Texas History

I spent last week chaperoning fifteen seventh graders on our school's Texas History trip. Do I have a child in the seventh grade class? No. Do I teach texas History? No. Was I compensated to go on this trip? No. Why in the heck did I go? Good question! Just for the record: Fisherman is in the eighth grade and Sweet Pea is in sixth. The students in our school have the opportunity to go on overnight trips in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Parents of students in that class are not allowed on the trip, so my thinking was that I would pay forward someone having to chaperone my own children on these trips, by chaperoning theirs. And, I do teach preschool at the school, sub quite a bit and I therefore appear to be "available" a lot, so I was asked. I really did have a fun time. I am tired, but I learned a lot and had the opportunity to see what my own children will experience. It was fun!

I won't bore you with a dissertation on Texas History, although I would love to. I am a bit of a history buff and find it fascinating. Yes, I do realize that most people do not share my enthusiasm. However, you might enjoy the pictures. We toured the Alamo (site of the famous battle between General Santa Anna and the entire Mexican Army against two hundred brave souls defending Texas freedom. The Texans lost but ultimately won freedom at the battle of San Jacinto). We also toured two other missions in San Antonio. These churches are still active parishes and were built in the 1700's.

The Alamo and my charges

We then traveled to Austin and went to the capital building, state cemetery and museums. Our state senator, Wendy Davis, took time out of her schedule to meet with us on the capital steps. Thank you Ms. Davis!

We also packed in some swimming in record cold temps, time at Main Event and lots of junk food. Whoohoo! Oh to be a teen again!

Top of the rotunda of the Texas State Capital Building

 

I had to thrown in one last pic. The eighth grade travelled to Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi to tour the Civil War historic sites there. This is Fisherman's class. Don't they look like a handsome bunch on this veranda? Fisherman is standing, second from left.

I feel so blessed that my children are in a school with these opportunities. Thank you for letting me share!

Happy Monday!

Krissy

History Lesson

It is hard to believe that this peaceful, beautiful place was the scene of a bloody battle.

One of the many monuments.

Sport was lost in his own world - I wonder if the park needs volunteer children for their reenactments? I know of one!

My boys were fascinated with the huge assortment of large firearms.

I love this soldier with a fancy camera and hot pink wind shorts!

USS Cairo - Ironclad ship

This is my dad with Mr. P and Fisherman - the boys were amazed by the immense

size of the ship.

Last week, we made our annual journey to Florida. This is the ninth year that we have made this trip with my parents and my brother and sister-in-law. We all look forward to the white sand, blue-green ocean and precious time together as a family. This year, however, we decided to make the journey there part of the fun and stopped in Vicksburg, Mississippi

for a history lesson.

Vicksburg was the site of a crucial battle in the civil war, as the town was one of the last to fall to the Union. Vicksburg sits on the mighty Mississippi River and the Union's victory there opened-up the river to the Union and cut-off the South's lifeline. The town suffered greatly in the siege and the townspeople took shelter in caves. The battlefield is huge and surrounded the town. The entire scene really captured the imagination of the mini-pearls. The close proximity of the two sides, the hilly terrain and historical reenactments made this a day they won't soon forget. In this day of computers and robots, I easily forget that my forefathers fought with their hands and true grit. I can't imagine having to see the enemy face-to-face. The minis got to hear about life on the battle front and even got to taste some hardtack. That is the flour and water mixture given to the soldiers for food. Sport deemed it "not too bad". He was ready to take-up arms and was lost in his imagination.

Another highlight of the battlefield is the USS Cairo. This was an Ironclad ship that was sunk in the war that has been raised and restored. The ship and it's contents were preserved in the Mississippi mud and now serve as a snapshot into life during the 1860's. It was truly amazing. I highly recommend the tour if you are ever around Vicksburg. Next year, we are thinking about stopping in Natchez. My take away - make the journey part of the fun!

Krissy