Savannah

We loved it! This is a great city. In fact, I think it's quite high on my "top U.S. cities" list. I think I'd rank my top 10 in the following order for U.S. cities I've stayed in (so far) long enough to really experience:

1. San Antonio

2. SAVANNAH

3. Las Vegas

4. New Orleans(pre- Hurricane Katrina)

5. Waikiki

6. Chicago

7. San Diego

8. Orlando

9. Traverse City

10. South Haven

Back to our trip.... Savannah is a beautiful city, full of history, culture, art and amazing gardens. It's the city of gardens (called squares). There are 24 total scattered every couple of blocks, each one different and each one equally beautiful. We stayed right in the middle of the historic district at the DeSoto Hilton, so upon exiting our hotel we could walk any where in the city. It was a great place to just walk and enjoy exploring all the unique and historical sites. Everyone we interacted with was so friendly, I don't think I've ever been in place where so many total strangers just start chatting. I also think that the people that were born in this area and still live there today have a tremendous sense of personal history and connectedness to the establishment of the city and the events that have occurred. I really got a sense of this during a few of the tours we did and the way different "guides" told the stories of the sites and events like it really was THEIR story.

It was unusually cold. The first few days we were there it was near 60 (which felt great), but it ended up only getting in the 40's towards the end of our stay. However, we still managed to get outdoors and see & explore much of the city despite the cooler weather.

Emerson did very well on her first vacation. Although, it was a surprise to find our hotel room did not have a bathtub! We tried the shower with her, but that did NOT go over well. So instead, we had to make due with wet washcloth "baths". I now know this is something to look out for. Also, eating became a bit stressful. So, we got to the point that we really only ate in a restaurant one time a day. That was really all we could handle with trying to eat, feed Em, keep her entertained, and keep her in the high chair long enough for us to eat in a day. I think she mostly just got to the point that she was tired of being restrained in either her stroller or car seat that when it came to lunch or dinner, she wanted to be able to move and not be stuck in another seat. We quickly figured out that we had to time naps with walking or taking a drive somewhere because Em would not sleep in our hotel room during the day. A few mornings, Emerson would be so ready for a nap that she would try to climb up and into her stroller herself!

Here's a picture tour of our trip...

Emerson sleeping on our drive down (about 15 hours, which we mostly did overnight to keep it easier on Emerson).

In Savannah, our first walk. Doesn't Em look excited to be here?

The Presbyterian Church 1 block from our hotel. Does the steeple look familiar? Savannah is where much of the movie Forrest Gump was filmed and this is the church in the beginning where you watch the feather float down. It's also right next to the park where Forrest was sitting on the park bench waiting for the bus telling his story.


Along the river front (where the first cotton exchange building still sits) and the original cobblestone roads. The streets had lots of character, but were not much fun with a stroller! We're on one of the original iron bridges that they would use to stand over the carts of cotton to set the cotton prices for the world.

Here's a pic from the lower street level.

Emerson wasn't too impressed and decided to sleep. She spent most of our city exploring taking naps.


First stretching her legs in one of the squares.

The largest square, Forsyth Park, at 30 acres. Our one and only family shot in front of the fountain (notice Emerson is sleeping again!).

This was the warmest day, so we spent sometime in a square playing in the grass.

Emerson & Todd outside a Jewish synagogue (the oldest of it's kind, built in 1733).

Todd on the bench in the location of the original bench from Forrest Gump. The actual bench was moved to a local museum after the movie came out. Now, he just needs a box of chocolates!

Outside one of the squares that is a graveyard from the mid-1700's to mid-1800's. Many soldiers were buried here as well as victims of the Yellow Fever. We learned that Savannah is also considered the most haunted city in the U.S., but that didn't keep us away.

Playing in another square.

One day we drove up to Hilton Head to explore. It was not as "beachy" and touristy as I imagined it would be, but very wooded and more residential. However, we did find the lighthouse at the Sea Pines resort. There were also lots of what I'm assuming are retired people walking around -- I think Emerson was "introduced" to 3 or 4 people who wanted to know where they could get 2 fingers to suck on because Emerson made them look so good.

Emerson got a souvenir from a local toy store, Big Bunny. Big Bunny is not really that big, but there were two sizes we were considering -- one small and the other bigger.

Exploring more of the city on one of the cooler days. Em was wrapped up tight and cozy! She slept very well, until we passed a lady that was so excited to see a baby and very loudly proclaimed (imagine a loud and strong southern accent): "Oooohhh, look at the baby sleeping! OHHhhhhh, she ain't sleeping no more!" Gee, I wonder why?

Outside Paula Deen's restaurant (The Lady and Sons) where we had amazing fried chicken, corn bread, and mac & cheese.

While sitting outside at a cafe soaking up some sun, Em decided she wanted to hold her bottle and feed herself for the first time.

Snuggling on the bed with Daddy and playing with Big Bunny.

Oak tree lined drive to Wormsloe Plantation (we didn't actually go in because you had to walk it and this was a day that it was barely 40 with a very strong cold wind).

One of what I think was Emerson's favorite parts of our trip... In a kiddie play area at a mall. She loved the freedom to move all around, playing and climbing on things. Just before going in here, we discovered that Emerson's diaper had hit a holding point (really, I had neglected to keep track of the last time she was changed) and her clothes were wet. I also completely forgot to bring extra clothes with us, so luckily we were at a mall and could get her something to wear. The only problem was tyring to find something that would be warm enough and her size since most places were bringing out the spring . I thought this little dress was cute, but after putting it on Em, realized it looked like she was wearing a nightgown! Oh well, at least it was dry and she'll grow into it.


Outside the Pirate's House, which is now a restaurant, but use to be a real tavern for pirates in the mid-17oo's.

Em enjoying some time playing in her pack-n-play in our room.

At another mall, which did not have a kiddie play area and only had these little ride things to play in. It entertained Emerson for a little bit. Here she is in some sort of spaceship.

And finally, falling asleep at the end of a long day on the bed.

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AND... the big news.... Emerson started walking while in Savannah!!