Family day at Magnolia Plantation

One day last week while on Christmas vacation with the family, we decided to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. I knew they had a petting zoo there the kids would enjoy and Mom also wanted to check out the tram that carries passengers around the expansive grounds (it's a 45-minute ride!). It turned out to be a beautiful day and a fun time was had by all!

Magnolia Plantation, still dressed up for the holidays:


Thomas was not afraid to feed the animals...


And he petted the deer with no fear...


And walked right up to a very, big pig...


His cousin Katherine was his partner in feeding the animals...


The deer were friendly...


Sometimes really friendly, as this stranger found out...


Thomas' cousin Eliza looked on with glee...


After a quick lunch, we headed for the tram. Thomas thought his was great! We were the last to board, so we got the last pick of the seats, but it turned out to be the best for us. Thomas could not have been happier to have a bird's eye view of the driver and his vehicle...

(And Beth, I'm sorry to post a photo of you without your usual smile, but it was all I had!)

We drove all around the grounds of the plantation viewing all the different wildlife and other beautiful sights. There were many birds and ducks, and alligators, too!


Parker, safely in the arms of Nannie, decided the location and the tram ride were perfect for a nap. He was completely zonked out for at least 20 minutes.


I wasn't sure how the kids would do with the 45-minute tram ride, but they all seemed to enjoy it very much. The entire visit to the plantation was perfect. Thanks Nannie for the fun outing!

And speaking of plantations, the day after Christmas, everyone (but me, Parker, Dad & Trey) went to Stony Landing (Santee Canal State Park) for a quick outing. They came back with some cute pictures, and here is one I snagged from Andrew:

I hear Thomas didn't want to sit still for this picture. Such a surprise! :)