Cappachino with the Chaplain....

This weeks message combines two concepts: The Shuttle and One's Impact!!!

"That one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind." Don't we all recognize this famous quote by Neil Armstrong as he first stepped on the moon? The last landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis was today- shortly before 0600. The space shuttle program has provided us with 30 years of adventure, learning, tragedy and excitement. I remember watching the earliest lift-offs and landings and wondering what we would gain from our time in space. Those who embarked on these flights had few expectation but, felt the responsibility to follow through with their travels if only to further efforts for future generations. They did this understanding the risk but, with a strong sense that the rewards would greatly out-weigh the risks. We all fall victim to 'tunnel vision' at times, where we can't see past our own limited experience to put things into a bigger picture. Or, don't know if our next move is worth the risk. Few of us look back over our life and wish we had done less with our time and energy. There are many lessons to be learned by those who have gone before us and have modeled ways to leave a positive mark for future generations. How are you impacting your family and community in a positive way for the future?



The end of an era landed this morning just before 0600 EST. What a profound impact space travel has had on our society. The daring trips those men and women have taken over they past decades opened many doors to research, intelligence and opportunity. They have paved the way for many generations to come. What an impact!! I hope that in some small way I cab do something far less grand and exciting but just as significant.

~To go places and do things that have never been done before – that’s what living is all about.
— Michael Collins, flew on Gemini 10 and Apollo 11.

Do you know Leroy Petry???

Do you know who this man is?


If you dont then its of no fault of your own.

He is the most recent recipient of the Medal of Honor. It was awarded to him today, July 12th by the President. He is only the second "living" recipient since the Vietnam War.

His actions in the line of duty were herioc and if you ready his story the sheer magnitude of his dedication to his fellow soldier and his strength is immense. Click here to read the article.

What upsets me is that today I did not hear about him on the TV/news, on the radio or in the paper. I read an article posted on our military banks website. I am thankful they gave him recognition but appauled that our media felt the need to bypass this story for the other garbage they talked about. Today I randomly turned on the news to hear about Ms South Carolina loosing 100 pounds and a ton of promos for the new Capt. American movie, but nothing about Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry. Its not a wonder I'm not interested in watching TV. There really is nothing good on.

So today as I sat and read his story I realized how important it is to recognize the sacrifices of our servicemembers that our overseas fighting. They are heroes and making sacrifices daily. I feel responsible for letting my children know about stories like that of Leroy Petry. I definitely can't count on the media. These acts can not go unnoticed and be left to go under our radar. Thank you Leroy Petry and all those who serve so that my family can keep living the dream.

Canoeing....

We took the canoe out for its first salt water expedition. Up until now we have only ever put it into lakes and rivers. We decided to try the salt marshes in Sandwich known as Scorton Creek. It was a blast. That day was absolutely gorgeous. We cruised the marshes for about 2 hours and then paddled under the bridge of Rte. 6A for a little jumping. We definitely needed a cool off.



~My view from the front of the canoe.


~Osprey nest with babies inside.



~Jumping off the bridge...Its alot higher from up top then it looks.

~Travi going again!

~Taylor of course preferred to watch over the canoe and be a spectator while we took turns jumping.


The only downside to the salt water is well...the salt water. After jumping in and evenutally drying off we were all covered in a white salty film. It was gross but worth it for the fun.

Family/Friends on the Fourth...

We celebrated the birth of our nation yesterday!!! What a great holiday weekend! We literally had this amazing weekend and even this morning Trav and I commented on what a fun filled time we had together and with good company. It was the first time in our 3 years on the Cape we actually celebrated and saw fireworks.



We started out the day at the parade. A typical small town parade but the kids loved it. Trav got drenched by some super-soakers and Taylor acquired a bag of candy that was throw out by the parade participants.

In the afternoon we headed out to our friends well ummmm....mansion! He owns a mansion out the Cape that is currently for sale and it was the most gorgeous house. If you have an extra $5 million dollars laying around, I highly recommend this house! It was on a private beach and had a rooftop deck for us to view the fireworks of at least 5 different towns on the Cape. He was so gracious to host the night and it was wonderful.

Let summer begin....

It finally feels like summer is here. The sun has been shining for more then 1 day at a time and the temps. are rising. I finally bought our beach pass so that we can take trips to the 5 beaches in Sandwich. Yes, you have to pay money to be able to enjoy natures bounty out here. One of the most popular beaches in Sandwich is Boardwalk Beach. The boardwalk extends across the marshes and out onto the beach at Cape Cod Bay. . We don't really frequent that beach to much as it is very rocky but we love the boardwalk. A hurricane in 1996 wiped out the boardwalk so the community band together to rebuild it by selling individual planks for inscriptions. We love reading them.

As you can see the boardwalk extends quite a way. Its really beautiful. There are hundreds of planks that have been purchased with unique and personal words on each of them.

More then that....Travis loves jumping off the boardwalk into the water of the marshes at high tide. His first time was last summer and he has been anxious to go at it again.


Taylor has to really thing about whether she is getting in. She doesn't mind the cold water, but the marshes are very muddy and she doesn't like it.

She is getting close here. Still pondering the slimy mud!

The boys on the other had need little persuading. They just go for it! Travi loves jumping off. Most times we come here he knows at least a couple of other kids as well so he enjoys that even more.