Grandpa and the Rocket Boys

We're in the midst of formulating a plan. It all started when the World's Greatest Grandpa suggested a trip to West Virginia, to his hometown, with E and T. He got the idea from a conversation with E about the movie, October Skies. It turns out that the guys the movie is about grew up in the same area as WGGP. Since E is into model rocketry & currently fascinated with the history of it WGGP suggested they go and visit the sites where the story is set, as well as his old stomping grounds. They were leaning towards making the trip a sort of "guy thing."

Originally they planned to go this summer; but, E learned about some commemorative festival, or something, that's held there in October. So, they started talking about waiting until then so they could attend the festival. Then, I got wind of their plans & started thinking that K would like to go, because she is way more interested in rockets than T. Then I thought I would like to see where WGGP grew up 'cause I love him, too; and, I'd like to know more about my children's ancestors & stuff like that. But of course, if K and I were going R would have to come along. So, I sort of told WGGP that we were all coming with them. So much for "just us men."

E thinks it's a great idea. This weekend we picked up a copy of Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickman, Jr., the book that the movie was based on. On the drive home we started discussing how the trip to WV could be turned into a field trip for the kids. We got to talking and figured out how we could incorporate all their subjects into the theme of the trip. We both started getting really excited thinking about all the learning opportunities. However, the most important part is the special memories we all will have of going on a field trip with Grandpa.