Happy Thanksgiving

Spent the morning at church with a few of the kids and someone snapped this picture for me.  Just a few of the wonderful people I am thankful to have in my life. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Old Fort Niagara

On Friday we took a trip to Old Fort Niagara.  It was a wee bit cold and windy but the kids were troopers and enjoyed the day. We learned about the history of the fort and the kids were given a bit of instruction in the life of the soldiers who would have occupied this fort.  They learned about the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the musket, why rifles were not used in combat, why battles were fought how they were at the time and now to properly hold and fire a musket.  I do believe the portion of the day that was spent with the muskets and learning from the French soldier will be the most remembered portion of the trip.

We also learned of the connection between Fort Niagara and The Star-Spangled Banner, although I'm pretty sure the kids have already forgotten.  Like I said, the muskets were the big rage.

We would have stayed a bit longer to explore after our tour but it was getting rather cold and a few kids were complaining about not being able to feel their fingers or something.  So we headed off to drop in on my grandparents for a bit instead.  Nothing like brownies, candy and soda to warm the kids back up.

I'd love to head back to the Fort in slightly warmer weather or perhaps when they are holding one of their reenactments and take Alan with us.  I have a feeling he'd enjoy it.

A Few More Vacation Pictures

Just a few more vacation pictures. Did I mention that Alan and the older kids spent the afternoon at the beach and saw a group of dolphins hunting fish?  Amazing sight I've been told.

 This is how we pack for the trip apparently.

We discovered that we only have 2 suitcases.  Obviously one day we'll have to fix that.  We do have a few large green duffle bags and I've learned to pack in plastic totes because they are easy to stack in the van and carry so we're good as long as we don't ever have to fly somewhere.

 The view from the front row.  Yes, we turned Robert around for the trip thinking he'd want to watch movies but apparently he gets car sick facing forward, wasn't interested in the movies on the way down and the DVD player wouldn't work on the way back home.  He'll be turned back around for the rest of the winter to get us through the icy road season and keep him safer.  And, um, I think we've almost outgrown the van. Hard to imagine.

Kids with personality.  Everyone had fun spending time with their cousins.  It would be nice to be able to get the kids together a bit more often especially since they seem to have so much in common.

The Real Reason for the Vacation

Ok, the real reason for the trip to Florida was to wish Grandpa Herb a Happy 90th Birthday.  We really miss being close enough to see Grandpa every week and being able to have the kids get to know one of their grandparents so well.  He's been the only grandparent they have who was just able to drop in at soccer games and such.  I know the kids loved being so close to him and Alan really enjoyed having a chance to get to know him as an adult.  I know we enjoyed spending the time with him so I sincerely hope he enjoyed having the chance to catch up and see everyone.

LEGOLand Pictures

Just a few pictures from LEGOLand.  As I said, we all enjoyed the visit.  I wish we'd had a bit more time to spend there but the traffic was awful that day.  There is enough to keep both little and big kids occupied but if you have both age groups with you, you'll have to split up to hit everything.  We're used to doing that so not a big deal for us.  I learned that Abby is a bit of a dare devil and Liam is not quite as adventurous as his younger sisters.  But there is no way in heck he will admit that in front of his little sisters.  I think in the future the girls will be going to bigger rides with Bryan while Liam and Sean hand out at the slightly more tame ones.  I guess several of the folks who joined us for the group trip are hoping to put together another field trip soon.  With the rates being so low right now, it makes perfect sense.

Ellie's first ride. She was not impressed.

Belated Halloween Pictures

I actually succumbed to the begging and pleading and drove the kids to a friend's house to go trick or treating this year.  Liam said it was the best night ever.  Keep in mind these kids have not been trick or treating since we moved here so I don't think Liam could remember ever doing this before.  Amazing how excited they get over these things.  Just one small gripe.  Don't put your religious tracts in with the candy you give the kids.  Hand it to the parents if you want to share with us but don't give it directly to the young children.  I appreciate that you feel it is your duty to save young children's souls but you'll get much farther with most folks if you are up front about what you are trying to do.

And, yes, that is a real uniform Bryan is wearing. Not his Dad's but it belonged to a friend of mine.  Kind of shocking to see how big he is getting.