Fort Christmas

I finally was able to get some pictures to post- I think the issues arise when I try to post from the laptop when it's in the back of the house, away from the router.
Fort Christmas is close enough to us that we decided to go with scouts to their Militia Encampment weekend where soldiers shoot muskets, are dressed in period clothing, shoot muskets, have an active cam, shoot muskets, and talk about the fort and the Seminole Wars as well as what it was like to live in "God forsaken Florida" during that time- did I mention that they shoot muskets?
It's a really fun place to visit, not only is there historical interest, there is also a nice playground, pavilion and picnic area. In addition to the fort there are cracker houses that have been moved from various parts of the state that show the progression of architectural technology- the latest house there being quite simple still, but with more rooms and an upstairs.

Here's a great picture of the musket demonstration- check out the flashes!

The camp was small but interesting


A happy tiger.

My dad and Sully.

And I'll leave you with a picture the outhouse, which was of great interest... there are corncobs in there!!! One tiger announced quite loudly (thank goodness, not my tiger) EXACTLY what those are used for.

Fort Christmas, as always, one of our favorite haunts.

And we just watched it!

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Each year, you really get into the spirit of Christmas. Which is much more important to you than nifty presents.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

There's No Place Like Home

This is the first weekend in a long line of weekends that we have absolutely NOTHING to do outside of the house. And, wow, what a needed break! It seems we've been running here and there and while everything we've been up to has been a lot of fun, we really needed to slow down, stay home and breathe. The boys played outside, inside, then outside again. Kevin finished several pending projects - the kitchen sink isn't leaking anymore- Thanks honey!!! We took the boys to the park on Sunday where we rode bikes and played for a while. I've been catching up on laundry, filing some papers for school, and getting some things back in order around here. It doesn't sound really exciting, and I suppose it isn't really but the dailiness of it has left me very relaxed.

I've also been trying to post pictures of last weekend's field trip but for some reason, they don't want to load. I'll try again tomorrow.

Encore

Well, it's taken me much longer than I'd anticipated to get photos up of the boys' show last weekend. But here they are in all their glory. Sully did such a terrific job- he LOVES audience reaction! Nathan was very cute and knew all the songs, but looked as if he would fall asleep standing up during the first performance- it WAS kind of late for him.
The pictures are all a little blurry but you can still see the kids.

Nathan's part was very colorful and bright.

Sully's part was a bit darker and you should have heard his evil laugh.

We were fortunate to have Granddad, my dad, here for the weekend. He got to enjoy the boys in the play and also attend a scout field trip to Fort Christmas... but that's another post.

Thanksgiving Eve Tradition

For as long as we've been cooking Thanksgiving dinners ourselves, to have at our own homes, I have been spending the day before Thanksgiving with my best friend... on the phone... cooking, talking, sharing. Our tradition even continued last year when I did some of the cooking at my mom's house. I didn't realize how much I rely on that camaraderie during such a busy time until she called today. It's funny to find what seemingly insignificant traditions make it feel like Thanksgiving. We share stories, recipes, cooking tips and a lot of laughter during the whole year but it wouldn't (and didn't) feel like Thanksgiving until I'd talked to her. We haven't lived close in almost a decade but she's still lends an ear whenever I'm in need of one, laughs with me when I'm happy and picks me up when I'm down. She's been around since I was 3... and that's a LONG time. Everyone needs a friend like that. Kelly, I'm thankful for you!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy the little things that make us truly blessed.

Weekend Plans

We've started the busy weekend with a visit from Granddad, a dress rehearsal for the boys' play and a fire in the fire place. It's 58 degrees, and around here, we have to take full advantage of even slightly cold weather. Tomorrow we'll be heading out before noon for a field trip with scouts only to come home and rest up for the show. The boys will be performing tomorrow and Sunday.
Sully's feeling a little stage fright already. He needn't worry though, the ladies in charge told me tonight that he's not only memorized all his lines but he's actually up there acting. After his last show, with the small part that he hammed up perfectly, I think he's really found his stage presence. I suppose I shouldn't go on too much before the show, don't want to put my foot in my mouth. I suppose also that even if he just stands up there and does nothing, I'll think he's great... moms are like that!

So ye be a pirate, do ye?

I must be avoiding housework!
Too bad I missed talk like a pirate day.

Your Pirate Name Is...

Mad Jenny of the High Seas

What's Your Pirate Name?

Nice Visit and Veterans Day

We had a really nice visit with Grandma Kate, but I neglected to take even one picture! I was planning to get a quick shot, Sunday morning before or after church and completely forgot. So you'll just have to imagine our smiling faces.

I did, however, get a shot of Sully at his first choral performance.
Look at his handsome face.


So cute, I'll have to show it twice...

They did two songs at a massing of the colors for Veterans Day. I have never been to a flag ceremony with so many flags...

Stage Right,

Stage Left,

And Center Stage,

The day could not have been more perfect for an outdoor ceremony. Sometimes you've just gotta love Florida in November!

3,2,1.....

Blastoff!

This picture doesn't do it justice, but this is one of the really fun things about living where we do. Sometimes we can even feel the rumble.

Scouting for Food

This weekend was the second part of a huge annual food drive. We dropped empty bags on doors last week and picked them up, filled, this morning. This being Nathan's first official year as a scout, he had his OWN territory with the boys in his den. Exciting stuff! We didn't drive down to the drop off point, where they count and sort all the food, but we have seen that before. We were in a hurry to get home because... Grandma Kate is here!!! She got in last night and will stay through tomorrow. We are all enjoying her being here.

Wiley Coyote... Super Genius

Funny, how'd they know??!!??

'Cause I'm a Winner

I won a book from Lindsey over at Enjoy the Journey, a blog I really enjoy. Her review of one of my favorite books, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, as well as her homeschool post lead me to believe she's a kindred spirit and I'm sure I'll love the book. Check it out on her Lindsey goes green series. Thanks Lindsey!

Field Trip Today

...and wouldn't you know I forgot my camera!
We went down to the beach with our homeschool group for a talk on sea turtles. The boys really enjoyed it, as did I. We learned about three different species of turtles that are found in our area. It was a beautiful day, sunny and cool. After the talk, with plenty of hands on, we played several games. My favorite was when the kids got to throw shrimp (golf balls) and turtles (larger balls) into a shrimp net with a turtle extruder to see how the nets are designed to trap dinner without killing the turtles. The boys seemed to like them all.
After the games, we walked the beach with treasure bags to collect shells, sea beans and such and trash bags for, what else, trash. The kids had to fill the trash bags in order to keep their treasure bags. They filled them and then some! I was really surprised to see so much trash on the beach. The dunes were even worse but we, unfortunately, couldn't get to that trash because it would compromise the plants. We even found some sea turtle egg shells- the turtles, long gone. Those had to stay where they were, as it is illegal to have anything of a sea turtle. We did get to touch them and then put them back on the sand. It would have been a perfect day for a picnic on the beach but we didn't bring lunch, so we'll have to plan to do that soon.
We left with many treasures from the sea and pleasant memories of the day.

Bobcat

He was so excited and we are so proud!

Boo!

Superman and some old lady.

The glow of Jack-o-lanterns.

Loads of candy and a whole bunch of fun!!! Hope everyone had a good Trick-or-treat.