This past week we were able to take advantage of some cool weather and see some local sites. We first took Addison down to Fredericksburg to the National Civil War Battlefield. Several thousand Northerners were killed when they tried to attack the Confederate Army who happened to be up a hill and behind a stone fence. The Fredericksburg National Cemetery contains the graves of over 15,000 United States soldiers. Most of them are Union soldiers who died in the battles and camps around Fredericksburg. About 100 soldiers are 20th century veterans including at least two spouses. Over 80% of the soldiers are unknown. We also visited Chatham which was taken over as a Union Post during the winter. It was were Walt Whitman and Clara Barton volunteered their services to help wounded soldiers.
Over the weekend we visited Theodore Roosevelt Island. One of Theodore Roosevelt’s greatest legacies was his dedication to conservation. Today, this island stands as a fitting memorial to the outdoors man, naturalist, and visionary who was our 26th President.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sorry it has taken so long for an update!! Nathan finished up his summer school the very end of July. He made it all but 2 days - a great accomplishment for him. Addison is doing well - her speech continues to improve. She is definitely testing the boundaries, but overall she is a good girl.
We took an unexpected trip to Oklahoma the first week of August to attend Brent's funeral (see post below). We were going to send Bob out by himself, but it cost more for one full price ticket than it did for all of us to drive out. Plus it gave the whole family a chance to see family and reunite with old friends. The ride out and back was VERY VERY VERY LOOOOOOOOONG - but the kids did pretty good. It is always nice to be able to see what different states look like.
It was great seeing Lori, Gavin, Landon and Brian. They were so great watching the kids for us when we were at the funeral. They both had a great time. Addison especially liked meeting Elena. Elena brought over dress up clothes and lots of dolls and was kind enough to share with Addison.
When Bob was at OU in ROTC there were 8 guys who were really tight. One of them being Brent. When they all heard the news that Brent had died, they were devastated and said that they weren't going to let anything prevent them from attending the funeral. The families came from all over the country...the first time the gang was all together in 14 years. They were older, grayer and their families had grown. It was amazing that time did not diminish their bond. It was bittersweet for them to be together - especially since one of the gang, Brent, was only there in spirit.
I had never attended a military funeral before (I hope it is years before I do again), it was one of the most moving experiences of my life. Of course it was incredibly sad to be burying a friend and father, but it was so moving to see the support of the community, family, friends and military. A group of Harley Riders volunteered to escort Brent from the airport to the funeral home and then again escorted Brent the day of the funeral. They also stood guard outside of the funeral home with US Flags through out the service.
As we were waiting to go into the service a group of older gentlemen approached the Funeral Director and told him "We are from the local American Legion Chapter and would like to show our support." All along the route from the funeral home to the graveside service people were pulled over standing outside their cars with their hands on their hearts. It made me incredibly proud to be an American and so thankful for all the military around the world who are serving our Country.
We took an unexpected trip to Oklahoma the first week of August to attend Brent's funeral (see post below). We were going to send Bob out by himself, but it cost more for one full price ticket than it did for all of us to drive out. Plus it gave the whole family a chance to see family and reunite with old friends. The ride out and back was VERY VERY VERY LOOOOOOOOONG - but the kids did pretty good. It is always nice to be able to see what different states look like.
It was great seeing Lori, Gavin, Landon and Brian. They were so great watching the kids for us when we were at the funeral. They both had a great time. Addison especially liked meeting Elena. Elena brought over dress up clothes and lots of dolls and was kind enough to share with Addison.
When Bob was at OU in ROTC there were 8 guys who were really tight. One of them being Brent. When they all heard the news that Brent had died, they were devastated and said that they weren't going to let anything prevent them from attending the funeral. The families came from all over the country...the first time the gang was all together in 14 years. They were older, grayer and their families had grown. It was amazing that time did not diminish their bond. It was bittersweet for them to be together - especially since one of the gang, Brent, was only there in spirit.
I had never attended a military funeral before (I hope it is years before I do again), it was one of the most moving experiences of my life. Of course it was incredibly sad to be burying a friend and father, but it was so moving to see the support of the community, family, friends and military. A group of Harley Riders volunteered to escort Brent from the airport to the funeral home and then again escorted Brent the day of the funeral. They also stood guard outside of the funeral home with US Flags through out the service.
As we were waiting to go into the service a group of older gentlemen approached the Funeral Director and told him "We are from the local American Legion Chapter and would like to show our support." All along the route from the funeral home to the graveside service people were pulled over standing outside their cars with their hands on their hearts. It made me incredibly proud to be an American and so thankful for all the military around the world who are serving our Country.
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