That evening after a scrumptious dinner that Gram prepared, the family gathered on the back porch to watch the sunset.
“Ashley,” said her mother. “I was reading some of those letters that were in the leather case that you brought home. They are absolutely fascinating! Some of them are from soldiers who served in World War I and World War II. Some of them are from the 1800’s and I’ve even come across some that were written in the 1700’s.”
“Wow,” said Ashley. “Well, Mr. Peabody did say that his family’s been here for ages.”
“I guess he was right,” said her father. “I think the 1700’s really count as ‘being here for ages.’ What was in those letters, dear?”
Ashley’s mother said, “The ones written in the 1700’s were written by a family member who lived in Kittery, Maine. I really think we may have come across something here, because he seems to be talking about being in Philadelphia during the time of the Declaration of Independence.”
“Really?” said Ashley. “That’s awesome. How do we find out more about this?”
“Well, dear,” said Gram. “Where do you and Josh always go when you need to find answers?”
“Oh, right,” said Ashley. “The library.”
“I think I’ll go with you tomorrow to see Kathleen at the library,” said Ashley’s mother. “I’d like her help in researching these letters for the Donnybrook Days event. I can’t thank you two enough for bringing home this case. These letters really provide a snapshot of Donnybrook through the centuries.” She smiled at Ashley and Gram.
At that point, Ashley’s little sister, Kelly, who was sitting on her father’s lap, piped up and said, “Hey, what about the things that I gave you?” She pointed at her chest.
“What things?” asked Ashley’s mother.
“You know, Mommy,” said Kelly. “Those shells that I found at the beach.”
“What do shells have to do with Donnybrook Days, munchkin?” said Ashley’s father.
“Daddy, Donnybrook is on the ocean…shells are from the ocean,” Kelly looked up at her father and threw her hands up in the air.
“Oh, I see” her father said.
“Yes, I see, too,” said her mother. “That was very thoughtful of you to collect those shells. I’m sure I can find a way to use them in the Donnybrook Days events.”
“See!” Kelly said with pride. “I can find things too.”
“Yes, you can,” Ashley laughed. “Come on, it’s time for bed. I’ll read you a bedtime story.”
Ashley and Kelly said ‘goodnight’ to Gram and their parents and went inside to get ready for bed.
