For the Love of these Tall, Handsome Strangers

My darlings at the Georgia Aquarium--
ages 1, 4, and 7.

 Who are these tall handsome strangers eating all of the food in the house?  They are no longer the babies I remember.  No longer do they cling to my leg or follow me around the house.  No one cries when I announce that I'm leaving for work.  No one wants to go with me to the grocery store and ride in the car shaped buggy.

I look like a shorty next to my boys now.

John Robert (far left) with some swim team pals.

Instead, they have grown into even more fascinating people than I'd ever imagined. 


John Robert has become a calm, confident seventeen year old who works as a lifeguard, and pays not only for his car expenses, but also for the costs of his many exams-- A.P., SAT, ACT.  He has one more year with us before college. He teaches me something new almost every day-- linking me to interesting podcasts, and simply sharing his observations about people and the world.

Thrilled that his egg carrying device
was successful; even from three stories.

Spencer has become quite the academic.  Always a history buff, he has expanded his areas of interest into subjects that used to overwhelm him.  It is a joy to observe his perseverance.  Two of his teachers wrote recommendations for his high school application.  Their words made me tear up.  They clearly recognized not just his intelligence, but also his big heart.

He has tackled algebra and high school physics with vigor.  But he is also funny and sensitive.  As he grows more confident in his abilities, his smile appears more often.  I was thrilled to read one of his writing pieces recently.  His writing skills are amazing.  It is true what he told me when he was five: "Momma, there is a home in my head for words."  

Denver in Orlando with his new hat.

And Denver, well... he is his Daddy's Mini Me.  Intelligent and sociable, he is always in the middle of every activity and conversation.  Interestingly, this drive to be a part of everything has resulted in pleasant surprises.  He joined Spencer and me this week at the National Archives for a four hour lecture on World War One.  He took notes just like Spencer, and declared the whole event "fun."  He works hard in his LEAD classes, learning about medieval European history, human anatomy, and dissecting animals in vertebrate anatomy.  He is completely dedicated to his swim team, and looks forward to every practice.  For him, it's all about being part of the group and doing what they do.  This makes it super fun to take him everywhere, as he will immediately introduce himself and begin chatting with people of all ages.  SO different from me.

Denver with a large group of our friends at a restaurant last night.

As the days, months, years, and decades fly by, I sometimes cannot believe that this girl who never planned to own a house, marry, or have children, has become a middle aged woman who cannot imagine being without my home with my husband and these boys.

Degonia Mystery Tour 2018

HOW is it possible that I have not made a blog entry since before Christmas?  So much has happened.  The boys are growing and changing, and I am the mom who is falling down on the job.  Not only am I failing to document our family wonders, but I can neither keep the house clean nor the laundry under control.  Oh, well... the dogs have been fed and I think we have a half gallon of milk in the fridge.  Let me tell you about our family's recent Mystery Tour.

The one time we see John Robert
regularly-- dinner time. 
Note: cell phone within
 reach at all times.

It began with John's sudden impulse to take a family vacation.  I think it was seeing how busy John Robert is.  Between work, high school, and friends, we barely see him.  Even when he is home, he is often in his room.  I've gotten in the habit of texting him to tell him when dinner is ready.  All of the boys are growing fast, and we wanted to scoop them up and spend some time together.

After a few thoughtful discussions, John and I decided to take them on a fun trip over winter break, but to keep the destinations a secret.  To our surprise, they loved this idea!  Denver was the only one to push for more information.  He managed to discover that our first destination was about a day's drive away.  After considering the items on his packing list, he looked at a map and speculated that Florida was most likely.  Denver's biggest concern was whether this trip was going to be fun or just educational.  He stressed to me the need for FUN.  


To the boys' delight, our first stop was Cape Canaveral, Florida, and the Kennedy Space Center.  It did not disappoint.  We had watched with fascination the week before when the Space X Falcon Heavy launched.  One of the booster rockets was on display. 

We spent the day going from rocket to rocket, learning more than I ever wanted to know about the Space Center's history.  The best part for me was simply being together and sharing the experience.

An unexpected event in Cape Canaveral was the guest staying in our hotel-- Vice President Pence.  We didn't see or talk to him, but the Secret Service was a fascinating presence.  From their search of our vehicle and the metal detectors at the hotel entrance to the guns and bulletproof vests, they definitely made the stay memorable.

The view from our hotel balcony at the Hilton
in Disney Springs.

The end of our day at the
Magic Kingdom

Our next stop was a fancy hotel in Disney Springs, Orlando. The boys looked at us wide-eyed as we passed a big sign with Mickey Mouse Ears . . . Disney World?!  Even 17 year old John Robert was thrilled.  John and I were pleased that no one seemed too old for the Magic Kingdom.  The boys had little memory of it from their last visit nearly a decade ago.  Other than the incredibly long lines and initial trouble with our Fast Passes, it was a wonderful day.  

I confess, it was also nice to get back to our hotel with a lazy river for the boys to enjoy, a 100 foot lap pool for me, and a hot tub the size of a small swimming pool for both John and me. 

John and I at Sea World.  We spent most of the
day holding hands, and watching the boys
have fun on the roller coasters.

The following day, we rallied the tired troops and made our way to Sea World.  I know this park has been controversial in recent years, but the boys wanted major roller coasters, and John and I wanted smaller crowds.  Sea World was perfect.  We  bought Fast Passes for the guys and they went crazy all day-- riding coaster after coaster-- until even they were too dizzy to go again.  BTW, John and I each rode one of the wild coasters.  And then we agreed, once was enough!

After getting our fill of dolphins, killer whales, penguins, flamingos, roller coasters, and rides that get you soaking wet, we went back to the hotel to retrieve our bags before going to our new destination.  At least, that's what John told the boys.  Instead, he had our bags moved to the penthouse of the hotel where we had two floors and three balconies to enjoy.  We enjoyed the fancy life that evening.  Over dinner by the pool, the boys declared this the best day ever.  Their cheeseburgers, they said, really were Cheeseburgers in Paradise.  

The week was flying by, and we only had one wonderful stop remaining: St. Augustine.  Home of the first European settlement in North America.  We enjoyed seeing the ocean, exploring the fort, and walking the streets of St. Augustine, where the boys located not one, but SIX ice cream shops.  The boys stayed up late swimming in the hotel pool and enjoying each other's company.

All too soon it was time to drive home.  We gazed longingly at the ocean as we drove north then west toward home.  Back to high school.  And homeschool.  And work of various kinds.  Already it seems like a distant memory.  But we still have our new hats!

The Wizard and Goofy

Donald at the Magic Kingdom

Denver and a soldier at Castillo de San Marcos

Spencer translated the Spanish
for me.

All of us at the fort wearing new hats! :-)

Soldiers and townspeople in old town
St. Augustine

The oldest wooden schoolhouse in America.

My quiet Jibber in his Goofy hat.

Another Good Day

 Homeschooling has become a blessing we rarely think about.  We forget that most families cannot run off to a museum on a weekday morning to indulge a child's fascination with ancient Roman history.  But we can.

It was a wonderful and simple day.  Not unusual for us.  Time spent together.  Good discussions.  Thoughtful questions and then home with good memories.

A Visit with Cousin Hannah's Flat Stanley!

This week, we met a new friend!  Our cousin, Hannah Mathes, sent Flat Stanley all the way to Covington, Georgia for a visit.  Do you know where Covington is?  It is just east of Atlanta, Georgia-- about a 12 hour drive from Farmington.

While he was here, Stanley made friends with our little dog, Audrey.  When he cooked sausage, she really liked him a lot!

Stanley helped us decorate for Halloween.  Scary!

Stanley had fun learning about history with us.  He battled knights and gladiators!  

He also met two famous presidents-- do you know who they are?

We had a wonderful visit with Flat Stanley, and now he is riding home from Georgia with Hannah's grandparents.  He misses you, Hannah!

Uncle John, Aunt Kim,
John Robert, Spencer, and Denver.

Nana and Papa with Denver and John Robert

Don't Know Much About History . . .

Spencer at the entrance to the National Archives.

How did I not know about the National Archives in Atlanta?

I didn't know what to expect when I signed Spencer up for the National Archives of Atlanta's yearlong American history class for homeschooled students.  I knew it would be a lot of lecturing.  I had heard it was rigorous and highly academic.  I also knew he would be expected to participate in the National History Day competition-- but I didn't tell him about that part!

Engraved on the emblem, "Littera Scripta Manet;" which
means "Written Letter Remains."

Luckily for us, the first day was phenomenal.  Spencer was happy and enthusiastic about the experience, and I loved seeing him interested and thoughtful.  He even smiled-- twice!  To top it off, he already has an idea for his National History Day competition research paper.  As one who LOVES writing research papers (Yes, I am that person), I am over the moon with joy.
  
The teacher, Joel Walker, is a devoted, experienced, and enthusiastic teacher and archivist.  As he led us through the history of colonial America, we read a slave ship's document and were able to see the original (!).  We read a copy of the Proclamation of 1763, which took away all that the colonists had been fighting for during the French and Indian War because it forbade the colonists from moving west into former French territory!  Joel said he got shivers whenever he touched this document because it was the beginning of the colonists' discontent with their King and one of the seeds of the revolution.  Spencer and I were smitten with Joel's enthusiasm.

This year's theme for National History Day
Competition: Conflict & Compromise

Not only did we receive a unique tour of the archives, but Spencer and I were thrilled with the idea of looking through boxes of history and being able to form our own opinions and become true historians through researching primary sources.  They had NASA documents, school integration documents, draft cards (including that of Louie Armstrong), Navy documents regarding German submarines off the coast of the United States during WWII, and MANY more federal records.  

Our class was small, but enthusiastic. Questions from parents and students were encouraged during the five hours of our class. I cannot help but compare it to my own history classes-- full of bored teenagers and teachers with so little time and so much to cover. 

Homeschooling isn't perfect.  I suppose nothing is.  But today . . . for Spencer . . . was one of those rare perfect days.  So many new thoughts and possibilities.  Wondrous.

Wow!  A 1918 government letter documenting the detention
of Lily Busch at our country's border due to her German nationality.
(Busch Beer, anyone?) 

   

When Your Future's so Bright . . .

Denver and Spencer enjoying the wonder.

I barely remember the eclipse of my youth.  That is not a metaphor. I remember the science teacher poking a hole in a shoe box and we students looking through a hole showing a white pinpoint of light that eventually became a crescent.  I don't remember feeling excited about it.  All I remember is the welcome break in our usual school routine.  I don't remember my parents mentioning it at all.

This time was different.  My husband ordered special glasses for us.  The boys read a N.Y. Times report on the eclipse. We watched a program about historical fears and superstitions surrounding eclipses.  Spencer and I discussed the fall of Constantinople after an eclipse which frightened the Constantine people.  

Crescent shadows during the eclipse.

Yesterday was the big event-- a 97% eclipse.  John Robert left for school at 4am to ride a bus to Clemson University and view the eclipse in its totality.  Scientists and professors spoke to the students.  The entire student body of the university seemed to be out on the quad.  He said it was amazing.  

John, Spencer, Denver, and I took a more laid back approach.  We loaded up the van with food and a cooler, and went to the pool.  John grilled burgers, we watched the eclipse through our special glasses, we drank cold drinks, and "Oohed" and "Aaahhed" all afternoon.  Cooler temperatures.  A wild change in lighting.  Crickets chirped.  Dogs barked.  There were strange shadows.  It was simple and wonderful.

My children constantly remind me that the world is an amazing place and learning is ever reaching.  My teacher's attempt years ago to help us experience the eclipse was the best he could do at that time with 30 students, one shoe box, no internet, and limited time to share.  I'm so glad John and I could give more and share more.  

Einstein and Shakespeare enjoying new eclipse glasses.

The biggest and best thing I have learned from homeschooling is the simplest: we learn best and most when we are allowed to follow our wonder.  

Who knows what we learned and what need is there to test us?  The world is the subject and every moment a possible opportunity to see something we've never before seen.

36 Hour Getaway OR Survival Challenge

Two Happy Zipliners at the end of an Awesome Day.

Launching from the Heron's Nest
to zip across the Chattahoochee River.

With an unexpected few days off, John surprised us all with a quick trip to Columbus, Georgia for some excitement this week.  Unlike my idea of fun-- museums, bookstores, restaurants, and a beach-- John and the boys had different ideas.  How about ziplining, a ropes course, and some white water rafting?  Umm... Okay.

Spencer makes it look easy!

John Robert chose to stay home for school and get paid for overnight dogsitting.  The rest of us piled into the car and set out for adventure.

Our first stop was lunch in downtown Columbus, which is charming.  There is a thriving triathlon scene there, and I enjoyed drooling over the Go Faster wheels in the local bike shop.  After this little delay, Denver and Spencer began their ziplining adventure and ropes course.  John and I had a great time watching them!

Denver's return zip after two hours of
ropes courses and obstacles.

After a wonderful evening blowing out John's hotel points on the Presidential Suite at a local DoubleTree (Yes, the shower was in fact large enough for all of us to stand in!), we looked forward to another day of adventure: white water rafting.

The Boys' New Favorite Place.

It needs to be said that John signed us up for the "Family Adventure."  This was said to be suitable for children ages 8 and over.  It sounded fine.  I didn't know to be scared.  I was a bit suspicious of our surfer dude river guide, but it didn't occur to me that we would do anything but rock up and down a bit as we floated down the river.

I was wrong.  Our guide delighted in showing us all the wonders of surfing: turning the nose of the raft upstream and into the rapids until the water sucks the nose of the boat down.  This was terrifying as my two children were in the nose of the boat.  The water eventually spit the boat out of the wave, hurling us downstream.  Fun?! Delightful?!  I didn't think so.  Sadly, I was in the minority and we did this repeatedly! We watched the boat ahead of us flip too high in the air and capsize-- children, parents, guide, and paddles strewn like confetti across the water.  

By the time our trip was through, I had resigned myself to simply obeying our guide's paddling instructions and waiting for the boat to flip.  Yet my husband and children loved it.  LOVED IT. Sometimes I think we're not really related at all.

After (finally!) pulling our raft ashore, my sons and husband were dripping and grinning from ear to ear.  It was a fast but exciting adventure for them.  We loaded up, ate lunch, and drove home.  I later heard Spencer telling a friend what a great time he had.

I have spent the last 17 years trying to keep my children safe.  It is hardwired into me.  Something about the white water rafting made me feel unsafe.  I wanted to pull my children out of the turbulent waters to safety the entire time.  I could not enjoy it, and when I realized they were having fun, I knew I had to allow it . . . and yet, be ready to pull them to safety at every second.

Not my cup of tea, John Degonia.  You owe me for this little vacation.