Mile marker 935 ... Lexington/ Concord MA

Two patriot volunteers who led a group of people in an intriguing dialogue on why the American Revolution was such a pivotal piece in our history.
Sadly, there were many there who could not recall important parts of our history...
If a nation does not know what it stands on, how long will it take for it to fall?
It was a challenging moment for me as well as a few other of us that heard the conversation.

The kids probably don't know why in the world Mom and Dad would be interested in seeing this bridge - but one day, we'll make sure they do!
The Old North Bridge,
Concord, MA

"By the rude bridge that marks the flood,
Their flag to Aprils breeze unfurled,
Here the once embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shots heard round the world."

Home of the Lexington Minutemen
Lexington, MA

Sam, a boy who shared the significance of the Lexington Green behind him.

Minute Man Statue in Lexington, MA

Mile marker 902 ... Boston... July 4th

We arrived in Boston on the 4th of July! What a patriotic place and a patriotic day.

We celebrated with the Boston Pops and Richardson's Ice Cream...
our friends the Luchies in Michigan would be proud to know that their "mini" cup of deliciousness was a "Luchies" dip!
HUGE, YUMMY, and every single bite savored!

Bridges of many unique sizes and shapes

The Goerge Washington Bridge looking into Manhatten, NY.

At the foot of the "Old North Bridge"
where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired.

on the way to Boston - this one is in Hartford, Connecticut.

We can't even count how many bridges we crossed during our vacation -

on one day alone we crossed at least 10 that had to be paid for the most expensive one was $10 in NYC... the Verazano... we crossed on the bottom where we were reminded that no photo's were allowed - a good reminder of life's changes due to 9/11.
I think this one was my favorite.

1926 miles and counting...

Ellicottville, NY - our first stop on a long, fun trip to see many friends and family on the east coast...

on the road to Downsville NY - seeing the mountains always reminds me of the awesome power of God's creativity.

Mountain Laurel, Indian Pipe, and a friendly Newt found at a friends cabin (where they have to climb to a "certain spot" to get internet connection or phone service) - I love finding places like this in the US. While few and far between... it's refreshing to me (one who is NOT tied to the computer) to be "totally away"...

Olivia turns 7!

My girl knew exactly what she wanted for a b-day cake this year... a chocolate stacked chocolate frosted cake with orange polk-a-dots! She got exactly what she asked for! That's a LOT of cake.

Note to self - only 1 box of cake will still feed 5!

has been a little crazy around here... June recognized ...

The school year ended in a frenzy of lasts... we made efforts to celebrate and recognize completed milestones.

Olivia read her 50 books and got to take a trip to the Ice Cream Parlour in Jackson! We loved the celebrations of a hot fudge sundae so much that we treated the Mathew's in Jackson to some cream too!

Firehouse Field Trip

Today was the "last parent day" of Simeon's preschool adventure... we've had fun together this year...
but today was the most fun, because he interacted with other adults and asked great questions (even if I have a biased opinion!).
He wondered why there were lights on the trucks...
he answered questions about what he thought things might be for... correctly without mom prompting him!
He is a curious little guy one that is happy to explore his own world and see why things work the way they do!

I think he migt be ready for kindergarten - I hope kindergarten is ready for him!
It was a treat to enjoy the morning watching you love learning...
I love you my son.

Fireman Simeon -
I wonder if the world is ready for what you've been made for?
I wonder if I'm ready for what you've been made to do...
if I'm not, look out world, here comes Simeon!