Fort Christmas.

Last Sunday we decided to take a drive. We didn't know where we were headed or what we were going to do. We got on 417 and headed North, then we decided to get on 50 and head east. We remembered that Fort Christmas was located on 50 in the town of Christmas. We had been there only once before several years ago with Jimmy's Boy Scout Troop. It was a beautiful sunny day and a little cool. Perfect weather. 

Any road trip we've taken (to Louisiana, Maryland, Georgia) we've always had to stop at forts and battleships. Both Jimmy and Alex are interested in anything battle-related. The fort here has three buildings which you are able to go inside where they have artifacts and photos on display.

Helen wearing one of her "given by Yiayia" outfits.  

I didn't know they had public phones in the late 1800's.

The rest of the park had several period houses so you could see what life was like back then. The kids couldn't believe how small they were and were amazed at the fact that everyone slept in one room.

                                                               Alex getting the dishes done.

After the tour we headed over to the playground. Mike had promised the kids we would stop at the gift shop before heading home. Unfortunately, they were closed so we decided to get ice-cream instead.

I think yummy ice-cream is better than a gift shop souvenir any day.

Now, we are busy getting ready for our trip to New York to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We went once five years ago, so it will be interesting to see what Jimmy and Alex remember and to see it again through Helen and Will's eyes. Looking forward to a memorable trip!

this.

I made this after checking out the Hambly Screen Prints blog. Such great inspiration. I'm glad I still had some of their Halloween rub ons left over from last year.

A cute and easy way to share pictures with grandparents.

trick or treat.

 A very grim reaper.

A serious S.W.A.T.

One happy Robin.

(yes, she's aware that Robin is a boy. She still chose it for her costume.)

One sad Robin.

He did not want to wear his costume because it was itchy and he refused to wear his mask. Can we say somebody missed their nap time?

For the group photo Mike stepped in for Will. Not sure he would have made that face though.

Mike got the idea to get some shots of the kids "in action." He also thought that Will would jump at the chance to run towards Daddy. As you can see, that didn't work out.

Then we decided to let them do a trial run at our house.

They were shocked we gave them real candy.

After a little sugar rush everyone was ready to head out for real. It was a slow start...it seemed not too many people were home or just not participating. Then we found the neighborhood hot spot. House after house after house. And so many people giving out candy wore costumes and had the cutest/scariest decorations. The kids got tons of candy and had a great time. We made the long...very long walk home with four tired, but happy kids. (Next year we might take the car though.)