Going, going, gone.

(Scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for a couple videos).

The weekend after we returned from Raleigh started our closure week. Everyone had their last week of work and then we began our closing activities. It was also the Blue and Gray Reunion in Philppi, where they celebrate the first land battle of the Civil War reenactment. To read more about what that whole celebration is about you can read about it here. Highlights of the weekend that we attended included the parade, ball, reenactment, and an amputation reenactment. Several of us in the house also ran a 5K--a first for both Heidi and Mike.

Renee at the ball

Gray shooting at the reenactment

Jim explaining the history

Jim Skidmore did a learning component that week in Civil War era muzzle loaders and we all got a chance to shoot one at targets. We all eventually hit the targets. Micah nailed the Pepsi bottle, Renee hit the center target, and Ben used his TP eye patch to help aim :) We had some cleanup to do at the Skidmore's after our shooting lesson though, because some people in the group had never been TPing before and thought it was time to experience that! (NOTE: this was a late-night prank not endorsed by unit leaders :) as we learned about it the next day)

Ben and his eyepatch

Micah's great shot

Allison's turn

Strawberry pie!

Other closing activities, besides some sessions on transitioning home, and major house cleanup, included a canopy tour with zip lines, revisiting Otter Creek, and messy games! We celebrated Ben's 21st birthday too. All in all it was a great way to end our time together. We hope everyone's experience in Philippi was memorable and rewarding. We'll miss everyone but know the relationships made this year will last a lifetime.

Looks like the shaving cream cans exploded!

Chocolate and oil dancing