(This picture was found on YAHOO NEWS. Only 25 pictures were posted and we were #14)My good friend Rachel Crane and I had the opportunity to attend and participate in the 150th Battle of Manassas/Bull Run out in Virginia this past weekend. Besides the oppressive heat and humidity it was so very unforgettable and memorable. One of my most favorite moments where at 4am. The first bugle call rang for the Cavalry, before the sun rose. Seeing that we didn't fall asleep till almost 3am because of the heat and humidity you would think I would be not so happy about that bugle, but it was one of those unforgettable moments that I just laid there on the blanket on the grass...eyes closed with a smile on my face. It was by far one of the most beautiful sounds of the weekend. The bugles went off every 15 mins till 6am.
Here is a Video montage below that made of our entire weekend with pictures and live footage of soldiers marching, which is something you can't wrap you head around until you see them march out to the beating of the drums.
My Video of our trip to VA: http://youtu.be/zFAWIsk5wOc
Michelle, Myself, Rachel
My new dress I finished about an hour before I had to leave to catch my plane at 5am. I am wearing my mothers broach that my father purchased for her while we were living in England and her pocket watch on my dress. Couldn't help but think of her so often. How much I miss her. Not quite ready to write about her. Just need more time...
We spent the first day touring the historical sites and the battle field of Manassas before the event started with a few of our Utah Soldiers that flew/drove out.
Picture of the historical Stone house in Manassas before the Civil War
Historical Stone Bridge with our Utah soldier Rex standing in front
Our Utah BoysRex, Jake, jamin, and Scottie
A monument that the Civil War Soldiers built in honor of the First battle of Manassas
Battle Field
Us girls in our dirty wet underpinnings after swimming for hours.
This sweet couple walked by and after chatting for a bit they requested a song. We played Ashokan Farewell for them.
Another favorite moment. We decided to play for the boys as they marched off to battle on Sunday. We played Dixie and Bonnie Blue Flag over and over again. The fifes stopped as they passed. Some of the men tipped their hats or waved them around in the air hootin' and hollerin'. Such a rush, for I could not see them as my eyes could not leave my instrument.
This was another way to pass by a very hot unbearable humid afternoon.
A monument that the Civil War Soldiers built in honor of the First battle of Manassas"In Memory of the Patriots who fell at Bull Run, July 21, 1861"
Battle Field
Rachel and found a little piece of heaven the day before about 100 yards down from the camp deep in the woods. It was Little Bull Run Creek (where soldiers had actually crossed over and camped close by) and we spent (Rachel's daring idea for which I am forever grateful for) the entire afternoon with a fellow reenactor Michelle from Utah that afternoon swimming just to escape the heat and humidity. We sang civil war songs as they echoed through the creek, very memorable.
Us girls in our dirty wet underpinnings after swimming for hours.
This sweet couple walked by and after chatting for a bit they requested a song. We played Ashokan Farewell for them. 
Another favorite moment. We decided to play for the boys as they marched off to battle on Sunday. We played Dixie and Bonnie Blue Flag over and over again. The fifes stopped as they passed. Some of the men tipped their hats or waved them around in the air hootin' and hollerin'. Such a rush, for I could not see them as my eyes could not leave my instrument. 
This was another way to pass by a very hot unbearable humid afternoon.
On the last day hours before my plane left my two dear talented friends from Arizona (Pearl and Alyssa) played music with me (violin and Cello) on a stage under a huge tent. When we started it there was only about 5 people sitting. By the end of the hour it was standing room only. About 15 mins into our concert we were broadcasted over the entire event for the last 45 mins. Us girls has NO idea and thank goodness because I think I would have wrapped it up very quickly. It was by chance that we had a young soldier come by and offer to sing for us. Our last song we performed on stage was "Ashokan Farewell" as the soldier read the historical Sullivan Ballou love letter. It was so very appropriate as Sullivan Ballou died after the first battle of Manassas/Bull Run exactly 150 years ago that day. I didn't realize the significance at the time when I had him read it as we played.
