Zarina's Nineteenth

Zarina recently turned nineteen. The candles set the room aglow!

 

The Chat Pack for Kids is a fun conversation starter at supper time!

The Chat Pack

Your Host: Samuel Thompson

Let's get on with the party!

Happy Birthday, Zarina!

Yummy.

Fun.

Too Old to Trick or Treat?

The end of October was incredibly beautiful.

Samuel was pleased to go trick or treating as Captain America.

He ditched the outfit quickly after scoring the candy!

Some of the older kids stayed home.

Sophie rocked the Silver Stripes.

So did Grace (aka the Snowflake Faerie)

Sir Jacob Thompson

Each year the Oak Knoll Middle School recognizes children of exemplary character.

They are made "knights" at a ceremony where people say very nice things about them.

Congratulations to Jacob Thompson for being selected for knighthood.

Give Me History, or Give Me Death!

Joshua's history project took us to a very nice site maintained by the National Park Service.

The Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield at Rural Plains

Important battles took place here during the Overland Campaign and much of the fighting

occurred near the Shelton House, the childhood home of Sarah Shelton, who married 

some guy named Patrick Henry on the main floor of this house in 1754.

As we walked through the trail, history came alive and we could see troops massing.

Then we saw a farmer with a very modern pice of equipment,

then we saw these

and the moment was almost lost.

Then we regained our composure and crossed the creek toward sites where soldiers were dug in.

Pretty cool.

A Window into History that also Builds a Future

Joshua had a really cool project for school.

Go out and visit historical sites near you.

We visited Pole Green Church.

It has significance from the Revolutionary War era.

Read all about the Anglican Church and the Great Awakening.

It burned down during the Civil War.

They built the framework back.

It is simply beautiful.

When we visited we noticed a large tent for a group event had been set up.

I commented to Joshua that people sometimes get married here.

The leaves were just starting to change and we thought the

place would be gorgeous in a week or two.

A week or two later Jason Mraz (local boy and pop superstar) posted this photo.

Looks like we were right! Picture perfect wedding!

Rejuvenation in Deerfield Valley

Ever wondered how these girls have such radiant skin?

Samuel flees for his life!

Happy to get his Grace back.

I am not sure who took this photo, where it is, or how it ended up on my phone,

but I like it!

Jackson and Lynsey enjoy a nice view of the Shenandoah Mountain range.

Grace poses with her imaginary friend (an invisible goat). Don't ask.

Apparently it will eat invisible food straight from her hand!

Uh... What has happened here?