St. Augustine, Florida! - State #26!

 Our motivation to travel started YEARS ago, when Todd and I were young and 'BC.' (Before Children) We loved the idea of seeing the country and experiencing all this nation had to offer, but we got busy having babies, working, buying homes, selling homes, running the roads going to basketball,football, baseball and even piano practices.
Now, there is nothing wrong with those things!  Not at all! ;)  We just wanted to get beyond our little 'bubble' in Texas.  The more we homeschooled the kids, the more we wanted to go and see and do!

 So far, we have visited 26 states on this journey, so naturally, we HAD to visit the oldest European settlement in the continental United States!  (we're nerdy like that)......( maybe I'm the nerdy one??)

St. Augustine was established in 1565, where Spain exercised jurisdiction.

We made a quick stop to see Castillo de San Marcos National Monument on a beautiful Florida day.

The Spanish claimed Florida, destroyed the French, built the fort; which survived a fire, lost possession to the British, was named Fort Marion, then, Fort St. Mark, then changed to Fort Marion AGAIN, and then finally, in 1942, its original name was given! (Castillo de San Marcos)  WHEW!

When you really take the time to learn how each state became one of the United States, it can be confusing at times, but it is also another way to be thankful.  Our country has been through so much to be what it is today!

And we made it JUST in time to see them shoot off the cannon!  SO fun!

 These guys were great, and commanded the attention of all who could see or hear them.

What a gorgeous view from the top of the Fort!  LOVE it!

 So, after our quick jaunt through the fort, we took a stroll through the oldest city in America. :)

I love the old bricks, and narrow roads.
St. Augustine is still a 'walking' city.  You can see it ALL, on foot, in less than 2 hours.  So quaint.

As we were strolling, I looked over and noticed this orange tree!  Too fun!  I guess you know you're in Florida, when you see them. :)  They're everywhere!

This is one of those "Bucket List" places for me.  As a former teacher, and now a homeschool mom, this had sentimental value to me.

So, in St. Augustine, not only do you see the oldest little school house, you also get to see the oldest Drug Store!

Inside were some of the old jars of medicine and herbs, too!

So, what does the Golden Gang do after a lot of walking and learning?

ICECREAM!!  Todd talked to the kind lady at the check out, and she gave us one for free!  On Sundays after 4:00, they have 'Happy Hour' for everyone.  :)  Instead of one scoop for a $1, you get TWO scoops!  We were happy. :)

 Can you tell that Tanner just wanted to eat his icecream?!  Too funny!

Blessings,
Steph