Buschelmans go to Huntsville

 No many people know this...though perhaps a pretty high percentage of the people who read this blog are aware...but, my Opa Keel grew up in northern Alabama.  Our roots in Alabama go back several generations to Jesse Keel who moved to the area in the late 1700s.  They lived outside of Huntsville, Alabama.  A city that many recommended we visit for the Rocket Center.  Therefore, when Eric had an unexpected 5 day weekend, we loaded up the kids and made the 3 hour trek to see what we could see.

 Knowing that cemeteries may not be high on the list for our children (although, Will was particularly keen on exploring the ones we eventually visited), I hunted down a few other outings for our family.  The first of which was The Madison County Nature Trail.

 This trail had everything!  A beautiful pavilion where we ate our picnic lunch overlooking the lake, a covered bridge,  an outdoor classroom (where we got a long lecture about the planets and how to add 2+2), a log cabin, rocks to crawl up on, a stream to throw sticks in, and even an outdoor church where Fr. Dominic gave a stirring sermon. 

 All on about a 1 mile loop.  Maybe less, it was a long time ago.  But, we spent 2 and a half hours just enjoying the beautiful day.

 Whenever a trail is well marked, Molly has developed a habit of running way ahead...sometimes with John in tow.  So far, we have always discovered her patiently waiting to gloat about how she beat us.  One such time, she and her brothers went off trail a bit and enjoyed yelling down at us as we came up on them. 

 Playing Pooh Sticks.  That game is our absolute favorite.  Thanks A. A. Milne!

 William is such a treat to see in the outdoors.  He loves exploring and leading expeditions. 

 Our three sons...Molly is somewhere up the trail.  I hope.

 I loved these rules for fishing at the lake.  Must be over 60 or under 15.  It is a grandparent/grandchild activity.

 So far, our trip is off to a great start!  Everyone is smiling and ready for the next adventure.

 My next great idea (I have really great ideas) is to visit the Visitor's Center.  I tell the lady I'm a descendant of Jesse Keel (Of Keel Mountain fame)...she doesn't seem very impressed.  But, she is very nice and gives me a lot of discount coupons for various entrance fees around town.  I suspect she does this for all of the visitors...but, maybe it is because I'm a descendant of Jesse Keel.  I think I'll just believe that. 

A few years back, Huntsville participated in program to get their city fit.  Part of this was developing a 3 mile scavenger hunt around downtown Huntsville.  Unfortunately, we arrived on the late side and only got through the first few clues (I also didn't realize it was 3 miles).  But, William loved it and would love to get back to finish the hunt.  John was a bit over walking, and Eric and I were ready for Manager's Special at Embassy Suites.  The Hunt will have to wait for another day.

 We checked into our room and had a quick snack and drink before heading out on another excursion.  Turned out the art museum has a special rate for Thursday evenings.  And it was within walking distance of our hotel.  Not that John was thrilled to walk...again, but the rest of us were glad to not have to get back in the car. 

The Art Museum had a really nice interactive room for the kids.  That was actually my favorite room, too.  It had books on art and various activities and a walkway that showed the progression of art through the centuries from caveman art to modern day.  Molly, Will, and Dom saw many of the artists that they have studied over the last year in their art class.  Again, Will enjoyed looking at everything.  Dom sidled up to me at one point and said he just wasn't that interested in art.  He takes a bit more after me.  Will is more like Eric.  But, he wasn't complaining or asking to leave, he just was letting me know he was ready whenever it was time to go.

 The above sculpture was inspired by the total solar eclipse.  I believe Huntsville was in the path of totality.  Feel free to google that.

 We returned to the hotel and checked out the pool.  Naturally.  Turned out we were visiting Huntsville the same weekend as a collegiate rocket competition.  And apparently everyone was staying at the Embassy Suites. So the pool was pretty crowded and breakfast was super crowded.

After fighting the crowds of breakfast, neither Eric or I really wanted to get back in the pool.  But, we made a deal with the kids that as long as they took care of John, they could go swim again.  The pool was much less crowded, and they all kept up their end of the bargain.  Naturally, Eric and I were there ready to jump in if the need arose, but having an 11 year old and 9 year old to switch off brother carrying duties is super duper the best.  Just ask young Socrates:

 After getting cleaned up and loading the car, it was time to visit some ancestors.  I asked my dad if the Maple Hill Cemetery was where some of our relatives were buried, and he confirmed this along with grave markers for us to find.  It is a beautiful cemetery and we located the burial plots for my great grandparents (the kids great great grandparents), as well as my Great Aunt Edna and Great Uncle Robert, who I always enjoyed visiting as a child.  He would come out about once a year. Of course, I didn't make the connection at the time he was my grandfather's older brother, but my memories of their interaction now are wonderful and his teasing of my grandfather makes a lot more sense!

  Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, so we couldn't look at the more historical markers of those who fought in the civil war, but we did find a few that had died in World War 1 and 2, which was of great interest to Will.

We headed to the Rocket Center where the kids got to rock climb on Mars.

 Hang out in a space module.

 Fly the space ship as well as walk through a space station.  We'd pushed our still 3-year-old to his limits and he was starting to not be impressed with all of the space stuff...so I don't have a lot of pictures.

 Speaking of not being impressed, Molly was super disappointed to not get to ride some ride that catapulted you up several stories and jarringly brought you back to earth.  I was not disappointed in the slightest.

 From the expressions, one might conclude I forced them to take this picture.  On the contrary, they begged for me to let them take this picture.  I think this is their "We are super serious because space is a super serious frontier" face.  #Acting

 She did enjoy this lesser ride, as did John.  I liked that there was no line and they could ride it several times in a row.

As we left the space center, the rain really started to pour.  There had been a few disappointments for Will along the way as we skipped a couple of rides due to the lines being particularly long and John not being particularly open to waiting for a ride he was too small for.  However, there was one last thing Will had his heart set on: Checking out the planets exhibit outside that were sort of set apart by scale.  The fact he probably knew all of the facts summarized on the various tablets did not seem to matter.  As well as the fact it was pouring rain.  As well as the fact there was no way they were actually placed a correct distance apart. This was the one thing he really, really, really wanted to do.  So, I let him...Eric wasn't pleased.  Our trip seemed to be going south fast.  We were tired, hungry, wet...the triumverate of reasons to call it a day and head for home.  But!  Wait!  We can get some food and keep going.  At least that is what we chose to do. 

After a quick bite to eat (which John slept through because he crashed before we left the parking lot of the Rocket Center), we headed north to find more of my ancestors.  My grandfather was born in Gurley, Alabama and his grandparents were buried there.  Then Keel Mountain was a bit further north from that.  We put Keel Mountain into the GPS and at a certain point it directed us to get out and walk...yeah, that wasn't happening.  Turned out there was a road...Keel Dr!!  Also a Keel Cemetery!  I have never seen my maiden name on so many signs.  Keel Mountain, Keel Road, Keel Luxury Estates, Keel Cemetery.  It all went to my head.  A little bit. 

 We saw many headstones of relatives and the above was the oldest we found.  Again, the rain kept us from really exploring the cemeteries.  We were unable to find my oldest Alabama ancestor's headstone, but we drove up and over the mountain.  I was taken aback a bit at how much it meant to see so many people sharing my last name.  All of these people were related to me in some way.  And my children are a result of the existence of several generations of Keels (and Schneiders/McCanns/Longeneckers/Buschelmans/Fennessys/ and several others).  Truly boggles the mind!

We ended the trip with a cups of hot chocolate for everyone and headed back down highway 65 to our home in the central part of Alabama.  It was a quick trip to Huntsville that spanned the centuries. 

Easter Triduum

 Easter Triduum was lovely for our family.  We started the previous Saturday with a Seder Meal at a friend's house.  The kids loved being able to participate in the answer and response...even if it was particularly difficult impossible for the still 3 year old to keep his voice silent for the 45 minutes at the table seeing food on his plate...but not being able to eat it.

Yet, that meal set the tone for the rest of the week.  On Holy Thursday, Molly and John helped me make bread for our dinner celebrating the Lord's Supper.  And Dom and Will read their Action Bible as much as they were given chances to.  Pouring over the sections about Our Lord's death and resurrection.

 At Mass, Eric had his feet washed as a representative of the congregation, along with 11 other congregants.  We started a tradition many years ago to wash each other's feet at home after Mass.  Something the kids were so keen to do, that they immediately lined up their chairs and waited patiently for water to warm up.   

 Those that read my blog know I'm proud of our kids about many things, but their reverence and excitement of this tradition just about makes my heart explode.

 Even if Eric maybe boiled the water a bit too long...the ice cooled it down quickly.

 So, by the time it reached me, it was perfect!

 Good Friday was observed as a day of fasting and abstinence.  We also started the Divine Mercy Novena, and for the first time, the kids seemed to enjoy this family prayer as opposed to endure it.  Which was inspiring for us parents.

 Now, the above picture was taken after Holy Saturday Mass, which we all attended as a family for the first time.  Our church started it quite a bit earlier than our previous churches have, and I knew it would be only about 90 minutes (as opposed to up to 3 hours).  John and Molly were thrilled by the fire that begins the Mass and excitedly held up their candles when Fr. Linn asked if everyone had one.  The candle kept John pretty entertained through the first part of the Mass, and he spent the remainder stage whispering about the Easter Bunny, much to my friend's delight who was sitting a few pews behind us.

As a side note, something also happened that I have waited 3 decades to be able to do.  Molly is different from me in many ways.  One of which is her love of leggings and close fitting clothes (she says they make her feel like she is getting a hug).  She puts on tights willingly...whereas I always fought my mom about it. They itched so bad!!  Well, on Holy Saturday, I noticed she was itching her legs.  Which was particularly precarious as she was holding a candle and would lean it at a sharp angle to reach her knee.  I leaned over and whispered something I had dreamt my mom would one day say to me: "Do you want to take those off and throw them away?"  She nodded and we headed to the restroom for a beautiful moment of mother/daughter bonding.

It just so happened that our Jayhawks were playing Villanova during the Mass.  We got out and did a score check to discover the pretty sad state of affairs going on in San Antonio.  Dom and I spent the after party outside on the steps watching the game on my phone.  He wiped a few tears away, and I stayed with him as our beloved players tried to make a comeback...and never did.  Really sort of killed the mood of the triumph of Easter (see above picture for the reaction to the loss)...would have been perfect for a Good Friday evening.

 But!  After a bit of chocolate cake and discussion about perspective and what is truly important in life, he mustered a smile.  Will and Molly took until the morning.

 It dawned sunny and beautiful.  A new day with all of the hope that Easter brings (note Will and Molly's smiles). 

 Our Easter Mass was wonderful and filled with all of the music I love to sing.  Loads of Alleluias for John, Too!

 There were Easter Hunts, lots of chocolate was consumed, a couple of ping pong games were played,  and we all had a lovely day.

 On the way to Mass that morning, Molly said something along the lines of that she hadn't wanted to go to church all those nights...but, it was totally worth it!  And I think so to.  Easter is my favorite season!  And as I type this...we still have a couple more weeks.  Time to break out the last of the peanut butter eggs!

The Rest of March

 We had a pretty full March even without our traveling to England.  Which is probably why that trip snuck up on us a bit.  First, Molly said she would like to play soccer.  So we had three kids in sports for the first time.  Luckily, it isn't too crazy.  Even if Molly woke us up at 6 AM the morning of her first game completely ready to go.

It helps quite a bit that Dom and Will get to play on the same team and practice is 5 minutes from our house.  I love watching the kids play soccer.  Molly ended the season not nearly as excited as she started, but she didn't have a bad attitude.  Just not her cup of tea.  Dom and Will had really great seasons and both grew quite a bit despite some lopsided games.  I was always proud of their energy levels on the field and their resilience.

Molly continues to impress me with her style.  Thanks, Thred Up!

Speaking of style...

Molly earned several badges for the spring ceremony.  I have been very happy with her participation in American Heritage Girls.  She has loved going to the meetings and spending time with a lot of girls her age.  She has requested I volunteer as a leader next year.  As they say in Bavaria: Schaumamoi! Though, I am touched that she would like me to spend more time with her.

Molly's schoolwork continues to be done at odd hours.  Whereas the boys work from 9 (or later if I'm distracted) to 3 or so (which would be less if they would just get the work done!!!), Molly is the most productive before 8 in the morning and after 6 at night.  She prefers someone to sit right next to her.  And, though I enjoy listening to her thorough explanations on mathematical procedures, I just need to her to get the work done.  She seems pretty proficient...masterful even.  I will give her a diagnostic test in the next week or so to make sure we haven't skipped anything that would inhibit her success in 2nd grade, but I'm pretty sure she is just fine. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, John did not leave my side for about 24 hours after our return from England.  And since all I did was sit on a couch and watch basketball, it worked out well. Pretty sweet little guy.

Luckily, by the next day, he was back to wanting to be around his siblings. Not that I got anymore work done. 

Also luckily, it did not take any time getting Dom and Will back to the old routine of doing dishes.  Grandma did everything for them while we were away, and fortunately, they are old enough to be aware that this was a temporary reprieve, not a permanent one.  Molly has not internalized that, yet...granted, she has been resisting her chore responsibility for as long as it has been implemented, so Grandma gets a pass on that one!

Molly drew us a lovely picture summarizing what took place while we were gone.  Ok, ok, ok,...I'm very concerned about her spelling.  Though, she has started to use the dictionary more. 

I have a love hate relationship with the NCAA Tournament.  I love the excitement...and hate watching my Jayhawks in close games.  They played Duke in the Elite Eight.  I had to take a walk at the start of the second half (something I did a lot this season).  It was a great game.  One that just a casual fan would love.  And in the end, a diehard Jayhawk fan loved, too.  Plus, Eric captured this fantastic picture of our super fans! 

Molly has always been our problem solver.  A candy wrapper is hard to open? Get scissors...don't bother to ask a parent.  She has also figured out the best way to convince me to do something is to take on the heavy lifting.  So our tea parties are totally put together by her.  She even got John to put on a tie.  I recently even got her to wash the dishes...or maybe she got Eric to do it.  Either way, I didn't have to: Winning!

The boys watching Molly's game.

Molly did get one goal this season.  And she was always up for throw-ins. 

This quarter, Eric has Wednesdays off.  Which means we get a lot of family time which  has been awesome and exactly why we all packed up and moved to Alabama for the year.  One of these Wednesdays we went to the zoo.  And during the necessary time spent at the park, Molly ran right in front of a kid on a swing.  SMACK!!  I didn't realize the damage to her chin until a couple of days later, because she didn't make a big fuss about it.  Impressive!

Dom and John, John was so excited to basically dress up like Dom.  Actually any time anyone wears a baseball cap...they are dressed up like Dom. 

As opposed to bunny ears made by your sister...then you are the Easter Bunny!  (He isn't sad, that is just his impression of a bunny face) Speaking of which, the Easter Post will be coming shortly.