Battle of Gettysburg Reenactment

This was something truly to be seen! Hundreds of reenactors gathered in Gettysburg to reenact several of the battles. We were able to see the cavalry and infantry troops fighting it out. It was amazing. They reenacted the battle as it had taken place, moving the troops, horses, and firing cannons as well as small arms to show how the battle unfolded. This is only one side of the simulated battlefield. It is so large that the camera couldn't get the full picture. On the right side of the field, there are hundreds of other troops set up as well as a great deal of cavalry men. In the rear and farther back to the right, there are many troops marching toward the battle. It was like living history. Many people throughout the town were dressed up in period costumes.

Gettysburg Battlefield

Blake at Little Round Top. The Gettysburg Battlefield is truly enormous. Although the battle lasted only 3 days, July 1-3, it had the most causalities than any other battle of the civil war. More than 46,000 lost their lives.

Visit Home, Michigan

Blake and I were able to visit my mom, sister, brother, and nephew this summer. My mom lives on a beautiful lake in Michigan that is a vacation spot for many Chicagoans. It's really pretty, and life is much slower there. Blake and my sister's son, Ayden, are passing time playing in the shade. As you can see, Ayden isn't fond of clothes and hates wearing shoes! He'd make me a nervous wreck if he were mine.

Soldiers National Cemetery, Gettysburg, PA

Blake and I at the Soldiers National Cemetery in Gettysburg. It was in this cemetery that Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. We heard an amazing story about the cemetery caretaker's wife. During the civil war her husband was off (I don't remember if he was fighting in the war or where exactly he was), and she buried several soldiers on her own, digging the graves herself, while she was, I believe, 7 months pregnant! There is a statue erected in the cemetery in honor of her.

Gettysburg, July 2009

On our vacation to Gettysburg, we ate at this amazing inn. It's been continuously operated since 1757 and has served many historical figures, including Patrick Henry, Robert E. Lee, and President and Mrs. Eisenhower. There were pennies, quarters, and dimes in the window panes and stuffed in the nooks and crannies of the wooden walls. When we inquired about this, we were told it was a tradition started many years ago by their customers, and when the walls and windows get very full, they collect all the pennies and donate them to a local children's hospital. After dinner, we were able to tour the inn, including many of the rooms that they rent. The inn was built on a slant, and the slant continues through the whole house, including the staircase. It was really a beautiful place to visit.

Gettysburg, July 2009

Blake, ever the lover of military history, was so excited to go to Gettysburg for our summer vacation. He's dressed in his confederate shirt and is constantly reminding me that he's a southern boy and I'm a yankee!

Bunny Ears

Our family, ever the jokesters, seem to love giving bunny ears to others whenever a camera is around. Blake, embracing the family tradition, gives himself a set!