Williamsburg Day 4

Our final day in colonial Williamsburg began early at the Basket maker's...

Then the shoemaker...

 The magazine... (which is where they keep guns, gun powder, and other military needs)

 The printing press...

 We had lunch at the tavern...

Then headed over to Jamestown settlement.  Here the girls are inside one of the Wampanoag Indian homes.

Nathan with the chickens

 And the cannon...

 Rachel in the church...

Williamsburg Day 3

It was a beautiful Valentine's Day.  I wrote love letters to the kids and put them at the breakfast table.  Inside was a hint to where I had hidden a special treat: a pack of m&m's and a necklace.

Leah's says...Loved by God and has a cross and a bead on it.  Rachel's says...Child of the king and has a crown and bead.  The boys got glow in the dark crosses.

We made the shirt she is wearing from a old solid colored shirt and a hear shaped doily.  We simply placed the foil on the shirt and painted in the holes.  It was simple, and beautiful.  Best of all, it was free!

After a breakfast of heart-shapped cinnamon rolls , we headed back into Willamsburg.  First stop, the
palace.  Nathan loved all of the swords and guns in the foyer.

Rachel loved the baby cradle.

After touring the inside of the palace, we went out for a run through the garden maze.

Then to the kitchen to see how they made chocolate.

We walked by Bruton Parrish.  A church that has operated continuously since 1710.  This is George Washington's pew.  If you click on the picture, you can see his name printed on the door.

Here the girls are in front of the church.

On the way to make valentine's, we got to taste real chocolate.

Once we got to the museum, we made rebus valentine's.  This is a note that was written in colonial times.

Here is Rachel's version.  She did a great job.  It says..I love you.  Love Rachel.  Be my valentine.  I love you.

After making Valentine's we stopped by to see the horses again.  This time Leah attempted to feed her a dandelion.

As we walked around town, Leah took notes.  Everywhere she went.

Next we visited the apothecary.  (the pharmacy)  Even back then, they made antacids out of chalk.

After a quick lunch, we headed to the Bits and Bridles tour.  Here the guide is showing us how the bridles works in the horses mouth.

The stables were beautiful even though we didn't see any live horses.  They keep them out in the pasture unless they are working.

Crime was rampant today, so we headed to the jail.

The weather was gorgeous.  Can't wait for another fun day!

Williamsburg Day 2

Day 2 began with two excited little girls and a beautiful creature.  The girls couldn't believe that she walked right up to the fence to see us.  The horse was a little disappointed that we didn't come bearing sugar cubes, but she still tolerated us for a while.

After petting and playing with the horse, we headed to the museum for a toy making workshop for home schoolers.

Everyone made miniature dolls out of craft materials.  Leah did a great job making her look like she was from the 1700's.

After the workshop, we headed for some retail excitement.  The girls certainly take after their mommy with their love of shopping.  Everyone used their christmas money to buy a souvenir.  Leah got a creme colored horse.  Rachel got a mini tea set.  Nathan got a race car and Luke got a ball.  Anyone surprised by their choices?

We also headed into the peanut shop for some samples.  It was like costco without the ladies in hair nets.

After lunch, we finally headed to the streets of colonial Williamsburg.

 Luke found some small balls (otherwise known as rocks) to throw in the creek.

I loved this shot of Luke on the street.

The girls' favorite stop of the day was the Milliner.  They learned all about wearing stays and making clothes.  The milliner also told Leah that the horse that she bought was a very rare breed.  Only 50 in the US!

Here are the girls in the Milliner.  Behind them are some of the dresses that he would have made in the 1700's.

Next stop was the wigmaker.  The kids loved seeing the different kinds of hair.  Yak, horse, goat and human hair were all used in wigs.

We stopped for a traditional gingerbread cake cookie.

And posed for a group shot.

Next we headed to the weaver.  The boys couldn't wait to get out of there.

But the girls really enjoyed picking cotton and watching as the spindle made yarn.

Tomorrow we make chocolate in the governor's palace and attend a few special programs!

Williamsburg Day 1

We are so excited to be blessed with the opportunity to go to Williamsburg this week for Homeschool days.  We've been studying US history this year, so this trip is the perfect hands-on experience.

Much to our delight, Day 1 began with a light dusting of snow.  Just enough to play in, but not so much that it complicated our plans for the day.

After we played in the snow, we had a church service in our living room.  We are staying at a beautiful time share with Grandma and Grandpa.

After Rachel opened with a prayer, we sang praises to Jesus.  Here is Luke singing "This little light of mine"

Of course Rachel blessed us with some dancing as we sang, "Here I am to worship"

Leah wanted to sing "courageous."  Here they are singing the line- The only way we'll ever stand is on our knees with lifted hands.  Make us courageous.

As we headed out for some exploring of Williamsburg, we found some icicles.

Today's stop was the candle factory.  We enjoyed some indoor snow as we window shopped the Christmas villages and toy stores.

Grandpa took them to the candy store for a lollipop.

Snuggling with grandpa outside the popcorn shop.

After a morning of shopping, we headed back for some relaxation in the pool.  Yes, it was 32 degrees outside.  Apparently the hot tub is fun in freezing weather.

The girls were much wiser and remained in the indoor pool.

We are going into Colonial Williamsburg tomorrow.  Can't wait!