DC

October 3.

We are loving Washington DC. Today we saw the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Thomas was not impressed... He said, "can we leave yet, we have been looking at PAPERS for 2 hours!" We then visited the Washington monument, the WWII memorial and the Lincoln memorial. It was awesome. We saw the white house and the capital building in the distance. It was a historic day. Thomas got a little tired of walking and started to complain, so I said, " buddy- what will you do in the military when you have long walks carrying heavy equipment? ". He said," Mom, I don't have to walk that far to get in my jet!"

We checked into a hotel for the next 2 nights and the kids are so excited they can hardly stand it. We have spent the last 23 nights on the boat. Anna said, " Mom,I am sleeping in jumping jack position tonight!". Emily took a long bath and has not stopped talking about the big bed to sleep in tonight!! What a gift to have this freedom. What a great place to remember the cost of freedom, what the country's founding fathers gave up for us to have it, and before that- what our Savior gave up to guarantee it eternally!

Annapolis

October 2

Annapolis is a wonderfully quaint town. I love it. We arrived in great weather and Tom wanted to give the old girl- " the Southern Belle ", ( the boat, not me) a thorough bath. The kids and I explored the town and found a playground, a Kilwins ice cream store and the State of Maryland's House. It was fun to visit, because it is where George Washington resigned his post as commander of the continental army after winning the revolutionary war. The kids had such fun standing in the very spot!!

Angles and Dangles

October 1.

Our new friend, the submarine officer,  taught us what they do when a submarine first goes out to sea. They rotate it in every direction and angle to make sure everything is properly tied down- so as not to make any noise when traveling.  They call this procedure "angles and dangles".  We experienced our own angles and dangles today...only not on purpose!  We left Cape May and travelled to Georgetown, Maryland.  The time through the Delaware Bay was rough.  Not quite as bad as Eerie, but it was rough enough. It was interesting to be engulfed in a sea of salt! Then we entered the Delaware River, and discussed George Washington's crossing on Christmas Day (farther to the North of us). What an incredible thing he and his men accomplished!!  Then we entered the C and D canal, (Chesapeake and Delaware) and it was beautiful.
We crossed into the Chesapeake Bay and came to a town called Georgetown.  It is a quaint town with amazing crabcakes!! What a day, again.  Thank you Lord!!

People

Today was so amazing. We were unable to move the boat due to weather, but it was such a great day. We cleaned, did some schoolwork and Tom and Thomas walked a long way to the grocery store. The highlight of our time today was the people that we have met.  All the boaters were weathered in , so we mingled and visited.  There are truly amazingly wonderful people out there.  It is no accident that we were able to spend time today with a wonderful man who has truly taken his boat all over the world.  He was telling us of his time in Alaska, and Tom's eyes lit up.  OK. So I guess this means this trip is going well enough that he is already thinking of another?!!  I don't know,  I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Alaska, so  I am in! !!!
We also met another amazing man that was in the military for almost 20 years and was the engineer on a nuclear submarine!! Boy was he fascinating to talk to.  I love getting to know new people and hearing their stories.... everyone has one, and it is fun to discover it!  Anther couple nearby is also from Michigan, and she is from Gulf Shores , Alabama.  How fun!

The kids had recess in the hold today!! Flashlights in the bowels of the boat, laughter and discovery were big today.. Who knew such a small space could provide such big adventure?  It is bigger under there than the picture implies!!

Atlantic Ocean

We  cannot believe we were actually in the Atlantic Ocean today. We left New York, somewhat sadly, for it is a great city.  We had to weave through many huge freighters. It was really amazing to see them .

We then followed the Jersey Shore, which is spectacular. They have beautiful sandy beaches ...

We arrived in Cape May, NJ and there were amazing fishing vessels and cottages built on the water. I know my dinner will be fresh tonight!

The kids were fascinated by the salt that collected on the boat. My hubby had to spend some time washing it off!!  It is official, our "Southern Belle" is no longer strictly a freshwater boat!!

Tom and I are continuously amazed at God's providence. We have really not travelled alone during this trip. He has been with us, but we have met some of the most amazing people , who have taken care of us during this journey.  Tom has been able to watch the weather and plan with others during the entire trip.
We are so grateful for all the help and guidance along the way. I feel that we have been provided for the entire trip.  What a gift!!

Comfort

Today was difficult, as I was unable to make it to my aunt's funeral.
I longed to be near to  family to comfort them and mourn with them.

I was reading in Psalm 119:50 and I would like to share..
"This is my comfort in my affliction,
That your Word has revived me."

The power of the Word of God can comfort, heal and bring peace.  Read it, live it and let it transform you from within.

Lion King

September 26

We saw the lion king today. It was fantastic. The music, the sets, and the costumes had us all mesmerized.

After the show, we met the girl who played young Nala. It was a treat.

Today was a bittersweet day- as we enjoyed the theatre , we were touched with sadness as we mourn the loss of my aunt.  She is greatly loved and will be greatly missed.