We knew before we planned this trip that it needed to begin with Fort McHenry . . . the barrage of this legendary fort in September 1814 was the inspiration for the poem that later became memorialized in song and revered as our national anthem. On this trip, we look forward to showing our children (and ourselves) many historical sites that were focal points in the early years of our country as well as some other interesting places.
We drove until very late last night followed by an early rise this morning so that we could spend some time with Donna's brother and his lovely family in Gaithersburg, MD this morning, see pic of fun in the treehouse:
and a cousin pyramid . . .
and then it was off to Baltimore . . . Fort McHenry was a great beginning for our adventures as we witnessed live artillery fire (it was unbelievably loud and moving, literally . . . our bodies shook) and were fortunate to participate in a communal folding of an enormous American flag that had just been lowered from the flag pole flying over the fort. This September will be the bi-centennial of this legendary event. It truly is hallowed ground.
a few pictures:
We followed up Fort McHenry with a walk around Federal Hill Park that overlooks the inner harbor. It is a fantastic vantage point to take in the sites. As you can see from the countenance of our children's faces between pictures 1 and 2 on the hill, fatigue was quickly settling in. It was then quickly off to the hotel in Newark, DE another hour further down the road for some much needed R&R.
We're looking forward to Philly tomorrow - it will be a first for all of us. Here is a much better perspective directly from some smaller members of the family:
Hi! Im Gigi. This trip is so fantastic, but there's SO much driving.
Here are some of the things we do in the car:
1. watch T.V ( I dream of jeanie, Gilligan's island, lego movie, School House Rock)
2. sleep
3. day dream
4. talk
5. eat
My favorite part so far is Fort Mchenry. It's amazing because you get to see were
Francis Scott Key was during the war of 1812. I got to help fold the flag!
I like going far away because you get to see people that live far away.
Like this morning I ate breakfast with my cousin Alex.
I hope this turns out to be an
awesome trip!
See you later!
(and this poem is by Elizabeth)
We're on a long trip to Bar Harbor, Maine.
I'm incredibly exited about what I'll see and it all started today.
We had breakfast with a little cousin of mine.
We had delicious eggs and tasty fruit.
and us kids with a sweet tooth,
got a sugary powdered doughnut too.
We went to for McHenry,
and saw some cannons fire.
I plugged my ears, but just as I feared
I heard the explosion loud and clear.
I got to help fold a giant flag with only 15 stars.
I had so much fun with everyone,
I didn't want to get back in the car.
- Elizabeth
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