Oh, the places we've been!

The sunken road on Maryes Heights, Fredericksburg:



The Petersburg National Battlefield Park, where Bobby looked out from Fort Steadman, the goal of the Civil War's last (and disastrous) Confederate offensive...



...and where Bobby met a friendly Virginia lizard.



Here he is up close:



Wilmer McClean's parlor, where Lee surrendered to Grant:



And now, New York City - Times Square!



We saw the Valley High School Orchestra play Carnegie Hall today, and that was an indescribable thrill, seeing Dan on that stage with his double bass. Then, as an added bonus, he sat in with the Greenville (NC) youth symphony on timpani, snare and triangle - another buddy of his, Travis, also sat in as a percussionist. They were emergency fill-ins for North Carolinians who couldn't make it. I don't know if the kids realized how neat it was, but we parents - wow! Bobby and I walked to the front of the hall during an intermission, and looking out at the audience seats - unbelievable! Unfortunately, no photos - strictly forbidden in the hall. Darn.

Tonight is the last night Bobby and I will be on our own. The orchestra heads back to Iowa, and the four of us - me, Vickie, Dan and Bobby - join forces to storm Manhattan tomorrow. The family vacation enters a new phase...