well deserved nap and I just chilled watching the Army Navy game. We will sleep very good tonight!

Winter Excursion 3, Day 40

Went over to the Kids house around 1300. Kennedy got home from school and was feeling a little under the weather. They both have the sniffles and we hope it doesn't get worse or spread to us!

The plan was to go out for pizza with the Kiddos, but we ordered in instead.
Cath and Nicole left for the Harry Connick concert a little after 1800. The Kiddos and I watched the Polar Express.
Brian got home around 2100 and we talked until the girls got home around 2300.

Winter Excursion 3, Day 39

Kevin and I left camp around 1000. We drove up to Joint Base Charleston Short Stay Campground to check it out. Nice place, the waterfront sites are the best. From there we headed to Givhans Ferry State Park as Kevin wanted to check it out. It is also a nice campground, but there is no cell service and heavily wooded so no satellite service either. We stopped at the fish market on the way home and picked up some whiting fillets for dinner to go with the crab cakes.
We spent the afternoon and evening by the fire. The weather was cool, but sunny.

The wood pile is slowly disappearing. A few more fires and I'll be hauling wood from the Kid's house.

Dinner was great. We talked a little, watched some TV and then it was bedtime.