Maeve's birthday

 Maeve enjoyed a dinner with her Grandparents and sushi and fondue with her friends for her 11th birthday! She also did pass the parcel with her friends and had a great time. It was a Christmas-themed birthday.

Charleston

 We had planned a trip to Asheville and then Hurricane Helene flooded the city. We are sad that we didn't make it there before the destruction but have put it back on our list to go there once visitors are welcome. So we switched a few weeks ago and found a non stop flight to Charleston, SC. Eric was possibly there when he was a baby but didn't have any memories of it. We ate and drank throughout the city as it's very much a foodie town and very walkable. We averaged 15,000 steps throughout the day and stayed in the French Quarter. It reminded us of New Orleans - but wealthier - and even had a french market where we bought a map for Kyle from a local artist. We also visited the Firefly distillery, Charleston tea plantation, and the Angel live oak tree. I loved seeing the beaches at sunset (even if the first night at Sullivan's Island was very windy!). I also loved the houses where there was a door and then behind that were either stairs or another door - I suppose to change the old houses into multi-family houses. Real estate seemed very expensive.

Our favorite foods were:

Grouper and shrimp and grits from Hank's Seafood

Brunch at Frannie and the fox

Chowder and pizza from Obstinate daughter

Fried green tomatoes and chicken and waffles from Poogan's porch

the view eating on the porch swing at Soutbound (although we didn't think the food or service was that great)

Meanwhile, the kids finished two puzzles with Grandpa Ed and Grandma Brigid and Grandpa took them to see Wild Robot and to the History museum. Unfortunately Kyle wasn't a good sleeper and kicked Grandma out of the bed and nearly Grandpa too!

All Saints Day

 One of my favorite school traditions is All Saints Day for Kindergarten. This year Kyle picked St Hilary of Poitiers as he shares the feast day with Kyle's birthday, January 13th. I volunteered to be the photographer and enjoyed seeing all of the kids in their crowns and robes!