My posts are almost always home/furniture/blog/DIY related, but as I shared yesterday, we spent a morning at the Gettysburg battlefield as a family, so I thought I’d share some pictures from that We live about 6 miles from it, so it’s an easy thing to do on a nice day. As we drove to our first stop, we were pleasantly surprised by a cavalry reenactment.
My husband is a huge Civil War buff/dork, so he was excited to see it. I have an interest in history, so I must say it was pretty cool. There was something powerful about seeing 20 or so horses with riders dressed in Civil War uniforms, galloping down a field with flags flying and sabres drawn.
So, after the charge, we drove to climb the tower by the Eisenhower farm.
There are my boys, headed toward their “mission.”
I will state that I am not scared of great heights, but I am scared of falling from great heights and I am scared of man-made towers on windy days. Not wanting to impose my fears on my boys, I kept my mouth shut and my shaky legs to myself.
My older son said he “could see the whole world from up there.”
My husband started pointing at landmarks and showing the boys where “the north smoked the south.” (Our families are from Virginia, so I don’t want to hear any grief from southerners.)
They were fascinated and enjoyed it. We also went to Devil’s Den, but it started raining, so our outing was cut short. The boys did have a chance to play “Bear Grylls” on the rocks for a little bit, though. It was nice to get out of the house and to take picture of things other than furniture and projects and rooms.
This week, I’m going to share more of my office makeover, dish all about my camera, lenses and favorite PSE actions and I have a Stella and Dot giveaway coming up at the end of the week.
42 Responses
It's always amazing to see these sights through your children's eyes. And through your camera lens. Thanks for sharing your beautiful images!
Horses are such magnificent creatures, noble, humble, sweet yet they have carried men into battle and are soldiers in their own right. And men in uniform are always something to look at! 🙂 I'm just now in a place in my life where the Civil War seems like a piece of history I would like to delve into. I'm am thankful for those who find it important to continue teaching this part of history through reenactments. I am terrified of heights, you're a real trooper, glad you tackled the tower so we could enjoy your stunning photos from the top!
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I would be on the ground I'm afraid. I tried to climb on our roof once.I'm sure you can imagine how that turned out!!!!
Its great that you live so near wonderful historical sites. Its good to see that someone as busy as you are, takes the time for family. I don't have to tell you how important that is. Have a lovely rest of the weekend.
What amazing photos!!! I love to look at the world through a child's eyes!!
Those first few photos look like they're from a movie. Beautiful!
Gorgeous pictures, and family. I enjoyed you sharing your family day.
Lisa
What beautiful photos and what a beautiful family you have! It looks like an absolutely wonderful day! 🙂
Jennifer
What a great family outing. I've never been there and would love to explore more of the northern VA, MD, PA area.
Beautiful place to live! I've only been to Gettysburg once and it was about 20 years ago. I love history too, so I enjoyed family vacations like that as a teenager. 🙂
Thats amazing that your young kids climbed that tower, when I climbed it my legs was like rubber on the way down, being afraid of falling, made you one brave mama for climbing that tower.
Hugs,
Melissa
What a delightful outing and to have it so close by to enjoy. We have a elderly man here in our church that has been busy all summer with Civil War reenactments and the 150th birthday of our state. He is also well known around here and the state for his research in finding civil war graves, cleaning / restoring the headstones. Every spring he grows his beard / mustache for the summer reenactments.
I must say that seeing all that after years of being away makes me just a tad homesick. The Gettysburg area is so beautiful! What a great post~ xo Diana
being from Virginia makes it ok to tell your boys the North smoked the South… he he he… no grief here boss!
I for one tell my boys(and girls) to Remember the Alamo! …LOL…
I love these types of outings with the kiddos. My hubby wasn't one for taking them. So we usually went with my parents. I love telling history and seeing it through the eyes of children. It is full of wonder for them!
Makes great memories too… glad y'all had fun!
… you make me chuckle!
(the rebel in me couldn't NOT say anything…you know me)
Pat
Glag you had some fun family time! Enjoy them during these years. It will fly by, even though some days you might wish it would!
Loved your photos. The tower brought back many memories. I think it's the first time in my life I realized I was afraid of heights.
Thanks for sharing! I miss that area so much and it just reminded me of where I used to be, once. -Sigh- It looked like an absolutely lovely day spent with your cute little family.
Enjoy!
Liz
It was equally a pleasure to see how you camera eye works on things outside of the home. You're a natural!
Gorgeous surroundings! I'll take apples and battlefields over the city any day.
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
Love the post and I thought it was funny how your husband was telling your boys the north smoked the south. LOL
Vanessa
*** I especially enjoyed this, as my husband was the Commanding Officer of Custer's 2/7 Cav (@ Ft. Hood, Texas in the mid 80's, as a then Lieutenant Colonel)…… So of course, we have been there ~ actually a few times, because Jim's parents wanted to see it & so did mine…
Glad you and "ALL" your boys enjoyed it… Wow, talk about HISTORY there!!!
Warmest wishes, you brave soul (to go up those stairs sooooo high!!!)~~~
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
I find myself a bit of a history lover (and not just old furniture) so I think this looks very cool and the scenery is very pretty! It's nice to see a bit more of a personal side from you on the occasion, NOT that we don't all drool over your next furniture post, but this is refreshing and I enjoyed it!
Beautiful pictures. I am aafraid of heights for sure. Your little guys are cute.
wow…seems like those pictures where from the era…Great shots of imposing gentlemen & their horses!…Fascinating!
You have a sweet looking family, wonderful to make the history come alive & instilled in your sons!
Thanks for sharing.
Wow, you do live in such a gorgeous place! Thanks for the pictures!
wow… I would really love to go back east at some point- and spend some time visiting places like that. I have been to DC, twice, and have seen some of the monuments and museums (I think you could live on capitol hill and never see all there is to see there)- but i would love to explore more there. Its so OLD. in california- we have history, old missions and things from the 17-1800s, but its not the same at seeing places where American began its life as America. I have a friend in new york who says her house isnt "that old"- it was built in 1901. thats just crazy.
I've always said it's only in Gettsburg that you will see a soldier from the North and a soldier from the South sitting at the bar drinking together!
http://marquissclan.blogspot.com/2011/07/gettysburg-on-independence-weekend.html
Good Morning Marian,
As you know I live just a few miles from one of the other great Civil War battlefields..Manassas (Battle of Bull Run) Battlefield. I drive past these unspoiled historic fields on a weekly basis and it always makes me think of the sacrifices these men/boys made. Our little town of Warrenton was where McClellan said goodbye to his troops after Lincoln replaced him with Grant.
Once we were given tour of the whole Gettysburg Battlefield by a friend who is a noted Civil War author and historian. He knew every tiny detail and his narration was fabulous. As we walked back to the car, after visiting the Little Round Top location, I noticed on the dashboard of one of the cars parked along the trail,was a copy of our friend Glenn's Battle of Gettysburg book. Glenn left him a note on the windshield thanking him for purchasing his book. I have always wondered what that person thought of his little author's note.
Gettysburg is indeed a magical and historic…and sometimes very spooky (at night) place. Everyone should try to visit at least once in their lives.
Sorry this was so long, but I loved your post and the photos.
your friend,
Janet xox
http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/
I just love the pics of your family outing. So so important to do those family things and to add some history, even better! Love seeing our countries history reenacted. You guys are so lucky to have it at your fingertips. Thanks for sharing! Have a great week.
You are not kidding about the southerners, they take the war seriously! I live in VA and I am always amazed when I hear someone tell me I'm a northerner, even though I am not. I laughed once, and was told I was greatly offensive. I don't laugh when people here talk about the "Battle of Northern Aggression". I love Gettysburg, I want to go back sometime when they do the big battle re-enactment. Looks like you all had a great time!
Beautiful photos! We lived in Northern Virginia for a couple of years and I remember going to a few reenactments…but for some reason we went in the spring and all I can remember is that it was sooooo hot! I think going in the fall would be a much better idea. I must ask my children tonight what they remember.
Wonderful photos and thanks for sharing your day. We live in Virginia, originally from the North and we try to tiptoe verbally about the north and the south. Don't want a skirmish on our hands!! LOL
Marian;
Beautiful post! I loved seeing the picture of your boys. For some reason it always surprises me when I am reminded of how young you are! When I read your posts and see how hard you work I think of you as a business woman, not a Mom! I forget that you are both! I don't know how you get it all done girl!
(by the way, I remember your youth when I see your picture too:)
That is great. We started researching our ancestors and most of the family were confederate soliders. I have visited some old cemetaries where our family members are buried and reliving & visiting the past has it's own beauty. your pictures captured the present and the past and are beautiful. thanks for sharing
I visited Gettysburg YEARS ago when I was a little kid. I really don't remember much about it but I would love to go back. I didn't appreciate history when I was a child like I do now.
Looks like you had a wonderful day with your family. Sometimes you just have to put work on the back burner and do just that.
You are an amazing photographer…whether it's furniture or Civil War reenactors, I think you have a back-up career should the furniture business ever get boring for you. (Somehow I don't see that happening…but it's nice to have options)
When I'm busy with something and my babies are begging for attention, sometimes its hard to stop what I'm doing…until I remember that in a couple years I'll be begging them to spend time with me!!
thanks for sharing your day!
erin
One of the best trips we took was to Gettysburg last May. That diorama (sp?) is amazing. You are lucky to live so close. Thanks for the memories
I am familiar with your beautiful part of this country and have climbed that tower a time or two myself. I have often wished to live there, but as I get older, I seem to prefer the winter climate of California, my home state. Thanks for sharing; it brought back great memories.
great photos! I NEED to go there someday.
That tower would have made me feel funky, too. I don't like tall things like that.
I love these things my 11 yr old prefers WWII reenactments but we go to them all LOL it looks like you all had a great time!! We have always wanted to go to this one!!
I live in Montgomery County, Pa. and yesterday was such a beautiful day here and I spent time with my little grandsons playing outside…couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of Pennsylvania and of my community.
Oh yeah, the dresser looks very nice.
Your photography is amazing. Any tips you can offer? What camera do you use?
Yes, indeed…we did "smoke em" ! But a very sad war for BOTH sides.
I am from the North, living in the South..and OH MY GOSH..do they ever "remember" the Civil War down here. BIG TIME !!
My husband and I too had been to Gettysburg..it was so peaceful and memorable..a real "spiritual" experinece being there.
Your images are great.
Rose
How beautiful! I'm dying to get to Gettysburg someday.