More Experiences

Last Monday night we drove to Berlin to watch the rocket Antares launch from Wallops.  It was a resupply mission to the International Space Station.  Due to time restraints we weren't able to get as close as we hoped, but it was still fun to watch! 

School Pictures are back!

Athan 3rd grade

Cora 11th grade

Gavin 7th grade

Obi 8th grade

Saturday morning we drove to the Front Royal Entrance Station at Shenandoah National Park.  We enjoyed the beautiful drive along Skyline Drive and hiked to Overall Run Falls.  We exited at Thornton Gap and stayed in Harrisonburg.  Sunday morning we entered at Swift Run Gap.  We hiked to the Bearfence Viewpoint.  Phil and the older three took the rock scramble back, while Athan and I stayed on the trail.  We also did the Stony Man Trail.  We exited in the afternoon at Thornton Gap and drove back to home.  We all really enjoyed the park, and the timing was great to enjoy the colors!  

The Appalachian Mountains are beautiful, and it was kind of neat to get a few steps in on the Appalachian Trail.   

Thanks for reading!  -Jessica

When the cat is away

Last Sunday we sampled the local pho restaurant, and then went to a pet store.  We walked out with a fish and a hamster.  I tried to talk Gavin into a hermit crab, but he just wouldn't go for it.  His heart was set on something furry.  So Gavin and Athan have a hamster that still remains nameless, and Cora has a betta fish.  

Saturday Obi turned the big 14!  He and Phil spent the day hanging around Ocean City.  Then 5 of us attended the Crab Feast at SCS.  Cora served at the event, for it was a fundraiser for the athletic department.  Cora and Gavin do not like crab.  So it was ok with Cora to serve at the event, and Gavin was thankful for the sweetcorn.

Obi will have to wait until we get back to Iowa to get his learner's permit.  The rules are a bit different out here.  

Sunday, yesterday, we were hoping to do some crabbing and watch the rocket launch.  The launch was delayed again, so hopefully tonight we'll get to see it.  We did however still get in some great crabbing.  We tried another new spot, and we had the best crabbing we've had so far.

We had 27 keepers for the afternoon.  We even had one that measured 7".  The crabs are measured from point to point on the top shell.  This time of year they have to be 5 1/4" to keep.  

Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, October 5th

Rain, rain, rain, and a whole lot of humidity.  That basically defines last week.  We are and were dry, but there was a lot of flash flooding in the area.  

Tuesday Gavin had an eye appointment.  He does need a light prescription.  We tried on lots of frames and found two that worked great for him. 

The flooding on Thursday and Friday made for some school delays and early outs, and interesting commutes.  By Saturday the area began to dry out, and Cora had fun at the homecoming dance. 

Sunday Phil and I were able to enjoy a NASCAR race in Dover complements of a contractor.  We had seats in one of the VIP suites.  

The restarts were definitely the most fun to watch.

Monday the kids didn't have school for a scheduled teacher work day, so the kids and I headed to Chincoteague.  It ended up being a nice day at the beach.  We did learn to stay where there is a breeze, otherwise you'd be attacked by the mighty mosquito force present.

 The wild horses at Chincoteague

Today Cora has another soccer game.  It's been a bit since that last one due to rain.  Athan has a dental appointment to check out a nice chip he put in a bottom tooth.  BOYS!!!

School life is going well for the kids.  Cora has been driving them to school since last week.  Having the extra car and driver is great for her soccer schedule.

Thanks for reading!

Jessica