Plantation Day, Amazing Vet, Addy's first steps

One of the reasons we decided to come on this trip was to help not only the kids but us as parents to have a deeper appreciation for the history of this great nation. Plantation Day sure taught us a lot and opened all our eyes. We were able to see some beautiful plantations with their inspiring landscapes, brilliant colors, and awesome craftsmanship but the most inspiring part was the history of the slaves, how they were treated, the conditions they lived in, and the burdens that they bore. It brought so many different emotions to the surface, shame, discussed, anger and hurt. We were able to see their "homes" and  hear their stories. This was definitely a sobering experience that has left a lasting impression on our family and greatly changed our perspective, something I don't think we would of got from a book!

Laura Plantation

Actual listing of the slaves on the Plantation.The list gives the value and worth of each slave and a brief description of their abilities.

Slave quarters were 16x16 often times they would put 13 to 15 people in those "houses"

Oak Alley, these trees are 200 years old.

This gentleman is a greeter at WalMart. When we went in we noticed his jacket said he was in the battle of the Bulge in WW2. We stopped and talked to him. He was 17 yrs . It was so touching to listen to him tell us his experience. Getting down into the boats that carried them to the shore, the quietness and then the screaming as the doors opened on the beach, the whistle of the bullets. He lost 26 friends and was one of 7 in his group to live. He got emotional as he carefully pulled out of his pocket an old tatered newspaper clipping and some pictures of when he returned to the shore 8 yrs ago. I have a deep deep appreciation for anyone who has served our country and this was a powerful reminder to all of us that "Freedom is not Free, it comes at a very steep price".


Addy's First Steps!!!!!!

Addy surprised us by taking 6 steps. Watch out she'll be running before we know it!