Penguins, Sharks and Otters: An Aquarium Adventure

 Our road trip also brought a different kind of water fun. 

 We spent two days exploring the  Chattanooga aquarium, lingering and taking in the adventure.   

 

 We got up close and personal



 made some new friends,

 

and even touched a few.

 Big sisters took care of little sisters. 

Of course the ocean has its predators, and we had some harrowing moments.  Luckily, all four littles made it out safely. 

 

 We worked at not rushing by such amazing glimpses of the magnificent underwater world. 

Can't wait to dive in again sometime soon. 

Operation Fun: 'Nooga Style

 We approached the last few weeks like fun was our job.  Good times were prescribed, so it was road trip time.  Destination Chattanooga.   

Always up for operation fun, Eli conquered his pool fear in one swim session.  He was TERRIFIED of a pool in China, so we expected a strong reaction.  Though he most likely had never seen a pool before, he was fearlessly jumping in within minutes at the hotel pool.  Lessons time apparently.   

Ev's can't swim in a regular pool, so when we pulled out a suit for her, she knew something fun was going down. 

Wasn't long before she discovered the joy of fountaining with her sibs! 

 Watching Eli and Evie try new things is just a total delight. This little dude held back nothing! 

'Nooga really is so much fun for families. 

This beautiful carousal spun our little people around about 76 times.

 

 

As you can see, Evelyn was a fan.   

 We've sat on these statues for years, and thankfully, they still bring smiles and make littles look like littles. 

 Some good news?  You can buy Lay's in Tennessee too!  Major points for you, Chattanooga!

Kite flying was the weekend highlight for Sophia.  She and her daddy ran around in this field for hours. 

 And, when they weren't kite chasing, we discovered this sweetness.  Be still my momma's heart. 

Gotta wonder what this chat was about. 

A stroll across this bridge was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. 

When we all were sufficiently wet and tired, it was ice cream time.

 Nothing says great road trip like hanging out in an ice cream shop while wearing your wet bathing suit.  And, some of us spoon our ice cream more dramatically than others.  :)

 

Prescription filled.  

A Little History Lover's Guide to Civil War Battlefields

Two things.

The thing about home school is that life can be one giant field trip.

The thing about the south is that it is littered with Civil War battlefields.

This year, the mini history buff studied the 1800s in school,

so schooling called for a battlefield visit. No permission slip required.

We'd like to drop some tips for those who will follow.

To beat the heat, make sure the bus leaves the driveway early loaded with water bottles and snacks. 

History is a window into the past. 
Look long, as there is much to learn. 

Always start with the visitor's center.
Stop to poke your nose into a canon,
and never assume that kids are too little for history. 
Wear shades at all time, especially in the mini museum. 
Makes you look older. 

Be mesmerized by the old school light-up battle map. 
Plan to visit this again before leaving. 

History is full of adventure. 
Climb right in and don't miss it. 

Trace the steps of soldiers. 


Peek back into the simple life. 

Live out history by hefting logs for cabin and fire building. 
Many hands make light work, don't ya know.

Snap some photos. 
You are living your own history. 

Wander into historic fields of grass.
Connect with how hard it must have been to walk and drive covered wagons through. 
Think about how hot those uniforms must have been. 

Once in the middle of the field, pick some wheat, forget the Civil War,
call yourself Mary, and get your Little House on. 

End the day under the shade of a big tree,
sweeping the cabin floor with a broom. 

Pals. History. Field Trip. Snacks. Free.  Outside.
Somebody planned a perfect summer road trip.

Doing DC

Dear DC,

     You are already missed.  Our one chilly day with you was memory packed. 

Two little girls saw history in a new way as they walked past the Washington Monument,

waved to the president outside his gate,

and looked up in awe at Abraham Lincoln. 

Thanks for the miles walked and the food truck hot chocolate. 

Your train system is all kinds of handy. 


And Famous Luigi's?  We are ranking it as some of the best Italian ever!

 

We drove away filled up with history, with a new spark of patriotism and tired from walking our coat clad booties off.  See you again soon.

 

Love,

4 Lovers of the Road

Vietnam War Memorial

We love this memorial.  So powerfully simple. 

Such a neat thing to see it lined with wreaths,


and decorated with a Christmas tree filled with ornaments honoring the fallen.

Loved showing the girls how you can see your reflection in it,

and how each panel is filled with names that are meant to be traced with fingers. 

 

Special thanks to the Vietnam vet volunteering that afternoon for his service and for his willingness to point out the name of a female soldier to our littles. 

 

"Are they dead that yet speak louder than we can speak, and a more universal language? Are they dead that yet act? Are they dead that yet move upon society and inspire the people with nobler motives and more heroic patriotism?" ~Henry Ward Beecher

World War II Memorial

The World War II memorial is a serene spot to remember. 

One extra calm little traveler saw it all from the comfort of a stroller as she munched on an apple.  She had fun, but could simply not be bothered by photography. 

(So Claire, when you read this someday, understand why your sister is in 75% more pics than you!)

Loved taking in the sights with these two sweeties.