Roadtrip

James and I took the entire week of Thanksgiving off of work.  We drove to Arkansas to visit my brother and their family for the holiday.

On the way, we took a few stops.  We spent the Monday morning in Fredericksburg with a preliminary court appointment.  Our next court date will be Feb 22 to try to get more time with the children.  While still in Virginia, we stopped at "Foamhedge".  Yes, it's a replica of Stonehedge, but made with foam, instead of stone!  

Another Wedding

Can you tell that Russ and Kaela met swing dancing?  They had swing dance lessons and a live swing band at their wedding reception.  I think Kaela was saying "so good!" as she was eating her rice krispie wedding cake.  It's so wonderful to be able to celebrate good friends getting married.

Mr. and Mrs. Loo

I'm so happy for Debbie and Tom.  We are so glad that we were able to be with them as they started their together family!  I've known both the bride and the groom for most of my time here in DC, and they both have been looking forward for this day for a long time!

Hurricane Sandy

Overall, the winds and flooding didn't seem to be that bad.  But, it was enough to blow our shed off it's foundation and remove the doors.  Plus our power was out for almost 20 hours. 

I must say I didn't mind the two days off of work.  I got some house cleaning and vacuuming in before the power went out. My husband even made me some hot chocolate in the morning.

My prayers go out to those who are experiencing real damage. 
I think it's time for a new shed!

Happy Halloween!

...from two scarecrows!  Apparently we weren't very good scarecrows, as we were unable to scare away the crows!   James decided to take off his hat while driving, so as to not to give the impression of giving people the bird while on the road.  He was also particularly careful with his cornbread, given the extra perils of baking when you are filled with straw.  It was a fun chili cook-off and trunk or treat with the ward!

Sunrise, Sunset

It's that time of the year that I get sun glare both going and coming from work.

Arrow of Light

Congratulations to Jonas on his Arrow of Light, and advancement to boy scouts!  The Cubmaster told us in advance that he wasn't big on ceremony, so James took a little time to make a presentation.  The boys had fun popping balloons, and James shared how it's important to internalize and remember the lessons learned in scouts!

Sandy Neck Lighthouse

One last lighthouse as we left Cape Cod to head home.  James was talking to a man at the Marina where we had stopped.  I think James seriously wants to be a fisherman now.  Maybe after his career as a economist!

Highlights from our fall getaway

Nantucket

I am so glad that James enjoys boats and the water so much!  

Monday we took a ferry to Nantucket for the day.  We saw the Point Gammon and Bishops and Clerks lighthouses on the way over.  Near the entrance to Nantucket harbor is the Brant Point Lighthouse, and the Old Brant Point lighthouse, along with the pair of range lights, which are now used to guide ships.  

 

This summer James read the book "Cheaper By the Dozen".  It was fun to go to a location mentioned in the book, and see the lighthouses and house referred to in the book as "The Shoe".  It reminds me of my parents when they were first married, and how my Dad wanted a dozen kids.

The Sankaty lighthouse was recently moved away from the eroding cliffs.  I loved the sign posted.

One of our highlights on Nantucket was a tour out to "Great Point".  I'm sure it won't surprise you that there is a lighthouse at the farthest point of the island.  It was very interesting to find out more about Nantucket... the wildlife, their rules restricting building new property, and the price that some of those summer homes are going for!  From the lighthouse we had a great view, and we enjoyed watching all the seals.

We had a little time to spend at the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum.  There are lots of shoals near the island, which can be quite hazardous for boats.  There were lots of brave souls who risked their lives to save others.  Nantucket also features a 1746 windmill and some pretty large pumpkins.  It was a great day, especially enjoying the sunset on the return trip.