Colonial Williamsburg

The kids had a shortened spring break this year.  Darn snowy winter.  But we took full advantage of their three days off school and drove up to Virginia.  First stop:  Colonial Williamsburg.

We were taken back to the time of

 tri-cornered hats and very long, skinny states (colonies?),

 carriages,

stocks,

and hoop and stick.

It was fascinating, entertaining, and educational.

And expensive.

If we go back again (which we'd like), we wouldn't

pay for tickets.  You need them to visit certain buildings, 

but there were plenty of things to see and do

without paying admission.

Our favorite parts:

Caroline:  Listening to the drums and fifes

Whitney:  Visiting the candy shop afterward.

Who knew Jelly Belly had been around so long?

 Brandon:  Watching a play at one of North America's

first play booths.

Me:  Dinner at the Powells

We got invited to "dinner" with an upper middling family.

The food was real, but we didn't actually eat.

We learned about classes:  gentry, middling, and lower.

Gentry were those who earned a living without working with their hands.

Also learned that instead of passing the food around the table,

each person was in charge of serving one type of food and they

passed the plates around the table.

The kids can't wait to try it at home.

Andrew:  Listening to the reading of the 

Declaration of Independence

from the Capitol building.

It was inspiring.

Loved it.

A few other things:

I read some lady's blog who recommended buying the souvenir cup.

Best ten bucks we spent.

Free refills at several spots around town.

We drank and drank and drank.

And found most of the restrooms, too.

The decorations at the Governor's Palace are cool...

and intimidating.

Guns and swords everywhere.

   Had fun jumping rope,

lawn bowling,

and just spending quality time with our family.

Great getaway.