Jackie - looks like next summer for MB for us. We're doing Cherrystone, VA this June and probably Williamsburg for a week in July after the boys' weekend in Carlisle. As for the ear protection, that's the same reasons I've given him to wear it. I'm 54 and my hearing is starting to fade a little. If there is background noise from a fan or piece of machinery, it's hard to hear a low volume voice. That and most nights my ears are ringers as well. Too many years in manholes with impact guns and loud machinery before i was smart enough to know better or listen to those that were.
Josh is a good kid. Although he will challenge a lot of things, he dons the earmuffs without question. I guess he's seen me grab mine, or safety glasses or gloves without hesitation if the task calls for them.
