Friday, October 10, 2014


Nik and Cori ready for the Wedding Ceremony
Our son and his fiancĂ© were recently married at the Park-McCullogh House in Bennington, Vermont. Cori and Emily had met at an American Revolution historic reenactment and their connection to each other and shared passion for history was immediate. 
Emily reconsiders her gift to Cori at Fort Ticonderoga
The elegantly preserved Victorian mansion and carriage house on 200 acres were the perfect setting for Cori and Emily’s 1940’s period wedding. They, family and friends had spent a year planning, finding and making the vintage clothing, decorations and accessories to add to the atmosphere. Nik has been a Judge and Justice of the Peace for over 20 years and was honored to officiate the ceremony. Cori’s soon to be 84 year old Grandfather was one of the groomsmen. 
Eden teaching Nik how to Swing Dance
One of my contributions was collecting over 8 hours of foot stomping Roaring 20’s Jazz and 40’s Swing era music for the reception. Nik and I connected with a Clarkson University Student, Eden, in nearby Potsdam who came over to the house for swing dance lessons weeks before the wedding. We pushed the tables and chairs aside in the kitchen and Eden gave us enough knowledge to play with the moves and dance with confidence. 
Emily and her father Ken walk through the gardens
The only one missing at the wedding was our son Levi…the intended best man had an untimely deployment and was not able to attend. The wedding was great fun and reflected Cori and Emily’s diligence and passion for historic detail. 

I was reminded how quickly time passes; how beautiful it is to see the seeds we sow through upbringing and education come to fruition in our children

Tracy and Becky

Nearly 20 years has passed since I sketched out our first year Homeschool curriculum using an historical timeline as the framework. While I was certain they would know their history, it was a wonder to see how that historical foundation allowed Cori and Emily to create an atmosphere with such clarity…that they could know their subject so well and have the confidence to play with it and inspire others to join in the fun. 

Cori and Emily Dance at the reception