Squirrels, Ducks and Coconut Butts!!! A Wish Trip Report *LATEST UPDATE 05/2011**
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yinyanggirls
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I forgot a little tidbit about packing up the hotel room that morning (I went back and added it in). As we emptied out the room Heather was getting agitated because she could not find her book. It was Kathy Griffin, not exactly a rare find, but she looked and looked and couldn't find it. The previous day we had asked the hotel to change the sofa bed sheets but not worry about the rest of the room, and they had cleaned the whole thing so she was starting to think they had stolen it. She talked to the front desk person and implied that maybe the staff had taken it and the person was in disbelief, said she knew the cleaning staff well and she did not think they would have taken it. On a final inspection of the room, I found her book in the desk drawer! She was embarrassed but relieved and I informed the front desk person that the staff's reputation was safe again.
I hope Tessa will be a calm adult, some day. You give me hope.
I love the history, I just laugh at the minutia that can be bragged about.
Growing up in CA where something from the 1800s is ancient, it was fascinating being in one of the places where America began! You're so lucky to have grown up there!
Gorgeous scenery and beautiful girls - it's hard to get a bad shot.
Thanks! We had fun even though it wasn't what you'd picture being a kid's place. I'm glad we got to see the area.
I am continuing to enjoy all of the wonderful details and gorgeous photos in your TR! The children are as beautiful as ever and the Plantation photos bring back lots of memories. I love to tour them; however, I am with you, the prices are beyond belief. I hold my breath now as I read about the hotels, wondering if Tessa escapes again. My oldest was SO busy like that!He is now a calm young man, although he still keeps us on our toes.
Looking forward to another installment, it will be sad to see your trip come to a conclusion.
I hope Tessa will be a calm adult, some day. You give me hope.
Gorgeous pictures of Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place!!! That one of the peacock with all his feathers splayed out is just gorgeous! Looks like you had a lot of fun overall!
They were really beautiful places. Can you imagine living there, or having those as neighbors?
Ah, I love that Tessa picked out a sweetgrass basket. (I have a couple but they are small ones since they are so expensive.) It's the perfect souvenir from Charleston and will last forever! That's a very cute picture of Tessa with the maker. I am sure she will enjoy getting a copy of that!
That's why I was willing to spend the money on it; I knew it was so unique to the area and handmade by the person sitting there. How could I resist?
Yes, we are a bit insanely proud of our history in Charleston and like to share it all with anyone who will listen or pay attention.
I love the history, I just laugh at the minutia that can be bragged about.
Growing up in CA where something from the 1800s is ancient, it was fascinating being in one of the places where America began! You're so lucky to have grown up there!Your pictures are beautiful! You have such a great eye and of course you work with the cutest models!
Gorgeous scenery and beautiful girls - it's hard to get a bad shot.
Your pictures are amazing!
I love the funny horse one! And the mail box!
But I really, really love the plantation - just beautiful pictures!
Thanks! We had fun even though it wasn't what you'd picture being a kid's place. I'm glad we got to see the area.
that's nice
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Last school year she went on Monday & Friday 9:15-11:45. This year she is going Tues, Wed, Thurs 9:15-1:15. She starts next week.
Love your pictures and descriptions. I feel like I was walking through the plantations with you.
Love the pic of Tessa in the mailbox!
I can see her flipping out once you got her in there! Glad Phoebe didn't get nipped by the horse.. that horse was extremely close to Tim's face.
The basket weever made some amazing baskets. How nice of her to let you buy one for $40!
Did someone mention Pabst??
yinyanggirls
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She really pitched a fit about getting into it, I guess because she thought I'd say no.
Last school year she went on Monday & Friday 9:15-11:45. This year she is going Tues, Wed, Thurs 9:15-1:15. She starts next week.
I bet she'll like the extra time there. She's a social butterfly.
The basket weever made some amazing baskets. How nice of her to let you buy one for $40!
The big ones were going for hundreds of dollars. I read that they were expensive, but I had no idea...
Did someone mention Pabst??
Why do people take pictures with this beer?
I love the update! The plantation photos are fabulous. I am so glad you enjoyed your extended trip.
I'm so glad we were allowed to! I can't say we would ever have gone there otherwise!
yinyanggirls
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Even though the entire city of Savannah was beckoning to us, we decided that the kids tolerated the plantations so well they deserved a reward. Today was going to be a beach day. None of us have ever set foot in the Atlantic Ocean before, so there was certainly some novelty to the idea. But first we needed to eat breakfast! Our hotel (the Holiday Inn Express) was in an old building and had been restored to perfection. It felt much nicer than a Holiday Inn.
Tessa kept taking one of these green apples when we went through the lobby. The staff was very nice (and patient) with us.
I think this was one of the better breakfasts we had on the trip. It had all of the usual self serve items, but I remember some delicious cinnamon rolls, crispy bacon, biscuits, etc, etc. And everything was good.
The dining room was huge and usually full, so by the time we made it down we had to sit at the farthest tables. It was probably better that way because then everyone else in the room didn't walk past us to get to the food, and have to listen to or watch us fighting with Tessa. That girl just can't sit still!
After breakfast Phoebe is ready for her usual morning nap, so Tim took Tessa out to explore the Riverfront a bit.
I don't remember what Heather did, the luxury of not having to worry about an extra person. lol Sometimes she'd read in the lobby, or explore the immediate neighborhood. She was always a text away, so when Phoebe woke up we were ready to go.
We decided to go to Tybee Island. We stopped at a grocery store on the way and bought some sodas, snacks and a small pack of pull ups since we were running low. The weather was slowly changing and it looked like it might end up storming. We figured we were there and would make the best of it. Tybee Island has a very accessible beach. We found the handicapped parking and right next to it was a tarp covered walkway, I don't know what it was made of but it worked. It led out about halfway to the shoreline, so we did have to carry Phoebe a bit closer but it was nice to get the head start. The wind was picking up but the temperature was still pretty warm so we started playing.
Having races.
I love this one because I caught her mid-air!
Collecting shells. Tim and Tessa have the same expression on their faces. They see something dangerous!
Tim noticed there were jellyfish in the water so he ordered everyone out! We decided to call the local fire dept and ask if they were harmful jellyfish. The person on the phone said that the typical ones they have are not harmful. We decided to go back in but be careful. I don't think anyone ever went deeper than their knees but it was fun to splash around and let Tessa be free. She and I took a walk and explored a little more of the shoreline. She chased the seagulls.
Just like home, there were jets and helicopters practicing overhead.
This foreboding sign didn't stop us since we weren't in the water.
She found a friend.
Didn't want to leave until Daddy found us and challenged her to a race back. We burned lots of energy, but she still had plenty to spare!
The lovely sand dunes and sea oats.
We were probably only on the beach for an hour or so, but with the time to get out of and back into the car it felt longer. They did have a shower by the parking lot which helped us get the sand off since we were not going back to the hotel before dinner.
Tessa kept taking one of these green apples when we went through the lobby. The staff was very nice (and patient) with us.
I think this was one of the better breakfasts we had on the trip. It had all of the usual self serve items, but I remember some delicious cinnamon rolls, crispy bacon, biscuits, etc, etc. And everything was good.
The dining room was huge and usually full, so by the time we made it down we had to sit at the farthest tables. It was probably better that way because then everyone else in the room didn't walk past us to get to the food, and have to listen to or watch us fighting with Tessa. That girl just can't sit still!
After breakfast Phoebe is ready for her usual morning nap, so Tim took Tessa out to explore the Riverfront a bit.
I don't remember what Heather did, the luxury of not having to worry about an extra person. lol Sometimes she'd read in the lobby, or explore the immediate neighborhood. She was always a text away, so when Phoebe woke up we were ready to go.
We decided to go to Tybee Island. We stopped at a grocery store on the way and bought some sodas, snacks and a small pack of pull ups since we were running low. The weather was slowly changing and it looked like it might end up storming. We figured we were there and would make the best of it. Tybee Island has a very accessible beach. We found the handicapped parking and right next to it was a tarp covered walkway, I don't know what it was made of but it worked. It led out about halfway to the shoreline, so we did have to carry Phoebe a bit closer but it was nice to get the head start. The wind was picking up but the temperature was still pretty warm so we started playing.
Having races.
I love this one because I caught her mid-air!
Collecting shells. Tim and Tessa have the same expression on their faces. They see something dangerous!
Tim noticed there were jellyfish in the water so he ordered everyone out! We decided to call the local fire dept and ask if they were harmful jellyfish. The person on the phone said that the typical ones they have are not harmful. We decided to go back in but be careful. I don't think anyone ever went deeper than their knees but it was fun to splash around and let Tessa be free. She and I took a walk and explored a little more of the shoreline. She chased the seagulls.
Just like home, there were jets and helicopters practicing overhead.
This foreboding sign didn't stop us since we weren't in the water.
She found a friend.
Didn't want to leave until Daddy found us and challenged her to a race back. We burned lots of energy, but she still had plenty to spare!
The lovely sand dunes and sea oats.
We were probably only on the beach for an hour or so, but with the time to get out of and back into the car it felt longer. They did have a shower by the parking lot which helped us get the sand off since we were not going back to the hotel before dinner.
yinyanggirls
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I had heard about and seen the name of restaurant around town and decided it sounded just weird enough that we needed to try it. It's called The Crab Shack, and it is on Tybee Island. We arrived in the late afternoon and the place was close to empty but it filled up very quickly!
They had alligators (in process of cleaning the pond I think) in front of the restaurant and a webcam that you could text your friends at home and tell them to watch you.
There is nothing but seafood at this place, so don't go if you don't like seafood!
I ordered the Brunswick stew for Phoebe. Tim and I both tasted it and it was yummy! Phoebe seemed to like it too, until she fell asleep.
The hole in the table has a trash can underneath it for all the "shells" and such.
The only thing Tessa would eat was everyone else's corn on the cob. I had ordered her a side of sausage (or meat circles as she calls them) but she didn't touch them. It's not that she's picky, she was just being herself. This is one of those meals where she just didn't eat.
The little flower barrette in her hair was something Tim bought with her that morning when they were out. It is a UV sensitive material that changes color in natural light.
My crab legs.
Tim's sampler. It took forever but he did eat the whole thing. First time eating crawdads.
Heather said hers was good too, but she started getting cranky at one point and I don't know why. It wasn't a big deal, but she didn't seem happy with my choice of restaurant. By the end of the trip this was going to be a bigger issue.
I wanted Tim to savor his meal so as soon as I was done I took Tessa to wash up and then explore the rest of the restaurant. They have two dining rooms plus a patio (it was misting at that point, so no one sat out there) and a shop. Very interesting place.
A fishing dock?
Tessa loved the cats they had everywhere.
She tortured this one for a while.
They had a bird room with a bunch of big, exotic birds, all rescued. Some of them were nice but there was one Macaw that was just mean. He squawked at us as loud as he could whenever we looked at the other birds. Tessa thought it was funny, even though she had to cover her ears he was so loud.
My sister-in-law had a Macaw once and I remember how temperamental it was. It owned her, or so he thought. Would hurt anyone who tried to get in between them. I remembered some of the noises and things she used to do with him and I tried it on this guy. It worked. He was very curious about me and seemed surprised that I spoke Parrot. I just did it to try and shut him up.
Eventually Tim was finished and he woke Phoebe up and they joined us in the shop. Phoebe liked the cats but NOT the birds. That stupid Macaw squawked at her when we walked in and scared her to death. He saw her jump and liked the reaction so he kept doing it over and over until we just left. I'm not a big fan of birds.
We got one last look and packed up for home.
Quick little drive by of the lighthouse on the way.
We took the girls up to the rooftop pool when we got back.
(hotel photo)
It had a gorgeous view but the wind made it a little too cold to swim.
We hung out in the jacuzzi for a few minutes then headed back to the room.
They had alligators (in process of cleaning the pond I think) in front of the restaurant and a webcam that you could text your friends at home and tell them to watch you.
There is nothing but seafood at this place, so don't go if you don't like seafood!
I ordered the Brunswick stew for Phoebe. Tim and I both tasted it and it was yummy! Phoebe seemed to like it too, until she fell asleep.
The hole in the table has a trash can underneath it for all the "shells" and such.
The only thing Tessa would eat was everyone else's corn on the cob. I had ordered her a side of sausage (or meat circles as she calls them) but she didn't touch them. It's not that she's picky, she was just being herself. This is one of those meals where she just didn't eat.
The little flower barrette in her hair was something Tim bought with her that morning when they were out. It is a UV sensitive material that changes color in natural light.
My crab legs.
Tim's sampler. It took forever but he did eat the whole thing. First time eating crawdads.
Heather said hers was good too, but she started getting cranky at one point and I don't know why. It wasn't a big deal, but she didn't seem happy with my choice of restaurant. By the end of the trip this was going to be a bigger issue.
I wanted Tim to savor his meal so as soon as I was done I took Tessa to wash up and then explore the rest of the restaurant. They have two dining rooms plus a patio (it was misting at that point, so no one sat out there) and a shop. Very interesting place.
A fishing dock?
Tessa loved the cats they had everywhere.
She tortured this one for a while.
They had a bird room with a bunch of big, exotic birds, all rescued. Some of them were nice but there was one Macaw that was just mean. He squawked at us as loud as he could whenever we looked at the other birds. Tessa thought it was funny, even though she had to cover her ears he was so loud.
My sister-in-law had a Macaw once and I remember how temperamental it was. It owned her, or so he thought. Would hurt anyone who tried to get in between them. I remembered some of the noises and things she used to do with him and I tried it on this guy. It worked. He was very curious about me and seemed surprised that I spoke Parrot. I just did it to try and shut him up.
Eventually Tim was finished and he woke Phoebe up and they joined us in the shop. Phoebe liked the cats but NOT the birds. That stupid Macaw squawked at her when we walked in and scared her to death. He saw her jump and liked the reaction so he kept doing it over and over until we just left. I'm not a big fan of birds.
We got one last look and packed up for home.
Quick little drive by of the lighthouse on the way.
We took the girls up to the rooftop pool when we got back.
(hotel photo)
It had a gorgeous view but the wind made it a little too cold to swim.
We hung out in the jacuzzi for a few minutes then headed back to the room.
Charleston Princess
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Beautiful beach pictures!!! Dinner at The Crab Shack looks delicious -- I 
seafood!!!
seafood!!!Christy729
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Nice update, I'm really enjoying this thread! I can't believe the restaurant used paper plates, they held A LOT of food!
And the cliffhanger about Heather...can't wait!
And the cliffhanger about Heather...can't wait!
yinyanggirls
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Beautiful beach pictures!!! Dinner at The Crab Shack looks delicious -- I
It was SO good!
We all had fun, especially Tessa, running free.
Yes, it was a very classy place - Dixie plates and trash can in the middle of the table.
yinyanggirls
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I made a reservation for Disneyland at Blue Bayou for lunch. That is the restaurant that has a "patio" that overlooks the bayou scene of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. My parents want to come along as does Tim's sister and her 2 yo so I had to make it a party of 8. His sister has an AP so she can get us the 10% discount on our bill. Not a big deal, but I'll take it! I'm hoping if I go up to the place an hour or so before our 1pm res. that they will be able to accommodate us by the water, otherwise Phoebe will definitely not be able to see it. She may not care, but I'd like to give her the opportunity, if that makes sense.
I thought about booking BBB as well, but after reading Tim and others say that it took 45-60 minutes I know or sure Phoebe can't handle it, so I'l hold off on Tessa too for now. Maybe next time.
Haven't obsessed over the schedule much, other than lunch, but I figure we'll start out in Fantasyland to hit the basics, and the characters, then move on from there. We spent TONS of time in Fland last year and on the wish trip so I think we can explore the other lands in more detail without feeling too guilty.
I thought about booking BBB as well, but after reading Tim and others say that it took 45-60 minutes I know or sure Phoebe can't handle it, so I'l hold off on Tessa too for now. Maybe next time.
Haven't obsessed over the schedule much, other than lunch, but I figure we'll start out in Fantasyland to hit the basics, and the characters, then move on from there. We spent TONS of time in Fland last year and on the wish trip so I think we can explore the other lands in more detail without feeling too guilty.
Charleston Princess
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Oh, I am so excited that you are going to eat at Blue Bayou! I can't wait to see your pictures from it! I think the concept of it is so neat! I would love for there to be something like that at WDW.
cantwaittoseemickey
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Loving your updates. The look on that horse is hilarious. Poor Tim though. Your pictures are georgous.
How exciting to be going to Disneyland. Fun for us too because we get more trip reports! Keep them coming
How exciting to be going to Disneyland. Fun for us too because we get more trip reports! Keep them coming
Haybuggsmom
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I had to tell you. Amber has been watching me as I devour any story I can on this board. I AM ADDICTED!!! So this morning I was leaving and she asked if she could read a story. I showed her what to do and told her to pick one. She picked Phoebe. When I asked her why it was so cute, because it was the same thing I thought. She told me she first picked it because she looks just like Haylee. Then she went on with the same things I did. She has a pink chair and even the same PJs as Haylee.( the purple flowered ones) AND she has a "super cute sister!!!" "They (Phoebe & Haylee) could be sisters!!!"
Your trip reporst is so thorough and wonderful!!! We have both enjoyed it so much and it has really prepared us for our trip. I hope my TR will turn out as wonderful as yours!!!
Your trip reporst is so thorough and wonderful!!! We have both enjoyed it so much and it has really prepared us for our trip. I hope my TR will turn out as wonderful as yours!!!
yinyanggirls
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I'm excited too! I've always been curious about it and just never planned ahead before.
Loving your updates. The look on that horse is hilarious. Poor Tim though. Your pictures are georgous.
How exciting to be going to Disneyland. Fun for us too because we get more trip reports! Keep them coming
The girls will be so thrilled! I've told Tessa we're going to the beach but haven't mentioned DL yet.
That is seriously so sweet. I love that she "gets it" now, and understands why mom is hanging out on the DIS all the time.
More wonderful pictures...... love the nighttime one and the lighthouse. Tim's seafood platter looks awesome. I love crawfish!
The hotel had an awesome view. Our room looked at the parking structure behind it, but hey, when the city is just outside your door, who needs to look at it, right?
yinyanggirls
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On Wednesday we woke up in our lovely hotel in Savannah (daytime view from a room across the hall)
and Heather noticed a smell in the room. It was coming from our laundry. The clothes we had worn the night before, to the bar, specifically. It smelled like sour grease, if there is such a thing. We hadn't eaten anything while we were there, and neither of us noticed it or we certainly would have left immediately. Heather was bummed because she had packed sparingly and now those items were ruined, including her sweatshirt which she wore a lot because she is always cold. We decided it would be worth it to take the time to do some laundry, but unfortunately this hotel did not offer guests a laundry facility. On our way to breakfast we passed the housekeeping crew in the hallway and I asked one of the ladies if she knew of one somewhat nearby. She gave me a location and after breakfast Tim took Tessa and Heather to go find it. I stayed behind with Phoebe to let her take her daily nap.
On the way to the laundry place they had to make one additional stop. We had been discussing where to eat while in Savannah and I had guide books and travel sites (even a fellow DISers trip report) to go off of. Heather loves the tv show Diners, Drive ins and Dives (I think that's the right order). It's all about finding hole in the wall places that only the locals know about and it's a well kept secret kind of thing. Heather loved the idea of trying to find a couple of these places on our trip. I agree with the philosophy. I certainly don't want to eat at an Olive Garden or Chili's when I'm visiting a new place. But Heather had no suggestions of where to go, or even how to find a place. I tried searching the show's website and it only came up with one place in the general area and I can't remember why but we ruled it out. We were asking locals every chance we had and they often came up with the same responses, the places named in my books or travel sites. I suggested we try Lady and Sons or Mrs Wilkes for some authentic southern cooking. I found Lady and Sons menu online and showed Heather. She didn't seem thrilled with either one, but was willing to try anything as long as we kept looking for our "dive". Mrs Wilkes is raved about but the problem is there is no reservations system at all. You have to show up and wait your turn, and it has been reported many times that the wait can be an hour or two for no particular reason. Lady and Sons will only take a reservation on the morning of the day you want to eat there, so you have to show up at opening time and wait your turn to ask for a return time later in the day. We decided to give this a shot since we were staying just a few blocks away and it would be easy enough to make two trips there that day. So on the way to do laundry they got a return time of 11:15am. Since we had an early start that would work.
Tim and Heather didn't see the laundromat they were looking for at the cross streets we were given so they stopped at a gas station and Heather went in to ask. She saw a couple of ladies and asked them where it was. Their reply was "Are you from around here?" answer, no. "Then you don't want to go to that one! Definitely don't go alone!". They offered an alternative location that was a little more comfortable for Heather while Tim took Tessa around exploring and getting the wiggles out. I have to say that Tim was so great with her this whole trip. Especially these mornings when he kept her busy while Phoebe napped. As the laundry neared completion a couple of hours later Phoebe and I went down to the lobby to wait for everyone.
Once we were all together again, and the clean laundry thrown upstairs, we wandered the downtown area, walking from "square to square". Savannah was planned out with a little park or square at the intersection of four street every couple of blocks. Some of them are very small, and some are big with fountains or monuments in the middle. We had fun exploring them. Everyone made a wish in this fountain. It looks like Phoebe is actually throwing hers, but she's doing her "happy dance".
Tessa collected sticks for some imaginary project.
We made our way toward the restaurant as our time approached. (It's at the end of the street here, with the flags on top of the bldg).
We were seated promtply and taken upstairs via elevator. I think I noticed that each level had it's own buffet. Our server was a nice guy and got us going pretty quickly. All the adults tried the sweet tea, which was really good and had a mint sprig in it. I was surprised that I was the only one who ordered the buffet (and for the kids as well). Here is the buffet menu...
Does anybody wanna see food pics? hehehe
We all got some of this cheesy bread and a "hoecake".
Tim's crab cake burger
Heather's tilapia sandwich
And from the buffet...plate one
Plate two
I was proud of myself for going light on the carbs (light meaning in proportion to the veggies, which probably weren't even healthy!), and I really tried to just get a couple of bites of each item. Sometimes the serving spoon just tricked me!
Kid's plate
and dessert, peach cobbler
The waiter was nice and only charged us for one kid's buffet. I tried to dish them very light, so as not to waste, and neither one of them had seconds. He also gave us a few logo pens, which we thought was a perfect souvenir - free! We were there for almost an hour and a half, so I was surprised how well Tessa did this time. Not perfect, but she is just a kid after all.
When we were done the lunch rush was dying down so Tessa moved over to an empty window table and looked at the happenings on the street below us.
Phoebe got food on her face and thought it was funny.
We made our way back to the hotel to get ready for a special appointment. Tessa picked a magnolia from the tree along the way.
Walking past the Cotton Exchange, also with a sign for the Freemason's hall. Couldn't tell you the history. We were just soaking up atmosphere.
Our appointment was with a professional photographer from "Our Littlest Heroes" project (name recently changed to "Inspiration Through Art). They are a group of photographers who list their name as someone who is willing to take a free photoshoot of a child who is (or was) extremely ill. I had searched the website for a photographer in our area and came up empty handed. When I searched the Savannah area I found a couple of good choices and Britt Anderson ended up being our photographer for the day.
Tim always lets his beard grow when we go on vacation, kind of a challenge to see how long he can get it, because frankly, he's not hairy at all and it never gets very long! His week and a half of growth is what I've seen on some men as a five o'clock shadow! But he was nice enough to shave a couple of days before vacation ended for "my" family photos. Tessa was entertained by this unusual thing on Daddy's face, so he let her pet it one last time.
As a side note, he had also been letting his hair grow "long" just for this vacation because of the photos. He likes his hair buzzed (he has specific names for the cut, but whatever) and he grew it out just for me. Awwww. I told him he could cut it however he wanted as soon as we got home, and he did. 
and Heather noticed a smell in the room. It was coming from our laundry. The clothes we had worn the night before, to the bar, specifically. It smelled like sour grease, if there is such a thing. We hadn't eaten anything while we were there, and neither of us noticed it or we certainly would have left immediately. Heather was bummed because she had packed sparingly and now those items were ruined, including her sweatshirt which she wore a lot because she is always cold. We decided it would be worth it to take the time to do some laundry, but unfortunately this hotel did not offer guests a laundry facility. On our way to breakfast we passed the housekeeping crew in the hallway and I asked one of the ladies if she knew of one somewhat nearby. She gave me a location and after breakfast Tim took Tessa and Heather to go find it. I stayed behind with Phoebe to let her take her daily nap.
On the way to the laundry place they had to make one additional stop. We had been discussing where to eat while in Savannah and I had guide books and travel sites (even a fellow DISers trip report) to go off of. Heather loves the tv show Diners, Drive ins and Dives (I think that's the right order). It's all about finding hole in the wall places that only the locals know about and it's a well kept secret kind of thing. Heather loved the idea of trying to find a couple of these places on our trip. I agree with the philosophy. I certainly don't want to eat at an Olive Garden or Chili's when I'm visiting a new place. But Heather had no suggestions of where to go, or even how to find a place. I tried searching the show's website and it only came up with one place in the general area and I can't remember why but we ruled it out. We were asking locals every chance we had and they often came up with the same responses, the places named in my books or travel sites. I suggested we try Lady and Sons or Mrs Wilkes for some authentic southern cooking. I found Lady and Sons menu online and showed Heather. She didn't seem thrilled with either one, but was willing to try anything as long as we kept looking for our "dive". Mrs Wilkes is raved about but the problem is there is no reservations system at all. You have to show up and wait your turn, and it has been reported many times that the wait can be an hour or two for no particular reason. Lady and Sons will only take a reservation on the morning of the day you want to eat there, so you have to show up at opening time and wait your turn to ask for a return time later in the day. We decided to give this a shot since we were staying just a few blocks away and it would be easy enough to make two trips there that day. So on the way to do laundry they got a return time of 11:15am. Since we had an early start that would work.
Tim and Heather didn't see the laundromat they were looking for at the cross streets we were given so they stopped at a gas station and Heather went in to ask. She saw a couple of ladies and asked them where it was. Their reply was "Are you from around here?" answer, no. "Then you don't want to go to that one! Definitely don't go alone!". They offered an alternative location that was a little more comfortable for Heather while Tim took Tessa around exploring and getting the wiggles out. I have to say that Tim was so great with her this whole trip. Especially these mornings when he kept her busy while Phoebe napped. As the laundry neared completion a couple of hours later Phoebe and I went down to the lobby to wait for everyone.
Once we were all together again, and the clean laundry thrown upstairs, we wandered the downtown area, walking from "square to square". Savannah was planned out with a little park or square at the intersection of four street every couple of blocks. Some of them are very small, and some are big with fountains or monuments in the middle. We had fun exploring them. Everyone made a wish in this fountain. It looks like Phoebe is actually throwing hers, but she's doing her "happy dance".
Tessa collected sticks for some imaginary project.
We made our way toward the restaurant as our time approached. (It's at the end of the street here, with the flags on top of the bldg).
We were seated promtply and taken upstairs via elevator. I think I noticed that each level had it's own buffet. Our server was a nice guy and got us going pretty quickly. All the adults tried the sweet tea, which was really good and had a mint sprig in it. I was surprised that I was the only one who ordered the buffet (and for the kids as well). Here is the buffet menu...
Does anybody wanna see food pics? hehehe
We all got some of this cheesy bread and a "hoecake".
Tim's crab cake burger
Heather's tilapia sandwich
And from the buffet...plate one
Plate two
I was proud of myself for going light on the carbs (light meaning in proportion to the veggies, which probably weren't even healthy!), and I really tried to just get a couple of bites of each item. Sometimes the serving spoon just tricked me!
Kid's plate
and dessert, peach cobbler
The waiter was nice and only charged us for one kid's buffet. I tried to dish them very light, so as not to waste, and neither one of them had seconds. He also gave us a few logo pens, which we thought was a perfect souvenir - free! We were there for almost an hour and a half, so I was surprised how well Tessa did this time. Not perfect, but she is just a kid after all.
When we were done the lunch rush was dying down so Tessa moved over to an empty window table and looked at the happenings on the street below us.
Phoebe got food on her face and thought it was funny.
We made our way back to the hotel to get ready for a special appointment. Tessa picked a magnolia from the tree along the way.
Walking past the Cotton Exchange, also with a sign for the Freemason's hall. Couldn't tell you the history. We were just soaking up atmosphere.
Our appointment was with a professional photographer from "Our Littlest Heroes" project (name recently changed to "Inspiration Through Art). They are a group of photographers who list their name as someone who is willing to take a free photoshoot of a child who is (or was) extremely ill. I had searched the website for a photographer in our area and came up empty handed. When I searched the Savannah area I found a couple of good choices and Britt Anderson ended up being our photographer for the day.
Tim always lets his beard grow when we go on vacation, kind of a challenge to see how long he can get it, because frankly, he's not hairy at all and it never gets very long! His week and a half of growth is what I've seen on some men as a five o'clock shadow! But he was nice enough to shave a couple of days before vacation ended for "my" family photos. Tessa was entertained by this unusual thing on Daddy's face, so he let her pet it one last time.
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