Retracing

At the end of summer break last year, we took a weekend family road trip down to Dayton.  We stopped at the Woodland Cemetery, visited the Air Force Museum, hiked at the Glen Helen and John Bryan Nature Preserves, and explored the Temple of Tolerance.  We also made a pit stop at the Miamisburg Indian Mound.

 

 

While I had high hopes that this stop would spark an interest in Native American history (our town mascot is an Indian after all), it really did not.  To them it was just a big hill.

 

 

A big hill with quite a view I might add!

 

 

 

In talking about our road trip and all the stops we made, I have repeatedly said that the Miamisburg Mound was a bust.  Out of respect, they do not excavate these mounds so, although historic, it didn't offer much excitement or education for the kids or for us.

 

HOWEVER.

 

It is now with an overflowing heart that I can say

 

I AM SO GLAD WE MADE THIS JOURNEY!!!

 

Over 60 years before, take a look at who stood in this very same spot, climbing those very same stairs:

 

 

That's my dad!!  At the Miamisburg Mound!!! 

 

He too went there on a family trip but with a slightly ulterior motive.  My dad had contracted polio and needed to learn to reuse and regain strength in his legs.  While I'm certain the educational part was the first priority, the 116 steps of free therapy was probably a perk too.

 

Don't you just love it when you retrace the steps of your parents without even realizing it! 

 

 

Its a Mario World Out There

Way back in 2007, my dad was expanding his woodshop and having fun experimenting, tinkering, creating anything he saw.  When I proposed a present I wanted to make for Jim's birthday, he gladly jumped on board and helped bring it to life.  Sadly, after ten years of being exposed 24/7 to all weather conditions, Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi had to be retired from our landscaping. 

 

 

As Jim's birthday neared this year and gifts were being discussed, I knew what needed to be done.  And thanks to the guidance and teachings of my dad, I could do it myself.

 

 

 

 

 

While I took the lead with Mario and Luigi, there were three little parts I wanted the children to have a hand in.

 

For Bree and Jake, I drew out the lines and let them have at it from there. 

 

I helped Holly a little more by outlining the features and letting her fill in the gaps.

 

All in all, they turned out quite well.

 

And they make a nice addition on our new fence.

 

 

Happy Birthday to my hard working, dedicated, patience for days,  game loving husband.