Antietam National Battlefield

One thing we were able to squeeze in was a trip to Antietam National Battlefield.  Autumn had wanted to go for sometime so we finally went.  It was one of those overcast humid days but we were all game.

It had been awhile since I was last there.  The last time I was there was with Granddad, Grandmom and Aunt Marie (G-mom's sister).  Growing up Granddad always made a point to visit the Civil War battlefields if there was one near by.  I can't even remember all the ones I have been too.

When we entered the building we were, or should I say the kids, given the opportunity to do the junior ranger program.  Autumn didn't want to, but Logan was all in.

Boy was he ready to tackle the project.  

Here they both are at Dunker Church.

We scaled the tower in record time.  Don't ask why we sprinted to the top.  Our legs felt like rubber the rest of the day.  The views are just awesome up here and I can only imagine it on a nice crisp day.

When looking at this view of Sunken Road, you can't help but think of all the husbands, brothers and sons that were lost during that infamous battle on September 17, 1862.  After three hours of battle, which neither side won an advantage, 5,500 soldiers had lost their lives and this road then became known as Bloody Lane.

We walked on down to Burnside Bridge with our jelly legs in rain.  Here we are watching a group of tubers going down the creek.

This is one of the most photographed bridges of the Civil War.  It played a key roll in the Battle of Antietam.

Once we finally drug ourselves back up the hill, the kids said they wanted to go to the National Cemetery.  It was raining but they still wanted to go.  

It was hard reading a lot of the tombstones as time and the elements have left them unreadable.  

Here Autumn is looking out over the battlefield.

We headed on back to the Visitors Center to turn in Logan's Booklet.

Here he was being presented with his Junior Ranger badge and he had to take the oath and got a certificate.  

The kids said they had a fun day and it was fun showing them history in person and teaching them a little bit in the process.  It's amazing and sad how many people don't even know how to say Antietam let alone what happened here or where it even is.  I can only thank Granddad for taking me to all the places he did and my desire to do the same for my kids.  Even though I wouldn't admit it then, I learned a lot.

Flew By

The summer just flew by and everything that I wanted to get done or go do seems to still be on the list of things to do.  With my nose constantly stuck in a book before I knew it the kids were back in school and I was asking where the summer went.  I can say that I passed that dreaded Statistics class.  How? It was very close and with a couple bombs I was determined I needed to pass.

One of the things that is always on my summer list, is to be able to spend time with Granddad.  The kids love it and when you mention it they get all excited.  It was short and last minute but I was still determined to go.  Autumn wanted to go to the aquarium and Logan wanted to go on Great-granddad's boat.  Ok, we can accomplish both in one visit.

We arrived close to lunch time and since G-dad needed to take Gretchen to physical therapy later we opted to go on the boat then.  

He loves to steer and keep track of the water depth.

Here he is looking at the buoy's and learning which way to go.

Can you tell she's thrilled?  She was hot and hungry and the life vest was irritating her.

After we ate lunch at the mall and did some shopping at Trader Joe's it was time to go play golf. 

I remember having a birthday party here.  Not much has really changed.  This was their first time playing.  We had to chase a few balls but they had fun.  Boy was it hot!

After we got back G-dad said he needed to take the dogs for a walk so off we went.

We headed on down Willys Drive to the beach.  They were more than happy to play in the water.  We also got attacked by mosquitoes.

Then it was time for dinner.  Hmmmm!  Where should we go?  Why not Chick and Ruths Delly in Annapolis?  First time I ever ate in here was with Kelly.

They were both playing a coin game with Gretchen.  I must say the service absolutely sucked!  It took an hour for us to get our food.  We didn't get anything fancy.  Heck I got a salad.  

Granddad and Gretchen headed on home after dinner but we decided to walk around and get some ice cream.

We sat and watched the boats while they ate their ice cream.

Every time we are down here, I get the same picture.  

Of course we had to sit and watch the boats at Ego Alley and listen to the live music.  

We were able to cram a lot into a one day trip but it was definitely too short.  I'm already trying to decide when we can go back next to spend a little more time.