Field Trip: Wilson's Creek Battlefield

     I took the kids to Wilson's Creek Battlefield a few years ago. We didn't have a full day and had always wanted to return. We planned another chilly but refreshing day outdoors near Springfield, Missouri.

 

     I feel nostalgic about Wilson's Creek for a few reasons. Of course, I grew up 30 minutes from here so there is that. Also, I am fascinated (in that kind of horrified way you can be about something so vile and sad about our history) by the Civil War. Third, I came here on my field trip in 5th grade.

     I don't know why exactly, but I was feeling extra sentimental this day. I mean, that's just me, so that's not surprising. I had these weird moments as I walked along that made me feel like I was in a movie scene. Like my eyes would fill with tears as I could almost hear my classmates and myself trudging along these same trails, like familiar little voices almost audible in the breeze. I know I sound crazy. I wasn't literally hearing voices. I know that I was probably feeling this way especially because of the funeral I had just attended a couple of days before. My childhood friend died a few years ago, and the funeral was for his mother. I still grieve whenever I think of him. Also, my 5th grade teacher who had brought us here - the one I had so adored, died a year ago. As I would remember certain spots and certain scenarios from that day, it was all so bittersweet and deja vu-like, I did fight back (and lose that battle occasionally) tears a lot throughout our hikes. I did, of course, enjoy making new memories with my own children here in these beautiful woods and hills.

     The way Wilson's Creek is set up: 

There is a visitor's center with exhibits, displays, and a movie. 

     You pay to enter past a gate. (Or you can just start hiking without your car.) Then you can stop at any/all of the many points of interest (to find your Junior Ranger booklet answers or just to explore) along the almost 5 mile road.

         Dash can be such a good big brother, always accepting Ninja's request to be held.

     Funny, I just posted a photo of Ninja playing with a stick on our last Junior Ranger outing.

     By the end of the hike, Ninja claimed he couldn't walk another step. We all took turns holding him individually, but he is getting heavy these days. I really wonder what it feels like to be this kid. I wish I could see inside his thoughts. I know there are parts of being the youngest that aren't ideal. His three siblings often prefer different things than him. His Mom is older than she was when the others were his age, and when I say older I really mean TIRED. There are moments when we all know - and he probably knows, too, that he has it made.

taking the pledge

their two new badges from this trip

     We were super hungry by the time we left the park. We ate yummy crepes at Aviary Cafe.