A Heart Toward Home

"...But as for me and my house, we will serve (worship) the LORD."
Joshua 24:15

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Day 4 of Our School Trip

Day four of our trip we packed up camp and left for Fredricksburg, VA. This was the most difficult to find battlefield. All the battlefields we have ever visited are usually well marked and in huge fields. This one was in the middle of town and right on the side of the road. It had the smallest parking lot which was not convenient for our 12 passenger van and camper. We did get to see a short film on the Battle of Fredricksburg and took a walking tour (led by a ranger) of the grounds. That was the shortest distance walking tour! To be honest this ended up being a very educational stop, but in all the craziness of trying to find it and then parking we totally didn't get any pictures. :( I didn't realize that until I went to blog about this day of our trip. 

We didn't make camping reservations ahead of time because we didn't really know where we would end up each day. Each morning or afternoon we would figure out a good idea about where we would be that evening and pick out a camp ground, then I would call and make reservations. On day four we stayed at Pohick Bay Regional Park. This too was hard to find...It was a day of hard to find places. This would be the first place we stayed two nights in a row at. Our camping spot was close to the playground and this place had a waterpark! We arrived that evening at our camp site, set up camp, and headed over to Pirates Cove Water Park. Because we were camping there we could get in the park at a discounted price. We stayed at the water park for a couple of hours and enjoyed every minute of our family time! Bryan and I rode the big slides with the kids and watching them have so much fun is priceless!!
Here is the only picture we took on Day 4. This young man turned 15 while we were on our trip (more about that later). We are in our final stages of straightening, preparing, and sharpening this arrow before he is launched out into the World. We are so blessed to have been chosen as his parents and pray that he will glorify God every day of his life!

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Day 3 of Our School Trip

On Day 3 we started our day off by attending worship services at Thomas Road Baptist Church. This is the church that started Liberty University. 
Then we went back to our campsite, ate lunch, and loaded up to head to our next destination. We went to Petersburg that afternoon. When we arrived we were able to see a cannon fired and learn about the cannon and its ammunition. Then we went inside to see the Museum and watch a short film about the Battle of Petersburg.
That night we spent the night at Kings Dominion camp ground. It was the nicest campground we would be at on our trip. They had a pool and the kids were able to enjoy swimming that evening when we arrived and got camp set up.
These three and Sarah LOVE to swim and be in the pool. Isaac likes the pool but not as much as the other kids. 

Monday, August 29, 2016

Day 2 of Our School Trip

 On Day 2 we made our way to Appomattox, VA. 
We were able to go inside a few of the homes and buildings there. They were set up to resemble what it may have looked like during the Civil War.
On the steps of the Appomattox Courthouse, This crew is ready for some learning! 
McLean Home where the Civil War ended as a peace treaty was signed and surrender was given.
The table that Robert E Lee set at while signing the surrender.
The table Ulysses S. Grant sat at as he drew up the terms of surrender.
There was so much to see and the adventure had just begun!
On our second night we camped at a family campground. This would be our least favorite camping spot on our whole trip. This camp ground did have a pool and the kids were able to swim a bit.

Saturday, August 27, 2016

A 12 Day Trip Up the East (Day 1)

Bryan and I have been planning a school trip up the East. We wanted the kids to see some Civil War sights and Washington DC. We left on August 12 and drove 5 1/2 hours to Kingsport Tennessee. We spent our first night at Warrior Paths State Park. This was a real nice Campground and we would stay here again. Our first Civil War sight would be Appomattox, VA and our first stop was about halfway. My parents were able to come and stay at our house and take care of our animals while we were away. 
 Our camp site was next to the playground. The kids really liked that.
I love these blessings! They were ready for an adventure!!
The Camp Store sign
One of our first stops to eat was Zaxbys. Some friends of ours gave us a gift card for the trip to eat there.
One of Isaac's favorite places to eat! Actually we all enjoy eating there...a favorite of the family!