I went on a field trip with the 5th grade (and Sam) to Pamplin Park where the Battle of Petersburg took place. What a great place for a field trip. The original earth works are still there, and they have made it into an interactive museum about the Civil War. We were there all day, and the kids were fascinated. They learned how to prepare rifles to shoot, what a slave wedding was like, how they punished soldiers, what they wore, and on and on. The Confederates were trying to hold this position to keep the Union from taking the railroads in Petersburg. The sharp spikes are in front of a large trench and then a high wall to prevent them from coming over. It didn't work. Grant came through and marched on to Appomattox. The students learned so much about the war. I'm thankful for the people who work so hard to make history come alive for everyone.

Ben has one more track meet on Tuesday. He's been running the 400. He apparently removed himself from the 800. Hmmm. Soccer is winding down. We just have a couple more games. On Thursday, one week after baseball had concluded, Fred said he was getting bored being home every day, so he was going to football lifting. I guess it's good that he has so much to do. It was so nice just being home this week! I know there will come a time, very soon, when the boys will be clamoring for something to do, but it's so nice to enjoy the time now!