Family
Fourth of July 2023
by Gil on Jul.17, 2023, under Family
As is our family custom we all gathered for the Fourth of July at the Chechessee Creek cottage. Jen, Mike, and Alexandra arrived first, so Alex could work as a counselor for Camp Spring Island. This is the first year that one of the grandchildren has not attended, e they are now young Adults. Chechessee Creek and Spring Island are very special for our family and there is always something beautiful that nature offers. A gorgeous sunset or sunrise, viewing the marsh, or July moon over Spring Island.
- July Moon
On the morning of the fourth, we started the day with a family photo shoot.
- 2023 Family Picture
The rest of the day unfolded as usual view the Spring Island Parade, which was bigger than ever and very imaginative, enjoy the bar-b-que, and entertainment, and do our individual things. After the bar-b-que dinner, we headed to the dock to produce this year’s fireworks display. The following are some images that capture the flavor.
The rest of the week was spent hanging out together, everyone doing their thing, including gym time at Spring Island, swimming, fishing, reading, and a lot of eating. It was another great family get-together at our special place.
- Caitlin and Kinsey
- Mr. Cool Brenn
- Watching the Parade
- Horses
- Golf Carts
- Floats
- Pool time
- Fireworks
Brenn Prado Graduates
by Gil on May.18, 2023, under Family
The Prado Family celebrates Brenn’s big day at the graduation from High School at Calvary Day Savannah.
- Proud Mom
- Proud Dad
- With Sisters
After lunch at Brenn’s favorite “Tuby’s Tankhouse” The family including the proud Grand Ma and Grand Pa gathered for the ceremony.
Brenn is off to Pfeiffer University in North Carolina in the fall. Brenn received a Lacrosse scholarship after starring at Calvary Day on defense, making all-conference, all-Savannah, and all-region, and being selected to play in the Regional All-Star game. Brenn was named MVP Defensive Player for his school in 2023. Pfeiffer University was ranked 30th in the nation in Lacrosse after winning their conference in 2023.
- Brenn Prado
Christmas 2021
by Gil on Jan.01, 2022, under Family
TheThe family converged on Hilton Head Island for Christmas on Thursday, December 23. After getting settled in it was time for some fun with the grand Children. The activity of choice was the Go Kart Racing in Bluffton at the K1 Racing Center. The racers checked in including Mike and Gary for three races, the drivers posed for the group picture then the racing started. Everyone had a great time competing to see who could run the fastest lap.
- Drivers
- Alexandra
- Brenn
- Kinsey
Back at our home, everyone hung out, and then Gary made a trip to the Smoke House and picked up Barbeque with all the fixings to top off a great day.
Christmas Eve, everyone did their thing then gathered to do a throwback activity of making gingerbread cookies and houses. A lot of fun and creativity, Alexandra won a special prize for her “Let’s go Brandon” roof. After Mom’s ham dinner we took some pictures of the grandchildren in the same poses as a past Christmas, they have grown up before our eyes.
- Brenn’s Ginger Bread Man
- Alexandra’s Ginger Bread House
- Caitlin’s Ginger Bread House
- The Creations
- Mom creates Dinner
- The Grand Kids
- Christmas Eve
Christmas morning dawned another beautiful day in Hilton Head, the gift exchange started promptly at 8:30 the time negotiated the evening before. Lots of fun, with everyone getting more than they needed. Brenn got his toolbox for his truck (he has no tools), Caitlin lots of horseback riding things, Kinsey sports clothes & a TV, Alexandra a new computer, and the adults, adult stuff. After the gift exchange a big Christmas morning breakfast, then the assemble and set up started.
- Before
- Gift Exchange
- Gift Exchange
- Gift Exchange
- After
- Brenns tool box
- Installation time
Football on TV then a feast of Roast Prime rib with everything you would expect including pumpkin pie.
- Christmas Dinner is served
We are blessed, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
- Christmas 2021
Fourth Of July 2021
by Gil on Jul.07, 2021, under Family
The pandemic is gone and the family tradition of gathering for the Fourth at the Chechessee Creek cottage continues. This year we were joined by Joyce’s nephew and family (Brett, Juliana, Briana, and Bruce Shugart). The Shugarts flew in from Las Vegas on Wednesday and the rest of the family converged from South Carolina. Florida and George. The Shugart children joined Kinsey and Caitlin Prado for Sports Camp on Spring Island and enjoyed the great weather. Gary Prado brought his latest boat over and Brenn arrived in his new set of wheels a very handsome Ford F‑150. The Shugart’s got the tour of Spring Island and Gary gave them a tour of the area by boat. We had lots to eat and gathered each evening leading up to Sunday’s Fourth of July celebration on Spring Island.
- The Shugart’s
- The Montgomery’s
- The Prado’s
- The Williamson’s
The festivities started with the traditional parade, led by a horse-drawn carriage, with walkers in costumes, decorated golf carts, floats, some classic cars, and lots of bikes ending with the singing of the National Anthem at the picnic area.
- The Parade Starts
- Bikes
- Goofy Costumes
- More Costumes
- Little Drummer Boy
- Lots of Golf Carts
- Floats as well
- More Bikes
- Old Glory over the Bar
The parade was followed by a spectacular cook-out, with tons of food and live music. There were fun and games for the kids, pool time, and something new an antique car show at the Tabby Ruins.
- Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Sausages
- All the Fixings and more
- Live Music
- Mom and her Girls
- Games
- Swimming
- Pool time
- Car Show
The evening of the Fourth Juliana treated the family to an authentic Mexican dinner including her famous homemade enchiladas. We took the obligatory group picture before the second feast of the day.
- The Group Photo
At sunset, we all proceeded to the Chechessee Dock for the traditional Fourth of July Fireworks. Gary Prado is Chief of Fireworks and this year he outdid himself. He was ably assisted by Mike and Brenn. Along the Chechessee river, there are riverfront homes (“the river people”), and each year there is a friendly competition to see who can put up the biggest display, and we all cheer as each year the display gets more elaborate. Our display lasted about an hour and capped off a great day on a perfect South Carolina evening.
- The River People Fireworks
- Over the Chechessee Dock
- BOOM
Gift Exchange with the Prado’s
by Gil on Jan.07, 2021, under Family
We met at the Chechessee Creek Club on January 2nd for a very nice lunch. The Prados had just returned from the Greenbriar Resort and they shared their fun experiences and their New Years’ celebration. We then went to our cottage for the belated gift exchange. We had lots of fun with Santa getting high marks for this Christmas.
- Brenn, Kinsey and Caitlin
- Kinsey and Caitlin
- Brenn, Heidi, Gary and Joyce
- Brenn’s new Driver
- Gary and Heidi
Holidays 2020
by Gil on Dec.30, 2020, under Family
What a year! The pandemic has changed a lot of things but we have tried to keep our family traditions and still be safe. We gathered for the Fourth of July as usual at Chechessee Creek, with most of the organized activities canceled, however, we had our own including a huge fireworks event on the river.
We all got tested and then gathered for Thanksgiving again at Chechessee. It was a great family Thanksgiving with the usual feasting and giving thanks.
- Masks
- No Masks
Joyce and I flew down to Fort Lauderdale for Christmas with Jennifer, Mike and, Alexandra on the day before Christmas Eve. We again had all gotten tested and transferred from our plane to Jennifer’s car without much contact with others. Jennifer had planned a great holiday weekend with lots of great food and being with family. The gift exchange on Christmas morning was lots of fun followed by brunch. Both Christmas Eve and Christmas day dinners were eating extravaganzas, with a traditional prime rib of beef the piece de la resistance. On boxing day we got to meet Josh Alexandra’s boyfriend, who joined us for dinner. Our Forty-Niners won their game so it was a great day capping a great Christmas holiday.
- Montgomery Christmas Tree
- Christmas Eve
- Gift Exchange
- Gift Exchange
- Jen, Alex and Joyce
- Jen, Alex and Mike
- Gil, Alex and Joyce
- Super Chefs
- Christmas Dinner
- Prime Rib
- Josh and Alexandra
Joyce and I flew back to Hilton Head on Sunday after a terrific family Christmas. This was the year that Hiedi’s family spent Christmas with Gary’s family. They then visited the Greenbrier for a family outing to return on the first. Joyce and I will celebrate the New Year and then plan to meet the Prado family for our Christmas gift exchange on the weekend after New Year’s Day. Stay tuned for more images to follow. Happy New Year to all our friends.
Christmas 2019
by Gil on Dec.29, 2019, under Family
Another great family Christmas, maybe the best ever. The grandchildren are maturing and everyone seems to just enjoy getting together and add Christmas traditions and its special. Jennifer, Mike, and Alexandra drove from Florida on the Saturday before Christmas and we met at the cottage at Chechessee Creek. It was relaxing, with some pre-Christmas things including decorating the Christmas tree. On Christmas eve Heidi, Gary, Brenn, Caitlin, and Kinsey came over from Savannah arriving in time for Christmas eve dinner. Plenty of food and cheer with anticipation for Christmas mornings gift exchange. Christmas morning dawned a beautiful day and everyone was up at the appointed 7:45 AM that had been negotiated the evening before. It was great fun with everyone enjoying the gift-giving and receiving. This was followed by a hearty brunch, then on to figuring out how to operate new things or starting new books, etc. There were trips to Spring Island, visits to the gym and relaxing.
- Christmas Eve
- Dawn in the Low Country
- The Christmas Tree
- Stockings emptied first
- The Distribution System
- Jennifer opening “The” gift
- Brenn’s turn
- Is there no end?
- Caitlin shows Brenn her “Favorite”
- Christmas Brunch “Yummy”
Christmas dinner preparation started right after brunch with the 15-pound prime rib going into the oven. Everyone did their thing until around 5:00 PM when the thermometer said the centerpiece was done and we gathered and final preparations were completed, including carving the roast. It was a great Christmas feast and after the blessing was said we indulged. After dinner, there was Apple and Mince pie and more Christmas fun.
- Gil and Joyce pose with the roast
- Gil carves the prime rib
- Christmas Dinner
The day after Christmas, there was some shopping by a few brave soles, Brenn and Gary went fishing, the gym got heavy good use, there were trips to Spring Island and some reading and relaxing. Brenn, Gary andMike sighted in Brenn’s new pellet gun behind the cottage, Mike, Alexandra, and Gil went to the shooting range and sharpened their pistol shooting eye. In the evening, Gary went out and brought the family barbeque from one of the favorite local restaurants and we again had more than enough to eat and drink. After dinner more family socializing. Friday the Montgomerys and Prado’s headed home. Joyce and Gil had a quiet dinner of leftover roast, fresh vegetables from the Spring Island farm, and the last of the mince pie. The tree came down and great memories were all that was left as we headed back to Hilton Head. What a great family holiday week!
- Barbecue thanks to Gary
- Family Socializing
Thanksgiving 2019
by Gil on Dec.03, 2019, under Family
Joyce and I flew to Fort Lauderdale Florida for Thanksgiving. A beautiful day and a perfect flight. By the time we had unloaded and put the cover on the airplane, Jennifer was there to pick us up and take us to Casa Montgomery a luxury resort in South West Ranches. We stopped for lunch and got settled and it was time for cocktails and a barbeque in Jennifer and Mikes’s newly redone outdoor kitchen.
- Outdoor Kitchen
- Casa Montgomery
Wednesday was a day of relaxing, some shopping, and early preparation for tomorrow’s feast. Weather was great so we enjoyed the day which finished with dinner outside on a perfect Florida evening. Thanksgiving day saw the serious meal preparation get started, some football viewing, more relaxing and a mid-day snack. Alexandra showed off her Christmas decorated room and we hung out until it was time. Jennifer cooked the turkey in their outdoor kitchen, and Mike did the carving. It was a great way to give thanks and enjoy our family over a great dinner. We enjoyed pumpkin pie, then Alexandra entertained on the piano. Really, a great family day.
- Mom helps
- Before
- After
- Midday snack
- A family traditional dish
- Ready for the feast
- Plenty to eat!
- Mike does the carving
- Preparing to give Thanks
- Alexandra’s room
- Hanging out with Alex
- Pumpkin pie
- Alex at the piano
Black Friday saw a little bit of shopping and Alexandra did some riding, but the main activity was enjoying family and relaxing. The cooks got the night off and we did Asian at a nearby restaurant.
- Alexandra riding
- Alexandra jumps
Saturday after breakfast we left Fort Lauderdale Executive airport on another perfect day for the two and a half hour flight back to Hilton Head. Another great flight and by twelve-thirty we were having lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant on the Island. Another great Thanksgiving with minimum stress and maximum family fun.
Patty, Suzy and Tina’s visit to the Low Country
by Gil on Nov.11, 2019, under Family
My three sisters from Oregon came to South Carolina at the end of October for a short visit. We did a lot of touring including Hilton Head Island, Savannah, the cottage at Chechessee Creek, Spring Island, Beaufort and Bluffton. The Prado family joined us while we were at the Chechessee Creek cottage and treated our visitors to a boat tour of the river and marshland surrounding Spring Island. We did a trolly tour of Savannah including a tour of the Mercer House famous from the book and movie, Midnight in the land of good and evil. They also toured Beaufort by carriage as well as dipping their toes in the Atlantic ocean ” I can’t believe the water is so warm”. We also did a lot of eating of local dishes and even saw a Manatee at the dock where we had lunch on Hilton Head Island. What follows are some pictures from the visit:
Hilton Head Island Touring
- Hilton Head Island
- Hilton Head Beach
- Lunch at the Boat House
- Manatee
Touring Savannah
- In front of the Mercer House
- Savannah River
- The Cotton Exchange
- The Three Sisters
Touring Beaufort
- Lunch in Beaufort
- Carriage Tour of Beaufort
Chechessee Creek, Spring Island
- Chechessee Dock
- On Gary’s Boat
- Spring Island with Heidi and Gary
- Lunch at Spring Island
Bluffton and Hilton Head Island
- Bluffton Oyster Company
- Bluffton Oyster Company
- Honey Horn Plantation
The weather was perfect and we caught up on family happenings and were re-introduced to the Low Country of South Carolina. We thoroughly enjoyed the company and vowed to get together soon and hopefully include more of the family.
Family trip to Africa 2019
by Gil on Jul.31, 2019, under Family
We departed our home airports on Sunday, July 14, met in Atlanta where we boarded our fifteen and half hour flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. We were met after clearing customs by the Abercrombie & Kent representative and escorted across the street to the Intercontinental Hotel where we would spend the night. The next morning after breakfast, we were escorted to our chartered flight to Botswana, with a stop to clear customs in Maun, then on to our destination, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp.
We arrived at the camp and were met by the staff singing a native welcome song. We dropped our bags in our room, had lunch on the deck, and we are off on our first game drive.
- Grand Children in Johannesburg
- Chartered King Air
- Chief’s Camp Greeting
- Impala
- Impala
- Giraffe
- Giraffe
Everyone was excited about our first drive and we saw lots of interesting animals, but there was anticipation to see some of the big cats and other big animals.
That evening we settled in and then were treated to a show put on by the local tribe members on the staff. Cocktails and dinner are excellent and we were off to a great start on our adventure.