The adjustment seems so natural...almost unnoticed

 

We are in the process of trying to figure out the most economical way to be able to maintain internet as this is the most difficult thing we have ran in to.  This was probably the thing that we thought about least because we figured that we would just go to a McDonalds or a library and get access.  The thing is that it is not always convenient to haul the family to a pace with it and also is not close (economical) to do so.  So, in other words, we hope to find a way to get more access soon and be able to plan our travel and update friends and family better. 

Since we left N.W. Tenn, we have seen God continue to work.  We continued to be amazed that He is allowing us to bless others during this journey.  He continues to put people in our path that He shows us a need for.  Sometimes prayer, kindness or a child's hug and smile.  Sometimes different kinds of help, but He continues to work. 

We ended up traveling and staying outside of Atlanta.  We got to see and spend time with Kelly's long time friend, Tina, and made a trip to Six Flags.  We also made it to the waterpark but needless to say that the night before, I had our first "camping accident" and long story short...ended up using alcohol, medical tape and super glue on my big toe; I couldn't get in the water.  Anyway, we spent a great deal of time with Tina and I had a realization...that I am now at an age where I honestly enjoyed watching my children get so much excitement at an amusement park.  I enjoyed it before but it was just different and the Lord showed me a whole new "level" of enjoyment with my family.  He also showed us a torrential downpour that we got to leave the park and swim to the truck...but it only made for a more memorable experience.  :)


It is so cool for the boys to be able to do things together now! 

Hangin' out in Looney Toons' Town

Riding the air tram and taking a break.

All of us riding in 1 tram.

We also had a chance to meet a number of people at the Navy campground that we were at and stayed directly across the street from the beach of a HUGE lake.  The first day while we were setting up it was raining pretty hard.  Everyone got wet so Mommy took the kids swimming!  Why not, they were already wet?!?!  Zachary also found a friend of another full-time family.  They did some fishing and hanging out.  We also had some other people that we met at the beach and had a blast hanging out with them for their time there and chatting. 

They were already wet...why not?!?!

We made it to another two Civil War battlefields.  We went to Chickamauga and Chatanooga along with Keenesaw.  Such amazing history of our country unlike we have ever known.  It is so amazing to be able to go to multiple sites and piece the story together.  Being where this all happened is so real.  To walk the same paths, see the same fields and some trees that were alive then is mind-blowing.  The kids were very proud as they were awarded a Jr Civil War Historian Ranger patch for visiting at least 3 Civil War sites and doing the work.   

Checking out the artifacts at Chickamauga and Chatanooga.

Picturing the battle, hearing the noises, and pausing...

Working very diligently!

We left the Navy campground and moved to the other side of the Lake.  We spent more time on the beach, did some fishing and met a few more folks.  The kids always seem to find families that love to be "invaded"!  We also ended up with a zoo in our "yard".  The kids got to see a doe, two squirrels, male and female cardinals, and chipmunks eating some seeds...all at the same time!  IT was amazing to se the enjoyment and amazement in Kamryn's face to be that close to Creation and just relax to enjoy it.  Made a trip out of the campground that day and got locked out.  Needless to say, we ended up carrying sleeping kiddos and walking a bit to our home.  Just a part of the story!

A smile that brightens so many days

 

 

 

 

 

 



Daddy just relaxing!



 

 

 

 

 

Left Atlanta and headed to Charleston, SC.  Stayed at a great campground and met another young family who are the campground hosts.  We were invited in the first night, hung out with them and got to know them.  The dad has major back pain and is staying in the area to get treatment.  I am sitting typing this under their awning because I couldn't get Wi-Fi from our site.  Really great folks.  Zachary is spending allot of time with their son and is finding that they really enjoy each other's company. 

 

They ride bikes allot and stay out a bit late walking the campground, drawing, and talking.  Met another 2 unrelated families and the kids invaded their spaces.  They, like most others, really had good things to say about the testimony that we are living out as a family.  One of them just started full-timing themselves and gained some insight on what they want to do after chatting with us and hearing about some of the ways that we are being/going to be involved and serve.  The others just let Kamryn borrow their laps and listen to stories that the kids had to tell. 

 

Doing some school work. 

Lounging during school?!?!?!  Yup!

Math on my bed!

 

Charleston  has been very interesting.  We visited Ft Sumter, the place where the Civil War started (and yes, the kids earned another Jr Ranger badge!).  That was an amazing trip.  WE also visited a beach that Kelly used to go to when she was young.  Saw numerous historical buildings, churches, and homes that Gen Lee and presidents have stayed.  There is so much beauty and so much history here from the Revolution and the Civil War.  Kelly was also here as a kid, so she is enjoying reminiscing and seeing a few friends.  We also had the pleasure of meeting someone from Charleston at the market.  She showed the kids how to make grass baskets as they have been made for generations.  That visit lasted about 45 minutes and the kids left letting her know that they will be praying for her.  We also later met some neighbors from Washington state.  After talking with them, we fond out that they knew Victoria, BC well and we traded some stories.

Taking a family picture where Kelly was with her family as a child.   

 Kelly used to swing from this branch as a kid. 

 Almost to Ft Sumter

 Entering Ft Sumter...and an unforgettable history lesson. 

 Learning from the Ranger.

 Talking with the Ranger and touching artillery shells that were shot into the interior walls of Ft Sumter.

 One of the flags flown at Ft Sumter

 mommy doing a history lesson.

Replica of the flags flown at Ft Sumter.  The real one is in the case behind Caleb. 

 Promising to protect and continue to learn about our history. 

Yup...another badge and history learned!



 We had a realization  a few nights ago.   In the last 7 weeks, we have been in 2 countries, touched 2 different oceans, crossed 12 states, crossed the Continental Divide, crossed 4 time zones, saw the starting and ending place of the Civil War, walked the trails of wars and pioneer trails, been in almost every type of weather known to man, and the list goes on.  Not only that, but we have met so many people and continue to pray for them, and share a story with them that only God could create.