The Civil War Visits Hamlin Beach

After arriving home from the Castle on Thursday and resting on Friday, we were gone again on Saturday. This time it was to yet another Civil War reenactment, the one at Hamlin Beach. Can you tell that I've found my place in life? I'm definitely in love with reenacting. This reenactment is smaller than the one at Mumford, but it was still very enjoyable. The Confederates heavily out-numbered the Yankees, and they won the battle. And of course, there was a dance in the evening!

Robert E. Lee in person!

The 34th North Carolina regiment in action:

After the battle, even Rebels and Yankees can be friends.

The camps....the poor reenactors who stayed the night got rained upon!

Looking back to shore from the end of the pier:

Finally, my good friend Stephen and I right before the dance. No, we're not miserable; we really did have fun! But back in the days of the Civil War, you had a serious face when your picture was being taken. Being the fanatics that we are, we had to be authentic.

On The Mountain Top

This past Sunday through Thursday my family and I (including my soon-to-be brother-in-law Tim) went on a retreat to the Castle in Pennsylvania. I've been there twice before, but both times were with the youth group. It was a very nice change to go as a family with the church; we actually had time to relax and enjoy. So, here is the week in pictures:

Monday = Apples to Apples, grilled chicken, beautiful sunset, ping pong, softball, and a nap on the porch swing.

Tuesday = foggy morning, huge antique shop and downtown Franklin, pool and foosball, drawing, Sibley the dog, volleyball, an intense game of Cut Throat, and an adorable little boy worhiping.

Wednesday = A trip to the Chapel, a hike to find the lost Belltower, yet another nap on the porch swing, beautiful views from the Prayer Tower, yummy smores, a warm campfire, and incredible sunset clouds.