November Farewells and Thanksgiving

November was a month of blessings and good-byes. Gary blessed us with our last family vacation in the Southeast. We ventured south to Florida and boarded a ship to the Bahamas. Here is a photo of Isaiah sliding down a 20 foot blowup slide on the Coco Cay Island. Josiah watches on. We spent 4 days on the ship eating, relaxing, eating, and playing. It was nice to have Thanksgiving together in such unique surroundings.

Joel and Isaac finished their Crown Knights Varsity Football season with a wonderful banquet. They made some great friends and had some Godly, sacrificial coaches who spoke truth into each of their lives. The season was about living "above the bar" on the football field and in life. Although the season ended 2 touchdowns too short to be called Champions, the boys will take away some treasured life lessons and go onto be Champions for Christ. Because of the teams classy play and attitudes on the football field, and their dedication to Godliness, the team was able to be a part of 20+ people coming to Christ during the after game huddles. We will miss all our Crown Knights friends.

Eastside Baptist Church has been a vital source of love and encouragement for our family. We will leave behind some awesome people who made our stay in Georgia so memorable and fulfilling. The boys are seen here with a group of their buddies at a Farewell to the Closes gathering. We could not have created a better group of peers for our boys. God is so awesome. Thank You Eastside Family.

Before our cruise we were able to explore Universal Orlando. We toured both parks and rode all the rides until we got sick. It was a lovely park with unique rides and brain banging roller coasters. The boys had a great time and Gary and I did our best to keep up. Roller Coasters get so much harder to ride the older you get. The boys got to top off the experience with a concert at the BLUE MAN GROUP. It was a unique and funny show with creative and ingenious musical flare.

This was our most memorable night in Georgia. Joel and Isaac played in the semi-finals to go to the Championship game. Grammy and Poppa were here to join in the thrill of victory. The defensive line held off the other team on the one yard line in the last seconds of the game to give the Knights the Victory. We stormed the field in jubilation. Such a treat to be a part of a once in a lifetime thrill.

As we wrap up our Georgia memories and pack our things for California we leave with full hearts. God directed all our steps on this adventure and we will be sad to leave it all behind. Had we said no to the adventure we would have never been able to experience so many wonderful things. The boys learned that change can be good and they are capable of making happiness wherever they go. It is an attitude of the heart. We are so proud of the boys for doing something hard and scary at first, and coming out with richer lives because they were willing to say, "Yes!". We thank God for the blessings of this adventure, His hand was with us every step of the way. God is Good, All the Time.

October Sky

Joel's friend, Leah Dee, came to visit this October and Joel was able to take her to King's Homecoming. They looked lovely and had a wonderful time. She used her week of vacation from Starbucks to spend it with us here in the South. We showed her all the highlights, QT, zip linin', Five Guys, Aquarium, CocaCola, Downtown, Chickfila, and the lovely weather. Her time her sure did fly by.

At the Georgia Aquarium Josiah, Gary and Isaiah got up close and personal with the penguins. They are so unique. We loved the beluga whales, the sea horses, the jellys, the manta rays and sharks. So wonderful to see God's creative touch.

Gary, Isaac, and Isaiah, along with the rest of us, including Leah, went north to South Carolina to ZIPLINE. We traversed 10 lines over the brilliant, orange, red, and golden leaves. A truly thrilling and beautiful treat.

Momma and Poppa, aka Sam and Dotty, also came to visit this month. They got to enjoy 3 weekends of FOOTBALL and LACROSSE. During the weeks in between, Momma helped do school with the boys and Poppa did some minor repairs around the house. But we all decided that having 10 acres is so much better for 8 people to spread out in. To get us out of the house we walked along the Chattahoochee River, climbed Kennesaw Mtn, went bowling, watched movies and walked the neighbor dogs. The weather went from scaling hot to tornado warnings and then freezing cold. I am sure they are ready to go back to California.

Isaiah and Josiah went to Discipleship Now at our church at Eastside. They enjoyed all the activities of riding a mechanical bull and jumping in bounce houses. They spent 2 nights with their Bible leaders who led them in Discipleship training and encouraged them in their walk with God. Afterwards, Isaiah told me, "Momma, I love our church, I am gonna miss it when we go home." It is a blessing to find God's love wherever you go. Thank you Eastside, Pastor Trey and all ya'all for making our boys feel so loved.

September SUN...and MORE SUN

Crown Knights Football is in full swing with the Knights 3-1. Joel is an amazing defender. He has a spectacular spin move that allows him to rush the quarterback endless times and cause fumbles and rushed plays. Isaac is a wall on offense. He and the rest of the linemen can hold back hundreds of pounds. Ike is now weighing in at 200 pounds and he is proud to say it is "all muscle".

This is Isaiah getting bashed around for his birthday. He turned 12 this month. We had a great day of celebrating by going to Whirley Ball (a form of basketball/scoop ball in bumber cars) and Lazer Tag. We had cake and ice cream and were joined by Isaiah's friend Tanner. We can't believe that next year we will have 4 teenage boys.

This is our Crown Knights rooting crew, back to front we have David Chauncey (our Pastor), Anna, Sarah Chauncey, Alan Smith, Lori Smith, Daniel, Donna, Steve Olson (Gary's friend from grade school) and Gary. Steve, Donna and Daniel live in Comer, Georgia and we were able to connect and catch up on the past 30 years. They are wonderful people who treated us to an amazing home cooked southern meal.

Lacrosse started again. Isaiah is here on the right in black and white. He flattened, legally, a kid at their first game. It is wild that a guy as small as Izzy can take out such big kids. He loves that game and really hustles. Josiah has started too and he is keeping up well with his team. He holds his own and mixes things up on the field.

For Labor Day we went to North Carolina and visited our friends the Weavers. They are such a great family. The boys, Zach and Eli, are so generous, helpful, kind and patient. It is a treat to see them grow into such wonderful young men. The girls are treasures. Sierra, Sky, and Summer will put a smile on your face instantly. It is so special to see my boys interact gently and compassionately with them. Even Ike was able to be nice. Having girls around helps them control their testosterone a bit. Greg and Marta are as active and amazing as ever. Marta is doing beautiful things with her jewelry business and Greg has a "ministry" at his new job working near the University of North Carolina.

We enjoy each day God brings. These are just the highlights and the rest of our time is filled with school, chores, church and friends. God has kept us in His care during this whole adventure. I couldn't ask for better neighbors, church, friends, and sports teams. What a treat to follow Jesus, even through the HOTTEST summer EVER on record in Atlanta.

August Rush

This August Gary got to venture down to Argentina. He broke away from our record breaking heat of Atlanta to enjoy some cool days in South America. His experience was enlightening in that Argentina is not as glamorous in the outlying regions as we thought. There seems to be much crime with locked restaurants and hotels that "buzz" you into each establishment. He did great using his Spanish to help the plant improve.

INPO had it's annual party at Stone Mountain. The boys did the SKY HIKE. They are all risk takers and try to make the course as challenging as possible. The food was good and spending the days with the Smiths was wonderful. The night ended with a very patriotic and inspirational laser and fireworks show on Stone Mountain Memorial lawn below the giant granite carving. It is amazing how many songs refer to Georgia. We will have so many fond memories triggered by music.

Football started....GO KNIGHTS! Sammie, got to do her life long dream of being on the Chain Gang. It is a challenging and stressful job. The vantage point of the game is great, but being a target for 500 pounds of young mass is very scary. Being the first down marker is a game of Dodge. Joel and Ike are doing awesome as starters on offense, Ike and defense, Joel. They practice in this incredible heat and never complain. We are so proud of them.

We went to a new air museum in Marietta. There were several old war planes that the boys were able to explore. It is amazing how far technology has brought us.

Josiah is currently creating a solar powered Ipod charger. He is so creative and patient. His tenacity to teach himself and try new things is inspiring.

These are some co-workers Gary met in Argentina. This is in Buenos Aires, the "Time Square" area.

Isaiah has had some active employment working for Mrs. Jenny, our neighbor. She has a diabetic cat and dog with thyroid issues. While Mrs. Jenny was away Isaiah had to medicate both animals. He got real good at giving the kitty shots. The kitty even purred after the shots. It is fun to see him do his passion. He loves animals.

JULY-HOT TIMES IN THE CITY

Ana Maria with Josiah, Sammie, Isaac, Isaiah, Gary and Bobito of course....Joel is in Amsterdam.

Joel's 18th Bday dinner

Harvard....maybe if I was smart enough I could get these photos to turn...sorry

Where EVERYBODY knows YOUR name.....

Joel, Peter, Gary, Isaiah, a bit of Josiah, and a Shy Ike on the Center Field Grass at the LOOKOUTS Stadium for 4th of July FIREWORKS!

This 4th of July we got to experience TWO great Fire Works shows. We joined our Sunday School class up in Kennesaw on July 3rd and enjoyed yummy snacks and a great display of pyrotechnics. We then spent 4th of July in Chattanooga, Tennessee with the Smith Family. We enjoyed a HOT AAA Baseball game at the Lookouts' stadium against the Carolina Mudcats. Chattanooga is such a gorgeous walking town, even in the heat. We sat out on the Center Field grass and enjoyed an up close and personal Fire Works show. You could feel the Fireworks in your chest.

For our 20th Anniversary, Gary and I went to Boston, Massachusetts. We enjoyed walking the Freedom Trail, all 5 miles of it. We learned more about those first American Dreamers who wanted a nation to call their own. Those folks were inspirational, opinionated, and tireless. We ate at the CHEERS Bar, had Boston Cream Pie where JFK proposed to Jackie, and saw the Blue Man Show. We were able to tour Harvard and MIT. Both universities are impressive in their own ways. I was more impressed with Harvard and the sense of community they try to instill in their undergraduates. MIT is definitely a TECHIE school and only for the HIGHLY resolved with "THE KNACK". While at Harvard, Gary got to visit with Fransisco, a friend from Spain, who teaches business to graduate students. He showed us a Harvard classroom with their state of the art lighting, voting panels, and acoustics. Now Gary and I can both say we "attended" Harvard.

Joel turned 18 years old the day before he left for Amsterdam. We had Peter Smith, Joel's good buddy, join our family dinner at a Steak House (Cherokee Cattle Co.) and everyone enjoyed Rib Eyes. There were no ribs nor eyes on their plates but all the boys seemed to enjoy it. I got chicken. Joel left for Amsterdam and returned with a higher resolve toward leadership. We were proud to send him off to experience a bigger world and serve others in the process.

Isaac went to Football Camp at West Georgia College with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and his Varsity team with Crown Athletics. He came home hoarse and sore. He did well in the competitions and tied for first in the OX PULL. It will be fun to see Ike and Joel on the grid iron this Fall.

Gary got to reunite with the sister of Antxon and Fransisco from Spain. She was here in Atlanta taking some courses for her job in Spain. We enjoyed a fancy Greek meal with Ana Maria and some other Spaniard ladies in Buckhead. It was fun to practice more Spanish and to catch up with old friends.

Josiah and Isaiah have enjoyed the lazy HOT days of summer here in the South. They swim most days at the community pool and have invented some new pool games. They have made some money caring for neighbor's yards and animals. Isaiah actually is caring for a diabetic cat, Smudgie, and has to administer shots. Isaiah is very good with animals. Smudgie actually purrs after Isaiah gives him his shot.

We start school August 2nd and before we know it, we will be moving back to the Central Coast. We count our blessings daily, giving God glory for all He has blessed us with. This Southern Adventure has been a true joy.

June Fun and Work

Aunt Barbara hosting a Birthay Celebration in Mexico

Sunset in Puerta Vallarta

Family at the Wedding

Most of June was spent in California. Joel flew out a week early and helped Grammy and Poppa work on home repairs. The rest of us followed soon after. Gary had to work at Diablo while we were there and the rest of us took on a home improvement projects. With the house empty we painted 5 rooms and 3 bathrooms. It was a HUGE endeavor considering none of know how to paint nor enjoy painting. The walls look clean now but it does not look professional. I am so grateful for all the help that everyone gave for my project. Leah, Savannah, Tyler H, Tyler E, Cody, Austin, Shane, and all our boys have their mark on our walls now. Thanks guys, you are the best!

Gary and I were able to get away for a few days to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. Gary's cousin, Charlie married Emma at a destination wedding. It was a wonderful family reunion to celebrate their marriage. The all inclusive hotel was beautiful and the the weather was HOT! Our favorite part was watching Mexico play in the World Cup with all the Mexicans. iVIVA MEXICO! Even though they lost, we painted our faces red, white, and green, blew horns, clapped clappers and cheered them on.

We realized how much fun family is and how blessed we are to share so many great memories together.

Gary and Isaac were also able to squeeze in a 24 hour turn around trip to El Dorado Hills to help Grammy Close clear out her barn for her move to San Jose. They brought home treasures and cleaned up for Grammy.

Poppa Sam and Momma helped work hard on making many needed home improvements. They are both worth their weight in Gold...Thanks for all your help.

So June is done and we have officially lived in Georgia for ONE YEAR! The time has flown and we have experienced more history, culture, and memories in the past 12 months then some do in a lifetime. It has been a true blessing and adventure. God has kept us in His care and given us more than we could ask for.

All Across America....well the East at least!

Independence Hall -sorry I forgot to turn it....

Signing the Constitution


Mt Vernon

Changing of the Guards

Maid of the Mist with O'Reilly and Closes

Well we were able to do a wonderful family bus tour. We left our Atlanta home and flew to Buffalo, New York to meet our family friends the O'Reillys, Kenny, Diana, and Jesse. We stayed in a hotel on the Canadian side and had a beautiful view of both the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. It was a wonderful time of touring the sights and catching up with some great friends from the Central Coast. We Journeyed Behind the Falls, sailed on Maid of the Mist, hiked right up UNDER Bridal Veil Falls at Cave of the Winds and got the snot spooked out of us at Fear Factory. The weather was great and the laughs were endless. It was sad to say goodbye again to such great friends.

We then flew to Washington, DC and were able to do an extra tour day. Back in January we requested a tour of the White House with our Representative and with much paper work we were allowed in to see such a magnificent home. It was an honor to see the rooms, walls, halls, pictures and furniture of the home of our Presidents. The only President not to reside in the White House was George Washington. Obama was not home.

Next we joined our tour with Trafalgar. We were the only family on the tour and our boys were the youngest passengers. But despite the age gap, we all got along very well and the boys interacted extremely well. The oldest lady was 90 years old, Elizabeth, and she was traveling alone. She was amazing. Ron, a football assistant from Anaheim befriended the boys. He was alot like my brother Michael, funny, great stories, and awesome with the boys. Henry, an 80 year old guitar player challenged Joel's faith by quizzing him on his knowledge of the Bible. Joel told him he was going to Amsterdam and Henry wanted to make sure he was prepared. Our tour guide was Judie, or we like to call her Aunt Helen. She was a spry, fit, active, energetic gal who kept us all on task and handled every obstacle with grace.

Our tour started in DC with a tour of the major monuments. The WW II, Vietnam wall, Korean, Washington, Lincoln were amazing. We went to Arlington Cemetery and saw the changing of the guards. That is an honorable and painful job. 365 days a year, 24 hours a day those soldiers honor the fallen. We toured the Library of Congress, saw the Declaration of Independence and Constitution in the National Archives, visited the only Leonardo Da Vinci painting in the states at the National Art Gallery and toured the Holocaust Museum. So much history and so much to learn. I pray we never make the same mistakes and we always use our history to guide our future.

We then went south and visited Mt Vernon. George Washington had a beautiful place on the Potomac River. We also got to see Jamestown and the first colony, Williamsburg, Richmond and Harper's Ferry the site of John Brown's raid. History seems to make more sense when you see it in real life.

We climbed the Blue Ridge Mountains and went to Monticello. Thomas Jefferson also had a fancy dwelling. He was very ingenious and loved to make and use his inventions. It was Josiah's favorite place to see because of all the unique and ingenious gadgets he had for telling time, charting weather, cooling, heating, and designing his home. From there we explored the Shenandoah Mountains. It was a gorgeous drive. Most of us saw some bear and of course deer. Josiah found a bug in his water glass at dinner. We were in the woods so it wasn't that bad.

We drove through Amish country in Lancaster, Penn. It was odd seeing people living so sterile and free from modern conveniences. Isaac was impressed with their propane lanterns and air compressed ceiling fans and sewing machine. Simple is not always easy but it can be done. We even met a young gal who was watching her four young boys ride their bikes and sell their homemade cookies and root beer in front of their daddy's wood working shop.

We finished up in Philadelphia and saw the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Betsy Ross' home. So much great history and heritage.

We were all so grateful that we could do this adventure, and because of our close proximity to all this history, Gary made it possible. What a blessing. We will pray for America with a bit more fervency. Appreciating our God's providence in our heritage is the best life lesson of all.

MAY DAYS!!!

Atlanta Hawkes in the Semi Finals!!! Gary, Tanner and Isaiah.

Gary, Isaiah, Maxime, Zac, Ike, Josiah and BOBITO at Sope Creek!

We have had another busy several weeks here in Georgia. It has been an exciting end to a schedule of some great athletic endeavors.

We had a surprise visit from our exchange student of 5 years ago. Maxime Royet from France was touring Washington, DC and New York City with his family. They got stranded because of the volcanic dust from Iceland that grounded airplanes. We connected on FaceBook and he was able to fly here to Georgia and wait out his extra week with us. We went hiking, creek walking, and to a Braves game. We also introduced him to QT, which he fell in love with, of course....

Isaiah and Josiah played on the BLACK HAWKS at the local YMCA in roller hockey. In their final playoff tournament they came out in force. Isaiah and Josiah were dominating on defense. In the semi-finals they were able to stay on top and win. That took them to the FINAL match. The game was hard fought and very close, but after two games and only one sub our boys pooped out. They were able to come away in 2nd place. Great Job guys!

Joel and Isaac played their last soccer match. We drove an hour south to meet up with another Christian school. After about 5 minutes into the game we realized that this team likes to play ugly. There was alot of grabbing, pushing, pants pulling....it was getting rough out there. The referee did not take control of the game and by the 15th minute our forward had enough and pushed off their aggressive defender. Well that was it....a FIGHT broke out with punching, hitting, swinging, head locks and parents on the field. A parent from the other team grabbed one of our players. Finally, the ref blew his whistle loud enough to stop the fighting and called the game. It was a bitter sweet ending to a great season.

Isaiah, his friend Tanner, Gary and I went to an Atlanta Hawks basketball game. It was the playoffs and a first time for all of us at a professional basketball game. We got great seats and ate and drank bottomless soda and popcorn. We yelled, screamed, waved our rally towels, shook our signs and beat our thunder sticks. Even though they lost at home, they still were able to win the series. We won't mention what happened with Orlando.

At the Soccer Awards night Joel was honored with MOST IMPROVED PLAYER! His season started by playing 3-5 minutes and quickly shifted to only sitting out 3-5 minutes. He went from a scoring machine on offense to a defensive wall in the backfield. His coaches were very impressed with his tenacity and strength and his never give up attitude. We are so proud of him. Isaac too was honored for being an awesome goal keeper.

Spring Football finished up. This season Joel, Isaac, and Josiah went out for Crown Football. Joel and Ike are both on Varsity this year and Josiah was playing for JV. Isaac and Joel play both ways on the line. It is amazing to see our "little" boys so HUGE in their gear taking down some big players. I never realized how strong they were. If they didn't make the car stink so bad on the drives home it would be perfect. :-)

Isaiah's Lacrosse season ended with a two day tournament over Mother's Day weekend. His little Greyhound team had a tough season. They lost more than they won and it was painful. BUT, those boys really came out at this tournament and DOMINATED. It was so cool to see them actually catch and throw. The defense really stepped it up and closed it down. They actually won both games on Saturday, and on Sunday they won again their first match! In the final game they lost momentum but really came out victorious. It was awesome to see Isaiah scoop up a loose ball and run through 5 guys to the goal and SHOOT and SCORE!! Yeah Isaiah!!

Gary and I continue trying to stay active to beat off this middle age weight that clings on. The YMCA, tennis, walks with Bobito all keep us busy.

Summer Heat is coming. The temperature is rising. We have our fans on full blast trying to move the air. Luckily we will be in California for a big part of the summer heat.

Until Then.....Love and Hugs!

Soccer Stars, Lacrosse King, Hockey Jocks and Easter Break

Isaac and Leah Dee's Birthday Party in California

Blooms in Georgia...

Easter in California with Chuck, Joel, Leah, Seth, Reward, Josiah, Rocko, Isaac, Bobito and Isaiah

Isaac #23, Joel #25...GO CROWN KNIGHTS!

Lacrosse Scrub WINNERS!!! Isaiah-Silver Medal, Mike-Gold Medal

Joel and Isaac have joined the Crown Knights Varsity Soccer Team. They are doing awesome! Ike has taken on the helm and guards the goal with heart and dedication. His "lightening fast" reflexes and "agility" make him an awesome goalie. Joel is one of the team leaders in goals. He has at least 3 header goals. His aggressive nature and tenaciousness make him a force to be reckoned with on the forward line.

Josiah and Isaiah are playing roller hockey together. Isaiah has volunteered several times to suit up as goalie. He is quick and strong at absorbing those flying pucks. Josiah is a great passer and sets up the team for some impressive goals.

Isaiah loves lacrosse. Slashing, scrubbing, checking and hitting are the name of the game. He came in second out of 15 boys at the King of the Hill Scrub. Only a boy a foot taller could beat him. I was one proud Momma to see my little guy win such a position.

He is Risen....He is Risen Indeed....

We were able to spend Easter Break in California with family and friends. It is always great to see family. Mom and Dad are doing great. They are enjoying the peace and quite of retirement. I am sure the whirlwind of our visits tires them out. But we love being together.

Grammy Close came to visit as well as Dave, Daphne, Jubilee, Angelina, Madeline, and the Davis family. Getting the Crazy Closes together is always exciting. A nice game of Cosmic Catch Keep Away turns into a brawl but it is all fun.

Catching up with friends is always a treasure. Not knowing what you have until it is gone is a good lesson to learn. We miss our California friends. Seeing the Eschenbachs, Dobbs, Dees, Hendersons, Lawerences, Schallens, CHUCK, and our Agape Family is so refreshing. Sharing history, memories, and life is such a treasure. Thanks guys for loving us...

So now we turn to Spring in Georgia. It is POLLEN FULL!!! Learning to protect our noses from invaders is a full time job. Each sneeze and drippy nose makes us appreciate a little less vegetation of the Central Coast.

Until next time....Love and Hugs!

FREEEEEZING!

SNOW ANGELS!!! Guess who?

SNOW Boarding in Georgia??

Backside of snow....

Happy 14th Birthday Josiah!!!

OK...so we are officially NOT snow people. We DISLIKE cold weather. It has been so abnormally cold here in Georgia that even the natives are getting restless. The month of February brought SNOW days and subfreezing temps. The boys said they would much rather play their sports in the hot humid weather then in this frozen arctic type climate. You just can't put enough clothes on or drink enough hot beverages. The only time my, Sammie, hands are not frozen are when I am asleep under a HOT electric blanket and down comforters. We play a family challenge game to see who can handle my cold hands on their backs the longest.....So far Gary is the winner. I think that is due to his natural "fur" coat.

Lacrosse, Roller Hockey, and Soccer started up so we are running every night of the week. That helps in keeping us on task with our school and chores. Isaiah finished up an awesome basketball season. He made the winning shot in a tied up game. Being one of the smallest guys on the team it was neat to watch him battle for the ball and make bigger boys fall to the ground. I guess it helps sometimes to have bigger brothers to "train" with.

Josiah turned 14 here in Georgia. We ate all his favorites and went to see Avatar 3D Imax. That was quite impressive even though the story line was a little lame.

So I will write more once my fingers thaw out....Love to All.

Sammie and the Guys

In Georgia with Savannah

Bowling FUN!

TYbee Island on the Atlantic Ocean

Sammie, a Son of Lady and Sons (Paula Deene) and Savannah

QT fans

Georgia on our minds.....

The two weeks we had Savannah we had lots of fun. We took her to church and she met some real sweet girls. They took her in right away and one girl even made her farewell cookies. Eastside Baptist is so special....She said she was going to miss it alot.

With Eastside came the Chaunceys...our neighbors and Pastor. Our 5 and their 5 spent hours playing pool, walking the mall, watching movies and playing games. Thanks Chauncey family for showing so much love to us.

We took a road trip to Savannah, Georgia. It is a beautiful little city. The town squares, the homes, the trees, the river are all so classic and Southern. We ate at Lady and Sons and Savannah and I even met one of the Sons. It was a very RICH Southern meal. We shopped till we dropped. Savannah took photos of EVERYTHING with Savannah on it, banks, septic services, trash cans, tshirts, etc.

We also drove over to Tybee Island and touched the cold Atlantic Ocean. We drew in the sand and jumped off dunes. We stopped in and explored Fort Puluski. It was a great fort with a moot and everything. We watched a musket firing demo that was really loud. It is always nice to throw in education when you can.

I, Sammie, got to sit on the same bench in the same square were Forrest Gump told his life story. I felt so complete.

Savannah discovered and fell in LOVE with QT....It is LIFE CHANGING....you have to know Andrew Chauncey to appreciate that....

We bowled the life out of some bowling pins. Savannah and Gary tied with Hi Score of 111. But Gary played with bumpers and Savannah DID NOT. heehee

She left with a smile....I am sure she is glad to be going home but I hope it means she had a good time here too.