Gettysburg

 We just got back from a visit to New York to see our friends Kaitlin, Aaron and Ethan.  We left Friday and planned on driving as far as we could that night then drive the rest of the way Saturday.  One our way we realized we drove right through Gettysburg.  I've always wanted to go to Gettysburg and Colin was super excited when we mentioned it to him. 

 We called my dad and asked what we could do in Gettysburg for two hours and of course Dad said two hours was not enough time.  We agreed but it was fun to spend a few hours getting a feel for the battle.  We timed it well because the next day the big reenactment took place so I think people were either coming the next day or staying away from the crowds. It was pretty empty when we were there.  One day I'd love to go back during the reenactment.  Dad and James went several years as reenactors and Colin wants Grandpa to be his own personal tour guide. 

 Dad suggested the visitor center but when we got there Colin said if he just had a few hours he would rather be out on the field and seeing where everything took place. So we bought the auto cd and drove around listening to the narration and got out a different points. 

 Colin and I really wanted to see Little Round Top and to be honest it was a lot smaller than I thought.  Also the entire battle took place on a smaller area than I thought.  Its hard to tell from the map and movie but its really not that big of an area for that many people to have died. 

 Standing where Picketts charge started.  

 

 Colin - "Its amazing that so many men died right where we are standing"

 

 Joel -  "I would've just hidden here until it was all over"

 They really liked playing in Devils Den

 Devils Den is really not that far from Little Round Top

  Joel said it was like God was shinning down on the battlefield.

It was a really fun stop and not long enough.  Now we want to watch the movie again that we have been there in person.

Busch Gardens

 Last week we talked Ant Ant into skipping work and meeting us at Busch Gardens for the day.

 We found out Norah does not do well on the Tea Cups. 

Neither does her mother!  Colin talked Norah and I into riding Da Vinci  Cradle with him and Norah and I were both very glad when that ride was over.  Norah is a daredevil and up for any ride but shes finding some of them are not as fun as she hoped. 

 

  Norah was upset they didn't put chocolate syrup on her huge ice cream cone.

 Joel stood there for about 20 minutes.

  

We went on Roman Rapids and the kids loved it and went back by themselves.  I had forgotten how wet you get.  We got completely soaked and I looked like I peed my pants the rest of the day. The kids were entertained by that.  They were wearing bathing suits - at least I had thought ahead for them. 

I think Ant Ant needed another day off work after walking all over Busch with us! But it was fun having her come with us!

I pulled into the garage and the kids were passed out