The Confederates are coming!!!

While in Illinois this last week, Wendy and I had the totally most epic opportunity to see a civil war re-enactment in Stockton, Illinois. I have seen many people over the years post about such events and was totally excited for the chance to see one for myself... And boy was it a treat.  I will give you the play by play of the Battle at Moorseville.

 Here you see the HQ of General Ulysses S. Grant. He is enjoying a nice cup of coffee warmed on a fire thinking war tactics when all of a sudden...

His best scout Private Wendy A. Felix spots a group of Confederate scouts. They are not here to talk about the weather and Wendy quickly alerts the Union riders to meet them. 

                                      

And meet them they do. Before the Confederates can ask about the local cafe down the trail, the Union riders fire on them to say " About face and beat it you southern yokels!" 

 The Union quickly arranges artillery as they know more Confederates are more than likely on the move. 

 And just like unwanted slugs, the Confederate battalion comes skulking along, preparing to send those Yankees to the dirt. 

 But what is this? The Confederates didn't know they were attacking an entire regiment manned by none other that Gen. Ulysses S. Grant himself! 

Grant confers with his counsel and they give the order to "Fire at will!!!" 

 And they lay it on thick. It is one group of Confederate gunman against an entire artillery division. Do they really think they can win? 

 With the Confederates badly outnumbered and outgunned they have no choice but to retreat.

As the battle ends and the Union salutes their fallen comrades. All are indebted to this brave Union scout Private Felix who alerted the men "The Confederates are coming!!!" 

Backpacking, Part Three

So I mentioned the crawdads last post, but didn't mention how they found their end...Well, Ben and Brian had a little meal of them. We boiled them up, cracked them apart, similar to a crab. And they were a meal. Because this was a very hot summer (no campfires allowed) we distracted ourselves in other ways.

Fun trip! I was surprised how well Norah did! And very happy about the weather. And NO mosquitoes. I hope we can go again next year. Although I have a feeling it will be a bit harder when Norah is bigger and can wander all over by crawling. We will see!!

Day Two of Backpacking Extravaganza!

We woke up to a sunny, delightful day, spent half the day at our lake, then hiked about 2.5 miles to another lake that afternoon. Norah was ready for a new adventure. 

And, she even napped in the middle of the day in the tent! WOW!

Time for a swim! The other three boys were in the water when Ben decided to make a graceful entry!

Norah and I hung out on the shore and enjoyed the heat and some good laughs.

Back at camp! Ready for bedtime. She was pretty tuckered out after a long day.

Scout was lucky to get to go with us. He was a good dog. 

So, the fishing wasn't very good. But the crawdads were all over! So the boys decided to catch them instead. And they worked together and caught a ton!

Using a little jerky on a hook and fishing line they lured them out from the shadows and put them in a bag, then transferred to a bucket that happened to be at the lake. Some pretty large guys found their demise that day.

Backpacking with Norah

A few weeks ago we went on a backpacking trip. Norah's first! It went well, it was actually fun. We had it planned to go with three nephews, we wanted all of them to go but Isaac didn't want to join us on this trip. 

Sunday afternoon, off we went. Two hour drive, three mile hike into the lake we wanted. 

Brian and Norah, by the lake.

Jeremiah, fishing for crawdads.

Morning time shinanigans

Our stove wasn't working as well as it should, so it took a long time to cook breakfast. Jiffy mix pancakes. Delicious!!

Norah's nap location. I can't believe she stayed in this little crib. Two nights and even a long nap in the middle of the day!

We had some fun on Monday! The boys and Brian made a great log raft. the guys took it out and about!

Next post, I'll put more pictures of our day and second night. 

Outside Changes

Brian had an idea to move the shed in our backyard. I quickly dismissed the idea. It sounded way to difficult. But, check it out below! It happened! Brian and my dad made it happen! How awesome is that???

This is the location it was in first. Really, not a convenient place. 

On the right side of the yard is where it is going!

My dad came over and put a big chain around it and pulled it. Not quite that easy, but over the course of a few hours, it happened. And now it looks awesome! We also got 30 tons of top soil for the yard. To even it out and make it more level. 

Much more work to come. Grass, pond, tree and stone pathway...But the large machinery work is finished!

A View of Mt. Adams

Finally! We woke up Tuesday morning to another very crisp, but clear morning! The sun was out! Norah woke up at 6AM, so we decided to walk the mile around the lake. 

A family picture at one point near the lake. 

As the day progressed, it warmed quite up! We went down to the shore of the lake, our own personal beach, nice and sandy, clear water, and a great view of the mountain. Calvin and Norah both explored in their own ways. Calvin was much more daring and ready to get dirty than Norah. 

He got right in the water, It took Norah a while to get her fingers wet.

Brian and I took the kayaks out for a quick spin. Pretty fun!

Here she is! A little wet and dirty!

She even went in the kayak. She didn't care much for the life vest that was snug on her. 

In a few years she will enjoy it much more I'm sure!

Right before we stripped them and cleaned them up a bit. Calvin, Wedley and Norah! 

Overall, it was a good trip. I hope one we can participate in every year. 

Camping Day Two

Norah, Brian and I survived our first night in a tent together. It was pretty cold too! But we bundled Norah up and she slept in the pack-n-play

Monday we woke up and decided to find a hike to do. 

Calvin and Sarah

Wedley, Brian and Norah.

We chose a 5 mile hike and Gabe did pretty good! He was carried some, walked some and rode his little bike also. 

We got back to camp and it had warmed up just a little. Pulled out the crib for the babies to play in for awhile. 

We had to distract them a little bit, they got bored playing with each other after awhile. 

Sarah and Dan went for a quick kayak across the lake and back while the babies were playing. 

Below: a good dose of smores. YUM!

The mountain finally made an appearance. Kind of. So we had to pose for a pictures!