Mama's old sled

There was a day when Santa’s sleigh was magical for me

But then I got my own – the girls pose in front of mama’s old sled 

And Dad got a lead sled 

And then a more modern sled

And then the final sled

We left Rudolph in the dust – just sayin’…

We had a great time visiting the USS Yorktown with over 400 homeschoolers today.  The kids were great, but I was alarmed at my Katie’s penchant for artillery

doesn’t she know she’s from an aviator family?!  

The tour guides were great, and we even got a science lesson where we learned that somebody puts plankton in our toothpaste and ice cream – bleh!  It will be easier to forgo ice cream in the future… 

The Medal of Honor Museum was beautifully done, and I saw the best and noblest among us portrayed there.  It’s so sad to think that they were the ones who left us early – and sobering to wonder if you could make the same sacrifice for others.

We heard the incredible story of the Doolittle Raid, and I couldn’t help but reflect on the bravery of the young men who volunteered for this dangerous mission - but also the 250,000 Chinese civilians who lost their lives as a result of helping our pilots.   A debt of honor not easily repaid.   

I was able to see a picture of Jake DeShazer, the Doolittle crewmember whose biography I recently read.  He was held captive by the Japanese, tortured and deprived of food and medical care, and after the war, returned as a missionary to Japan.  He publicly forgave his prison guards as an illustration of the forgiveness found in Christ.

It was a wonderful day full of fun and life lessons and a reminder of all the blessings we have today – and those who paid dearly for them. 

Blessings,

Kim