Fort Jackson; Est. 2008

The Lookout

We boys have been digging a fort in the backyard. One part, a semi-triangular pit we have dug, is about 2.5 feet deep. It is surrounded by a dirt wall, which is about one foot high. The other section, is called "The Lookout". There are two platforms located in a tree. One, about 4 feet off of the ground, was built a few years ago. The other located at 11 feet 4inches above the ground, is the newly installed "Birds Eye View" platform. Papa helped us build it last weekend. It gives us really good views, that we've never gotten before. Daniel also installed spikes in the tree, so he and I could climb up about 5 feet more in the tree! The highest point accessible in the tree is 16 feet above ground level! We'll keep posting updates on our fort, as we change it.
P.S. Come Visit us, there is no admission fee! :)
-Posted By Joseph Cook (13)

The last part, is a small shack, which we built today[9-23-08]. It holds our "ammunition" (Pinecones), which we use to attack the "enemy" (an imaginary enemy of course) Daniel and the Younger Boys (Nehemiah, Noah, and Elijah) Took less than 15 minutes to put it together!

The Fort

Water Garden

Daniel and I have been working on a "Water Garden". Lately we have laid down some black paper to keep off the weeds, and during spring, we'll probably plant a few flowers. Right now, we have three basins, witht the water hose connected to the fire hydrant. Hopefully, we will be able to add another pump and more basins in the future.

Posted by -Joseph Cook

Fort Caroline/Mayport Trip

On Friday, Papa had just arrived back from a course in Oklahoma. We picked him up at the airport, and then went to visit Fort Caroline/Timacuan Preserve. We had been learning about the Timacuan Indians in Papa's history class. We got to see fort Caroline. (Pictured above) We also quickly stopped by to look at the Ribault monument, a replica of the monument once placed there by French Explorer Jean Rebault in 1562. After the park closed, we went by Mayport (A Naval Station) To see the mouth of the St. Johns River. When we walked onto the beach, it was very windy! We even saw what appeared to be part of an old galleon. It was a piece of wood, with manmade markings and large screws. It was half buried in the sand. Soon, we hea ded back to home. (After stopping at Starbucks of Course!)We enjoyed our trip very much, and we hope to visit both places again sometime soon.
-Posted by Joseph Cook

Fireproof the Movie

Hello,
I am very excited about this movie coming out soon, especially since I am a volunteer fire fighter. The Fellowship of Christian Fire Fighters staff has shown it at fire conventions as it has been praised for its realism. Lord willing I am taking my Elizabeth to see it on SEP 27th as soon as I come out of the field from tactical medic training at Camp Blanding. We will preview it before making a decision as to which children beyond my oldest three Anne (17), Daniel (15), and Joseph (13)can see it. Due to it being a movie about adult difficulties and fire fighting hazards, I doubt that I will take any younger children to it. We should all make an effort to see it as close to opening weekend as possible in order to lenghthen and promote theatre runs. I'll post again after we watch it.

Love in Christ,
Dan Cook