battleship, wilmywood, and a mushroom

Our first stop on Saturday was the Battleship North Carolina. As a WWII battleship she participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater and became the most decorated US battleship of the war with 15 battle stars.

Nick and Christopher with a sailor.

Christopher with one of the big guns.

American flag over the bow.

Christopher and Nicholas climbing up to the turrets.

After we explored the main deck of the ship we ventured below into the lower levels.

Sailors ready for lunch in the mess hall.

Ben wanted his picture taken and Lexie joined in for the fun.

Checking out the engine room.

All the boys.

Making sure the vent supply is working well.

We need these for our house!!

The kids did really well going up and down the steep and narrow staircases.

Lexie's new "cheese" face!

Christopher wanted a picture with his baby sister- she wasn't that into it.

Back on deck and checking out the big guns!

After our visit at the Battleship North Carolina, we headed back across the Cape Fear River to historic downtown Wilmington. We had a bit of time to kill before our Hollywood Location Walk so we took some pictures on the Riverwalk. Wilmington, AKA Wilmywood, boasts the largest studio east of California and is still growing. Over 400 films and TV shows have been recorded in the Wilmington area.

Nick and Christopher (with the Battleship North Carolina in the background)

And now, for the Hollywood location quiz. Highlight under the picture (and between the .... ...) for the answers! :)

Does this building look familiar?

Imagine water in the fountain.

...Fulton County Courthouse from Matlock...

...Hot dog stand from Dawon's Creek...

...Leery's Fresh Fish (from Dawson's Creek)...

...The "Ask Me To Stay" wall (from Dawson's Creek)...

...Hell's Kitchen (from Dawson's Creek)...

...The Clothes over Bros (and Karen's Cafe, originally) storefront from One Tree Hill...

While we didn't see any "big" stars wandering around Wilmington, we did walk past Stephen Colletti (from One Tree Hill and Laguna Beach) on Front Street.

After we finished our tour everyone was ready for dinner. We were very excited to see a Mellow Mushroom earlier in the day so we headed there for some pizza!

Nick being silly with his crust!

Ben thought it was hilarious to put the pepper shaker on his cup. :)

On Sunday we did some shopping at the Mayfaire Towne Center- a great outdoor mall- before making the drive back to Fort Bragg.