Fort Matanzas

Before school got out, the parents were invited to meet with the 4th grade teachers.  They gave us a list of places in Florida that they encourage the students to visit over the summer.  4th grade is the year that the kids learn about Florida history, so we've decided to visit some of the places on the list.  First up is Fort Matanzas.  Fort Matanzas is actually one of several watchtowers that the Spanish built to help defend the St. Augustine fort from the British.  It is the only one still standing.  The fort, or rather a watchtower, is a National Park - and with a National Park comes Junior Ranger programs.

Caroline dressed up in her vest full of badges and wore the hat Aunt Leslie bought her 2 summers ago.  The hat is a bit small, but Caroline couldn't be deterred from wearing it.

Here are the kids investigating the turret.

We climbed to the top of the watchtower.  Cheese!

Then we had to climb back down the tiny hole.

The kids were fine.  On the other hand, I was a little nervous.

We headed back to the visitor center to finish the junior ranger booklets.  One thing I love about Florida is all of the live oaks.  Of course those with them in their yard (Aunt Vicki and Uncle Keith), don't love them quite as much since they drop leaves several times a year.

Here is Caroline reciting her pledge to the ranger before getting her patch and badge.

Kevin is receiving his badge.  He doesn't love the program as much as Caroline, but he takes it seriously, does his work, and gets his badges.  I'm proud of them both.