Hay House on a Battlefield

The kiddos and I packed a picnic and headed for the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.  We got almost there and then...Viola got car sick.  Pull over, cleanup, and she said she felt fine so we continued on our adventure.  Off we go to the battlefield! First stop, gift shop for a new National Park Centennial t-shirt for Viola.

 After our picnic Viola played on the canons and Charlie decided to build a house of hay.

 We checked out the Brotherton's cabin.

 And Charlie kept building.

 Peter spent some time on my shoulders while I kicked hay into piles.

 And Charlie kept building (with a little bit of help from Viola.)

 This guy hauled a lot of hay!

 Peter clapped and cheered him on.

 Finished Hay house, complete with roof.

 And they baked some pie in the canon.  It was a good trip to the battlefield.

GrandMa came to Visit!!

Since Grandma (Brian's mom) lives in Florida it's much easier for her to come visit now.  All were glad to see her.

Everyone dressed in their "best" for church Sunday.  Just so you know those pants are not Charlie's actual best but he felt really good about them.

 After the rains we took a stroll through Rock City.

  We saw the seven states.

 Charlie found a slug.

 Viola bravely crossed the swinging bridge.

 Charlie felt the need to jump.

 Man made waterfalls and garden gnomes.  It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

 I tried for a "Rosie the riveter" look.  Also known as the very dirty hair.  Peter liked it.

 Come again soon GrandMa!

I'd like to be, under the sea.

 We finally made it to the aquarium and we were rewarded with getting to pet a "friendly" ray.

Surprisingly slimy.

 It was a nice day with the fishes.

We found feathers!

 On our hike through the woods this morning Charlie found some feathers.  He decided that we should make Native American headdresses (after the feathers were washed). And we watched a documentary about the Americas before Columbus.  Viola learned that "it was wild and free."  We also learned why native Americans wore feathers.  So educational!

 If you can believe it, these two little blond boys have some native American blood in them from Brian's side.

 Peter also worked on his standing up skills.  He's getting pretty good.

Goings on

 Peter has been enjoying lots of frozen blueberries.  They can sometimes be a bit messy so...

 ...He is also enjoying lots of baths in the kitchen sink.

 Family togetherness for Labor day with both of my brothers families.

 Viola has been talking about wanting her very own house.  I can't imagine why.

 Peter loves his cuddles.  But not his naps.

 Charlie drew "Outer Space".