How the Week Doth Fly!
Is it Friday already? Wow! I had no idea it had been a whole week since I posted. But, that shouldn’t surprise me with the “non-traditional” school week we’ve had. How many other families slept in on Tuesday and devoted the whole morning to watching Gettysburg? (And then spent three hours in the afternoon at the dentist for the twice-a-year marathon visit?)
Speaking of Gettysburg, our trip there on Wednesday was enjoyable. We started the day at the Wax Museum place, which was a partial success. Up until about a year ago, Rachel was terrified by dressed-up figures (team mascots, Cookie Monster in the parade…). The wax museum was a bit creepy for her, and she peeked out from behind someone else for most of it. But, I liked it!
Next, we went to the Visitor’s Center of the National Park. Did you know Gettysburg is a 6,000 acre National Park? I didn’t! Avaricewrex and his mom, Ruth, met us there, along with the rest of the AP class. As we didn’t know the other class members, Michael and avarice stood with signs. Those signs, in case you can’t read them, say “APUSH” and “Homeschool Dork.” (APUSH stands for Advanced Placement United States History.)
Then, it was off on the tour–seven minivans (four of which, strangely enough, were Toyota Siennas) with the Sellers/Greens in the rear. Guess who got stopped at every traffic light and lost? Uh-huh. We had a reputation, I’m sure. The tour guide gave us fascinating information, but not-so-interesting for the younger set. Here’s Michael fascinated by something…a wooly bear caterpillar (and there is no black at all on it!).
Another reason we had a reputation is that we always were the last to arrive at a spot (last in the line, remember), the last to leave the spot (I wanted pictures! The kids wanted to explore!), and the most demanding (Can we stop at the bathroom? Can I get a picture of the whole group?).
Despite all this, we had a great time and actually stood on the field where Pickett’s Charge happened. Here are Ruth and Libby reenacting it for us (with amazing Civil War weaponry).
And the view from the field. This would be what the Union saw as 15,000 Confederates marched toward them. (Of course, the people, cannon smoke, and dead bodies are missing from my shot.)
Here’s the family, tough soldiers all.
Here’s the whole crew at Little Round Top. If you look right behind them, that’s the field from Pickett’s Charge.
Gettysburg in the fall is just really pretty. Here’s the view from the Virginia Memorial, a side view of the Pickett’s Charge field.
One of the other great things about the trip was after the tour, we went back to the tour guide’s house (classmate of the Hunter) for supper and SQUARE DANCING! It was so much fun! Even Rachel danced. I could have danced all night… Well, maybe not, as I had a three hour drive home after a long day, but it was great fun.
On a totally different topic, Rachel read two verses of Proverbs to us in Bible time today. Reading isn’t easy for her, and she actually asked to read! Of course, it took a while to sound out the words, but she did it. It’s the first time I have the actual date for one of my children to read the Bible by themselves.
