Surrounded here by history!

Today we went to the Vicksburg National Military Park. The park pays tribute to the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. There are over 1,340 monuments, along the 16-mile tour road.

The U.S.S. Cairo, a Union ironclad ship sunk north of Vicksburg in 1862 when it struck 2 underwater torpedoes (today called mines). Preserved by mud and silt, Cairo sat on the bottom of the Yazoo River for 102 years. It was raised in 1964, and later restored. The ironclad is now on display in the park.

View from inside a strategic Union tunnel

Look! She's learning!

The Illinois Memorial: the Roman Pantheon replica honoring more than 36,000 Illinois soldiers who fought in the Vicksburg Campaign. This is the most ornate of the memorials in the park

The view from inside, looking up.

Vicksburg National Cemetery. 17,077 Union soldiers are buried here.

Yesterday we pulled in to Vicksburg, Mississippi. I took the kids down to the river's edge, refered to as "Catfish Row" They had a spray fountain for the kids to play in but they thought it was too cold...

We walked along the historical mural painted along the river and learned some of the history of this quaint little town

We then took a drive aroung the historic district. I find the difference between the homes that have been kept up and treasured and the ones that haven't to be amazing. These two houses are practically across the street from eachother!

And of course, the Mississippi River Bridges...

Here with the Mermaids!

Thursday we went to Weeki Wachee. I made the kids pose for pictures

Morgan found a peacock

And we took a leisurly ride down the spring fed river

Before seeing the mermaids do their thing





It was one of the cheesiest things I've done in a long time, but I really enjoyed myself. I think Kiara did, too... she looks pretty enthralled.

After that we went and played in Buccaneer Bay, the spring fed water park.

Look at all the Dolphins here!

Today we drove down to Sanibel Island so we could take a cruise on the Sanibel Thriller. What a neat ride!

We went by the lighthouse,

And saw a manatee right away.

The dolphins like "catching a ride" on the wake of the boat.

This dolphin is affectionatly named Chip by the locals

Awesome, Awesome day!

Here in Florida!

Today we went to Myakka State Park in Sarasota Florida. We took an airboat tour of the lake, lookin' for gators...and managed to find a few!We then walked along the Nature Trailand went across the Canopy WalkwayThen up the tower above the treesIt's a rule...if you go up you must also come downOnce we got back to Leora's we walked down to the beach. This was along the way... can you find the ant?Then we playedTill the sun came down!

Here's some of the things I love about New Orleans...

Beautiful flowers

Beads

Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

Mississippi River

A plethora of plantlife

Cafe Du Monde

Balconies

Riverfront Streetcar

Canal Streetcar

Windows everywhere

Street lamps

Voodoo

Shutters

Wrought iron

Where's Ignatius?