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.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
In Memory
Earlier this week we found out that a very good friend of Bob's, Brent Williams, was aboard an Air Force B-52 that crashed off the coast of Guam. It was later confirmed that Brent and five other Airmen lost their lives in the crash. http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/07/airforce_b52_writethru_072308w/
Brent was 37 years old, a single father who leaves behind two children ages 10 & 13. Bob met Brent in college, where both were going through OU's ROTC program. They quickly became great friends. When we were married Bob asked Brent to stand beside him as his best man.
There is something about friends that you grew up with....you could go months or years without seeing each other but then when you do get together it is like you were never apart. I believe Bob and Brent had that type of friendship. The experiences they shared helped shape the men they would become.
Brent will certainly be missed by many.
Please keep Brent's families and the other five Airmen who died in your thoughts and prayers.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Happy (late) 4th of July
We had a nice 4th of July. We took Addison down to the Potomoc to watch DC's fireworks. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best. The rain held off for the fireworks, but since the clouds were so low we couldn't see the fireworks all that great. Addison seemed to enjoy the first couple of minutes, then she was happy with running around. Here are some pics.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Ohio
Last weekend my mom flew out from CA to OH to see Kera (my sister). Addison and I drove out to see them both. We got to meet Adam - aka the "baby daddy." Adam is very nice and he and Kera are both excited about the baby. They find out next week what the baby's sex is. We had a nice visit with the both of them. Even though there are no pics of us, my mom and I were both there. Somehow we never end up in the pics....maybe because we are always taking the pics.
Addison wasn't smiling like this after being in the car for eight hours....of course neither was I.
Child of the Corn. There is a field of stone corns in the middle of Dublin, OH. I am nut sure what the purpose is, but it was a cute place to take a pic of Addie.
Ohio Amish Country.
Addison hamming it up!
Addison wasn't smiling like this after being in the car for eight hours....of course neither was I.
Child of the Corn. There is a field of stone corns in the middle of Dublin, OH. I am nut sure what the purpose is, but it was a cute place to take a pic of Addie.
Ohio Amish Country.
Addison hamming it up!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Paris
Bob got the opportunity to travel to Paris last week with a US Air Force Delegation. It was a quick trip, but he enjoyed his time in France. He got to see some of the "famous" sites.
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