In Charleston

This morning's plan was to wake up at around 8, pack and leave Tampa at 12 at the latest. We failed to set an alarm though, and ended up waking up at 10. Somehow, my inner alarm clock didn't wake me up for the first time this vacation...must mean I'm finally relaxed! We ended up leaving at about 1, after a nice breakfast, which still was fine.

Our trip was further delayed because there was massive traffic just outside of Orlando. No, it wasn't because of construction, and it wasn't even an accident. There was a 15 mile backup, that cost us at least an hour, because of an outlet mall. Oh, the consumerism of the US...so annoying.

Anyway, that cut Savannah out of our trip, but we started listening to a cheesy mystery novel and made it to Charleston successfully. Tomorrow, we'll check out the city and then head up to DC.

Once we got to the Days Inn, I had the weirdest craving. I know it's unusual, but I really wanted pizza! So Pizza Hut is lucky enough to be graced by my presence tonight :)

We left another beautiful day in Florida to begin our trek back to the cold.

Thanks so much for all the fun in Florida...we only forgot marley's bowls this time! Poor marley seems to be the victim here on this trip...she could stand to lose a few though.

Now on our way through the I-4 corridor then up to savannah and charleston.

Last night in Tampa

Today, we began by visiting the beach! It is certainly strange to have this sort of weather in the middle of winter, but it was definitely understandable to see why it was so crowded there too.

Once we got back, we had delicious spetchla and leftovers. Then we made sure that the car was god to go, thanks to Erika's friend DJ. After we hung out with some of his coworkers for a while, and we were reminded of some of the different world views that people tend to have. Of course the most interesting one to me was that a group of mechanics would even partially blame unions for the troubles that the auto companies have been dealing with. Where is the solidarity? I mean really!!! The politics was bound to come out at some point, but I think that was the first reference.

Tomorrow, we start our trek back. We will be stopping in Savannah, GA and the Charleston, SC and spending the night there.

As nice as it was to go from freezing Chicago to warm and sunny Tampa, the thought of going back to cold is not first on my list right now...so we'll milk these last couple days.

Going to the beach...in December...crazy!

We opened presents this morning. It was very nice to sit around and enjoy everyone's company. I found out that bodri knows how to take the wrapping paper off of presents. He always made sure not to bite the actual paper and used his nose too! Pictures to come.

Then we went swimming...in December...outside! Crazy here in Florida! After much coaxing, marley finally joined us for a dip and eventually learned to like the water, sort of. I have a few scratches on my chest to remember the fun by. Video to come of that adventure later.

Now we are preparing dinner to close out a relaxing day!

Erika on the piano

Marley chasing a lizard