We could not afford to take a big vacation this year. It actually might be a few years until we can afford another, so we took many small local trips this year. Most of the trips we took, were memberships to local museums and such, paid for by a grant that Antonio qualified for Praise God. Which means, we can keep going to these same places, as many times as we wish, the rest of the year! Now that is a wonderful blessing!
The first trip we took was to the Tennessee Valley Railroad. We have been there many times in the past and even went to "Day Out with Thomas" when William was about five.
Tim has also taken Zeke on several "one on one" trips, to go on the long train ride (day trip) for something special. I had not been there in years and none of the younger children had ever been there. So this was very exciting, especially for Timmy and Billy.
There are many old, retired, trains there, to tour and see.
The children all had such a wonderful time!
The weather was perfect and children all in thier best form! William is always teasing and joking with his siblings.
Zeke and William are pretty rough with each other, in a fun, light, playful, brotherly way.
I am so grateful to God for my husband and family. That we all love each other. That the children get along for the most part. There are a few that have friction occasionally but they would go to bat for each other and support each other, through any hard times in a heartbeat. Spats are few and far between and they are all great friends as well as siblings. It has taken a long time but even Elizabeth has grown friendships between herself and her siblings.
The kids had so much fun looking around in all the train cars and touring the caboose.
It was amazing to me how huge the wheels are on these trains. All of the boys were so interested in the gears and mechanics of it all. We were so happy to have daddy with us on this field trip!
We toured the whole train yard and then the kids and dad rode the steam engine. I stayed at the station with Antonio. The ride goes over bridges and through a tunnel. It ends at the "works" or shop, where they repair all the trains. They remove the engine and everyone watches it turn around on the turn-table and get re-coupled. Then the train pulls them back to the station. It is a lot of fun.
Getting off the train, Kinsley says good bye and thank you to the conductor.
Antonio was having a good spell over the weeks of summer we took these fun trips, Glory to God! This young man is such a good son. :) He has it so hard but is such an inspiration and survivor.
My sweet, sweet Carolyn. She has always been with me. I have always home schooled her and she has been my right hand girl.
Oh how I miss her when she is away at school this year. She made the choice to attend public school three days a week to participate in their special needs work program. It is such a wonderful opportunity for her but oh do I miss her.
My youngest princesses. These two are so happy to have each other. I pray they always stay this close.
Sigh. Billy had a great time but boy is he a handful every waking hour. It can be exhausting at times. I love him dearly but a challenge, he is. These boys are a miracle and have come so far!
It sure was a wonderful day and full of such happy memories, that will last a lifetime. I am grateful to God for my life and all of our many blessings!
Psalm 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
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May God be with you now and always as you live and grow in Him!
Blessings,
susan
