Day 7: Charleston

Pre dip

During dip

Post dip

 This fountain was my kids favorite place in all of Charleston. It was hot, we were sweaty, and the best part of the day was cooling off in this splash fountain. Even I got a little wet. We did this in the morning and again at the end of the day before settling in to see the waterfront fireworks. 

After a little refreshing dip in the fountain, and enjoying some time at the beautiful waterfront park, we decided to go to Fort Sumpter. 

Shaun and I both love Fort Sumpter because of its historical importance. I'm not sure our kids cared quite as much, but the boat ride over gave Alex the chance to nap.

The flag that originally stood on Ft. Sumpter before the civil war began. The union army risked life and limb to save the flag when it fell under Confederate attack. 

After Fort Sumpter we took a nice air conditioned ride on the free dash and go bus (quite arguably the best part of the day) to the beautiful rainbow row and down church street near the battery to take in the view of some of the most beautiful homes ever! I snapped photos of a few of my favorites. 

Rainbow row!

 

I love this one, and the one below has such beautiful landscaping.

And just a few more near the water.

After making my children trudge the streets of Charleston, albeit beautiful streets, we were all ready to get a little wet (again) before settling down to watch the fireworks. 

And we got a nice place on the lawn to sit and enjoy the evening. 

We enjoyed the fireworks, but we really were hot and exhausted, and some of us more than a little cranky, but nonetheless a memorable way to enjoy the fourth!

Charleston is out like a bang! Next stop, home. All of us are looking forward to sleeping in our own beds tomorrow. But it was a great vacation! Expensive, hot, memorable, and a learning experience.