Ekins Express

Virginia Road Trip - October 2007

Yep, we decided to drive 9 hours with a squirmy one-year-old. But hey, she did great... even though she was a little sick. She slept most of the time and just chilled out the rest of the time. We got to the Anderson home late Saturday night, celebrated Abby's birthday on Sunday (read below), and went to Gettysburg on Monday.



The Gettysburg Address


The approximate location where Lincoln gave the address.


Matt just had to take a picture of this only because I said the one thing I remember about the last time I went to Gettysburg was our dinner at KFC. I guess the historic national monument didn't appeal much to a 14-year-0ld. Sorry Mom.


Where the Union gained advantage over the Confederates.




Cool rock formation, eh?!




We might have a little rock climber someday. She had so much fun.


Just catching some sun while Matt climbed to the top of the monument behind me.




This boy loves Abe... can ya tell?


View from the top.


Come down! I'm hungry for some KFC!


Indiana Monument at Gettysburg


On Tuesday, Jen, Isabella, and I went shopping, while Matt read and tended Abby back at the house. Thanks Matt!

On Wednesday, the kids took the day off of school and Sabe from work and we made our first stop at Balls Bluff. This is where the Union expected to ambush the Confederate Army, but instead suffered an overwhelming defeat and were pushed off a ridge into the Potomac River.

After our history tidbit, we went and had an awesome lunch at a small Mexican Restuarant. And then we were off to Pumpkinville. We saw and fed a few animals, played in some blow-up toys, went down a few slides, and drank yummy apple cider.












It was a lot of fun to see the tigers fight. One even gave the other a bloody nose. Grrrrr.








Olivia racing me down the hayslides!




Matt, Abby, Andrea, Olivia, and Jaxon as our bus driver.


On Thursday, the Ekins headed into Washington D.C. to visit the Holocaust Museum and Arlington Cemetary - two places Matt had never been to. I just finished reading "The Hiding Place" and wanted to visit the museum one more time to remember all those that suffered for their religion and beliefs. The picture below is the only one we got of the museum as pictures are not allowed inside. Great quote if you can read it.



The Thomas Jefferson Memorial


The Washington Monument




Arlington Cemetary



Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. - Supreme Court Justice in late 1890's, early 1900's. Matt has enjoyed studying Holmes in school.


The Eternal Flame at JFK's grave monument.


We did a lot of walking that day... almost 4.5 miles! Ya, I brought my handy pedometer.


Amphitheatre at Arlington just outside the location of "The Unkown Soldier"


The Challenger grave monument




The Changing of the Guard


We couldn't have gone on this trip at a better time. Even the drive was enjoyable because of the change in season. So many beautiful colors!

On Thursday night, we drove out to Sabe's parents home and ate pizza with Sabe's brother Jacob and his wife Ashley. They gave us a tour of their home and Sabe's parents and then we played fuseball, air hockey, and hot shots upstairs. The competition was good. Sabe even got a bloody finger. Sorry Man. :)

On Friday, Jen took pictures of Abby and our little fam. We then just chilled out at their home and enjoyed our last bit of time together before leaving in the morning.

Thank you Anderson Family sooooo much! We couldn't have asked for a better time. You guys spoiled us all week. Thanks for all the awesome meals and pictures, Jen, and Sabe for the guitar tunes and exciting new cable tv shows. Thanks Jaxon for giving up your room all week and being so willing to sleep with your sisters. Thanks Olivia for making Abby's birthday special, for painting my nails, and for the competitive soccer games at night. You go Girl! And thanks Isabella (Izzy-B) for all the smiles. You are way too cute.

We love you guys!!