Just A Lil History

What a view.
The Eternal Flame for JFK
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

We had a big day on Thursday touring Gettysburg and Antietam . I was not really interested in this before going but found the history fascinating . Eric has successfully passed down his love of history to our eldest. I have to say it was sad to be there you could almost see and feel the soldiers of both sides who believed in their cause so much they were willing to die for it. I really have a whole new understanding of and about the civil war.

On Friday morning we went on into Washington DC to Arlington Cementery . The tomb of the unknown soldier was very emotional watching the changing of the guards was so interesting, the crowd was fascinated as you could hear a pin drop. The memorial for the Kennedys was next , I didn't realize Jackie lost a baby girl in April and her husband in November the same year. The kids really enjoyed touring the Arlington House and seeing how life was for the Lee Family. Did you know Robert E. Lee and George Washington were related but only through Martha Washington? just a lil history for you. After this it was on to the airport to meet the Roberts.

GT Cruiser

gabe and the GT Cruiser

1st race 2nd race

Go Gabe go!

Friday night was the big Rain Gutter Regatta for Gabe's cub scouts. If you don't know what that is you build a boat and race it down the rain gutter, by blowing wind to the sail . It is very exciting . This year Gabe wanted a blue and yellow boat so he and Eric built the GT Cruiser (Gabriel Thomas) .He won the first round as you can see in the video but sadly got out in the second round. He was ok with it and is already planning for next year. We all came out to cheer him on the girls were very supportive of their big brother. Thanks Apppa and Poppa for coming out too and for the help with naming the boat. We are so gonna get them next year! Gabe we are so proud of you !

Fun Fest

and they are off!!
groovin' to vgroove

singin with the band Mia and her mimi


mols class

gabes class
go mollie!
go mia!

So Thursday was Tiger Fun Fest at the kids school . They had a blast all day long. They had the walk a thon and then got to play games , jump in the inflatable, listen to an author read and dance to some live music . I was there working the refreshment stand all day , I did get to breakaway and take some pics . We are so blessed to be able to send our kids to such a great school . Can't wait til next year!

Growin Up so Fast

So Mia got her first official haircut on Tuesday. she was so excited and didn't want me to touch it for fear I would mess it up. The lady took almost 2 inches off the back. I can't believe how much she has grown and continues to grow and become more "grown up" . Oh and when you ask her what color her hair is she says Golden. Thought you might want to see her new do.

Memories

Ok D after much deliberation here are my top ten things that arouse a memory in no particular order.
1. The smell of any fresh baked bread reminds me of Pop and Pop's bread.

2. Freshly opened box of crayons ( 2nd grade Mrs. Binkley)

3. U2's Beautiful Day ( Eric and I watching one of our fav movies together)

4. Fresh baked chocolate cookies (making them with Brandy every weekend 5thgrade)

5. Johnson baby shampoo ( each one of my precious babies)

6. Campfire ( roasting marshmellows and eating smores)

7. Laying on the backcar seat ( playing "tonya" with Dee)

8. having movie nite with the kids and our friends watching Disney movies

9. Riley's coffee cakes ( enough said)

10. eating at a bw3's ( meeting Eric and falling in love)

Back to the Grind

This is right across the street from our house.

So as you know we were out of power all week last week due to the high winds.

We survived the long week of no school ( but barely ) It was fun the first couple of days but then got kindof old. We had alot of branches down in our yard but no damage. We played outside alot and made several trips to the library and the playground. We spent the night at Appa and Poppas a couple of nights so that helped alot. We are back at it again with school and scouts and soccer. I am working alot this week and E is getting some QT with the kidos. Here are some random pics from last week. Hope everyone has a great week.

One Last Hoorah!!!

We had a nice Labor day weekend. we hung out on Saturday. Sunday we spent the day at the pool and used the diving board like a hundred times. Early Monday we went to the lake all 5 Hoaglands plus Appa and Poppa . We all got to go tubing ( yep even me ) Gabe and Mollie learned how to dive. ( thanks to Appa and Daddy) Mia learned that jumping of the rocks is very cool. It was a nice stress free weekend a perfect end to the summer. So glad we were able to make some great memories that we will always cherish. Now back to the grind of another week.

Mia and Poppa getting ready to tube.

Gabe and Mollie excited to be tubing ( but still a lil nervous)


My girls

Gabe is preparing to take a dive...still preparing...still