Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MD

"Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a star shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812 when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy in the Chesapeake Bay.  It was during this bombardment of the fort that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner", the poem that would eventually...become the national anthem of the United States".

--borrowed from Wikipedia

Fort McHenry was the first place permitted to fly the American Flag day and night per President Harry S. Truman

Trey and the boys on the outer walls of Fort McHenry with the Chesapeake Bay in the background

Amazed by the size and power of these cannons

Inside Fort McHenry

Upper perimeter of Fort McHenry



 

We lived in the Baltimore area for 5 years, but never visited Fort McHenry.  Now that the boys are older, they have a greater understanding and respect for this historic national monument.

Fort McHenry National Monument

Baltimore, Maryland

July 2011

Mohican Adventures

Trey decided very "last minute" to "vacation" the week of July 4th.  Our weekend was busy with July 4th activities including a trip to Cleveland to watch the Yankees.  We worked around the boys' sports schedules and decided (weather permitting) that Wednesday would be our day to enjoy the outdoors.

Getting ready to  collect our oars and life vests for our Mohican Adventure.

The boys and Mom decided to raft first while Dad took a spin in the kayak. 



Little did we know that we'd be the ones "spinning".  Thankfully we were able to master paddling after we turned a few circles and visited opposing banks a few times.  Trey just laughed while trying to provide "instruction".  And, as if trying to master paddling wasn't enough, Alexander accidentally dropped my disposable water camera.  Suprisingly, I didn't yell, but laughed uncontrollably as we watched the camera float away; I think I was in disbelief.  Needless to say, we paddled feverishly until I could strategically position myself, hanging over the edge of the raft, to successfully retrieve the run-away camera.  And, no, I didn't get wet!



Trey was the first to kayak and paddled like a pro! 
He paddled more than once upstream to encourage us in the right direction.

  

We successfully "banked" and Trey and Alexander swapped spots. 
Alexander kayaked well, but his paddle strokes were major splashes--thank heavens for a warm day!



Noah decided that he'd be the next one in the kayak.  He did great in the kayak until he ended up circling, narrowly missing a tree and banking before it was time.  At least our adventure allowed for many laughs!



Oh my gosh--I've found my next sport.  Kayaking is so peaceful, calm and relaxing--what a great experience!



We thoroughly enjoyed our family time at Mohican Adventures! 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game...

Opening an early birthday present--July 4, 2011

Ready to begin our journey North to Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

Papa and Alexander excited to watch the Yankees--Jeter returns tonight too!

We were definitely part of the minority cheering in the stands.  Go Yankees!!

This flag was unfolded prior to the singing of our National Anthem--truly an amazing sight!

Noah & Mom
Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
July 4, 2011

Grammy & Noah

Trey & Wendy

Trey and our two die-hard Yankee fans



Concentrating on the game

 

The day was warm, but the night was picture perfect!  By some random luck, we purchased tickets on the shaded side of the stadium.  The sky was absolutely chrystal clear--the perfect day for a game in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

July 4th Weekend

Alexander and Noah
Indian Lake, Ohio
July 2, 2011

 

The boys with Papa and Grammy
Indian Lake, Ohio
July 2, 2011




The boys playing a game of catch while waiting for the fireworks and a frozen lemonade treat



Dee and I found an amazing parking place, right on the Lake.   Trey, his Dad and the boys arrived later and we backed my car allowing space for both vehicles.  It doesn't sound exciting, but if you could have seen the limited number of spaces combined with cars lining the main road, you'd know it was a wise plan! 

People watching while watching the boys play catch.

Grammy decided to play catch too



There were hundreds of boats on the lake during the fireworks display; their lights dancing on the lake as the sky lit up above with fireworks.





The Memorial Wall
Lima, Ohio
July 3, 2011



God Bless the USA! 

Happy July 4th weekend everyone! 

Another Milestone

Can you believe Noah's old enough to mow the lawn?  I mowed the perimeter of the yard and Noah filled in the gaps with straight lines!  I was very impressed with his attention to detail.

He was determined to make Dad proud--and he did!

Now, Alexander and Noah will alternate turns mowing the lawn.  Another milestone in the Martin Family.

Noah visits Preschool

Although preschool generally follows our district calendar, our director opted to meet on the May district waiver day since we'd be finishing preschool the following week.  Noah had been looking forward to this day in May for quite some time.  He couldn't wait to finally meet my preschool friends and enjoy time volunteering in the classroom.  The class adored having Noah visit and they were constantly requesting him to help with a puzzle, or play a game (below).



Noah and I read "The Hungry Caterpillar".  He read the book while I used the sock puppet to demonstrate how much food that silly caterpillar enjoyed before becoming a butterfly.



The class enjoyed "The Hungry Caterpillar" so much that they asked Noah to read "one more story". 



At the end of our very fast morning, we allowed Noah to remininsce about his preschool days and performed the "Tooty Ta" together.  If you've never heard this song--you're missing out!  Noah first performed this song during his Young 5s preschool graduation many years ago in Georgia.  At the time, my assistant and I laughed so hard we had tears streaming down our faces.  It's truly a fun song that children and adults enjoy!



Noah, thanks for waking early on your "day off" and spending a memorable day at preschool with Mom.  You were an amazing help that day and the class absolutely adored you.