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Saturday, September 26, 2009
The War between the blue and the grey.............
Yesterday we awoke to rain showers, but we still made our way back to Colonial Williamsburg. We wanted to hear Patrick Henry speak. We heard he was an incredible individual who had studied his life for over 15 years. We walked the 15 minute walk (the first of many miles we walked yesterday). He is AMAZING. People asked questions about government today, and of course he stayed in the time period. Things he said were so funny. Someone asked about an income tax, he said, "Why would one ever tax someone's income?" What would be the incentive to work???? Right after he spoke the rains came down. So we made our way to the garden and stood cover and met a wonderful lady who filled us in on things to not miss even though we have been here several times. We ended up taking the bus(Gabriel's favorite thing-he sits perfectly still) and landed in a peanut shop. Okay, sorry to be boring but for the Bells this was heaven. They had wasabi nuts for Eric, cookies dough peanut butter for Haley, Peanut brittle to die for etc. etc. all in samples. We seriously spent an hour there. And the rains stopped. We walked, and walked to hear "Get Reved" . A live production they do in the afternoons. You just have to see it to appreciate it. My feet were so sore yesterday though we walked at least 4 miles and this lady is looking rather prego.....We came home and Eric took the big kids to Busch Gardens to see the scary stuff. Just when I was about to relax they let us know we had to switch condos for our last four days. So I tried to organize us to move. The good part is that we now will have a 3 bedroom, but moving our stuff, all of our food was a chore. We did that this morning and then went to a place that NO ONE should miss if they come out East.
We went to PAMPLIN PARK. It was incredible. I have always loved teaching about the Civil War. There are so many fascinating and heart breaking real life stories. In college my unit study was on this. Any way, you enter and choose a soldier. You get headphones and then follow through the indoor museum and hear about life through your soldiers eyes. They had kids posts as well. You can't believe how much the kids loved it and were well behaved because they were engadged. Now if only they would be that way at home........hmmm? It was amazing. I could have stayed all day. Hey Miss Robyn you will be glad to know they talked about some things you taught them when they had their unit study on the CWar. Then we walked outside to a plantation house General Lee used as headquarters at the end of the war. The little kids loved the sheep and they can tell you what a plantation is now. Eric, Josh and Ben went to another building to watch an hour movie about the war. They said it was pretty graphic for kids. So we went on the small hike to see where this battle was fought. Incredible to be standing there. Sad to be standing there. The final leg the kids got to dress up in Civil War clothes and play checkers, learn how to beat the drum and what it meant, and actually see a camp and play in the shelters the men slept in. Haley was so excited to try on a hoop skirt-And NO ONE was there. I think we saw a total of 10 other people the whole day. Kinduv sad actually but wonderful for our crowd. This was one of my most favorite days. It is a place I would love to return to. I took lots of pictures of the trees and grounds. One must not see this beauty and doubt we have a Creator.
I just fixed tacos and Eric took the big kids back to scary land :). We leave Wednesday. The minutes are going by quickly. The Lord has been so good to us. No one has been sick. The kids are talking a lot about their family and friends so we know they are missing home.
We went to PAMPLIN PARK. It was incredible. I have always loved teaching about the Civil War. There are so many fascinating and heart breaking real life stories. In college my unit study was on this. Any way, you enter and choose a soldier. You get headphones and then follow through the indoor museum and hear about life through your soldiers eyes. They had kids posts as well. You can't believe how much the kids loved it and were well behaved because they were engadged. Now if only they would be that way at home........hmmm? It was amazing. I could have stayed all day. Hey Miss Robyn you will be glad to know they talked about some things you taught them when they had their unit study on the CWar. Then we walked outside to a plantation house General Lee used as headquarters at the end of the war. The little kids loved the sheep and they can tell you what a plantation is now. Eric, Josh and Ben went to another building to watch an hour movie about the war. They said it was pretty graphic for kids. So we went on the small hike to see where this battle was fought. Incredible to be standing there. Sad to be standing there. The final leg the kids got to dress up in Civil War clothes and play checkers, learn how to beat the drum and what it meant, and actually see a camp and play in the shelters the men slept in. Haley was so excited to try on a hoop skirt-And NO ONE was there. I think we saw a total of 10 other people the whole day. Kinduv sad actually but wonderful for our crowd. This was one of my most favorite days. It is a place I would love to return to. I took lots of pictures of the trees and grounds. One must not see this beauty and doubt we have a Creator.
I just fixed tacos and Eric took the big kids back to scary land :). We leave Wednesday. The minutes are going by quickly. The Lord has been so good to us. No one has been sick. The kids are talking a lot about their family and friends so we know they are missing home.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monticello
Okay, today was a surprise! The days go so fast now and we have all been sleeping in! Sophie left 2 days ago. It was a little tricky getting her to the Richmond airport. They wouldn't let us all go in with her but they also made us stay with her until her plane left. So were divided and it is not the nicest airport. The kids were really sad to walk back into the condo with no cousin present :(. Yesterday Haley, Ben, Gabe and I went to the YANKY CANDLE! It was really fun. It snows every 15 minutes and there is a ton to see. Ben and Haley made candles using their hands as a mold. Pretty creative. Eric took the other kids miniature golfing and swimming. We had a yummy dinner at the condo and then went to the outlets. We found shoes for Gabriels extra big feet (thanks to Papa's jeans)!
But today we drove into Charlotesville! Just like the Walton's :). It was about an 1 1/2 hour drive or so. We went to a place called Mitchies Tavern. Okay, this would be a dream place for most of the men in our family. It is an old tavern with buffet style old fashioned colonial food. Real mashed potatoes, green beans, black eyes peas, stewed tomoatoes, biscuits etc. But the best part was the fried chicken. It was to die for. It was all you can eat and all served on old tin plates etc. Very yummy and fun. And it is only 1/2 mile from Monticello where Thomas Jefferson lived. It was so beautiful and incredible to stand where I had only viewed in pictures. We met archealogists who were wonderful with showing the kids what they were doing. Eric was enamered with the house. It was so graceful with creative details everywhere. They just opened a "kid room" that recreates the house and has things for the kids to play with. We loved that they said-"Please come in and touch everything" We were the only people there and the kids played for an hour and would have stayed longer . The lady working there was so gracious. We were excited to learn so much about his contributions, hear his wonderful truth filled quotes, but sad learning he was a diest. The kids shared all they learned and we were surprised with all they shared.
They were the calmest they have been on the car ride home. THANK HEAVENS :) I sang an old hymn and Caleb said," That sounds like a song the slaves would have sang". They have learned so much. I am so grateful to feel so good pregnant. I think all the walking has helped. Although we have tested too much chocolate and I am afraid to go to the doc when we go home and weigh in HA. We listened to a neat sermon on the way home too. It talked about how the Lord blesses us with good thigs but they are only good if they don't distract us from Him. Good thoughts especially as we delight in this special time as a family.
Halloween must be very big here because there are decorations everywhere and things for sell. They are transforming Busch Gardens into a scary land and the big kids can't wait to go there this weekend. It is stormy out right now with huge thunder clouds and lightening like I have never seen before.
Caleb is missing his backyard and we are missing all of our family and friends :)
But today we drove into Charlotesville! Just like the Walton's :). It was about an 1 1/2 hour drive or so. We went to a place called Mitchies Tavern. Okay, this would be a dream place for most of the men in our family. It is an old tavern with buffet style old fashioned colonial food. Real mashed potatoes, green beans, black eyes peas, stewed tomoatoes, biscuits etc. But the best part was the fried chicken. It was to die for. It was all you can eat and all served on old tin plates etc. Very yummy and fun. And it is only 1/2 mile from Monticello where Thomas Jefferson lived. It was so beautiful and incredible to stand where I had only viewed in pictures. We met archealogists who were wonderful with showing the kids what they were doing. Eric was enamered with the house. It was so graceful with creative details everywhere. They just opened a "kid room" that recreates the house and has things for the kids to play with. We loved that they said-"Please come in and touch everything" We were the only people there and the kids played for an hour and would have stayed longer . The lady working there was so gracious. We were excited to learn so much about his contributions, hear his wonderful truth filled quotes, but sad learning he was a diest. The kids shared all they learned and we were surprised with all they shared.
They were the calmest they have been on the car ride home. THANK HEAVENS :) I sang an old hymn and Caleb said," That sounds like a song the slaves would have sang". They have learned so much. I am so grateful to feel so good pregnant. I think all the walking has helped. Although we have tested too much chocolate and I am afraid to go to the doc when we go home and weigh in HA. We listened to a neat sermon on the way home too. It talked about how the Lord blesses us with good thigs but they are only good if they don't distract us from Him. Good thoughts especially as we delight in this special time as a family.
Halloween must be very big here because there are decorations everywhere and things for sell. They are transforming Busch Gardens into a scary land and the big kids can't wait to go there this weekend. It is stormy out right now with huge thunder clouds and lightening like I have never seen before.
Caleb is missing his backyard and we are missing all of our family and friends :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Beach and The Baptists :)
Yesterday we drove about an hour away to visit Famous Virginia Beach. It was a fun layed back day. We arrived at the "beach". There was a beautiful 3 mile boardwalk that was really neat. There was an area for bikes and an area to walk in. It was very windy and a little overcast but that didn't stop tons of people from being there.
We ventured out to a huge play structure right on the beach. The kids played on that for a while but soon were all on mounds of sand burying Caleb. The water seemed rough and dark to me. There were lifeguards everywhere blowing whistles and a riptide warning. So it seemed rather scary. We did put our toes in the water but then went back to the sand mounds. The kids could have played there forever.
We walked a long ways along the boardwalk enjoying the people, sand, and scenery. It was very nice to just stroll along. Then we went into the millions of shops. We decided they went to China, ordered the same 20 souvenirs and then opened 50 shops :)! But the girls loved it. Eric, Gabriel,Caleb, and Josh stopped and ate pizza while we had fun looking at all the different stores. We took a different route home. We went by the WISCONSIN and the shipyards. There are so many tunnels here to get anywhere. The kids try to hold their breath when we go through them-(I noticed Eric went extra slow yesterday HA!!) It was a nice day. We came home, the little kids swam while the girls made cookies and acted like "Rachel Ray hosts on TV with make up and all". They are having lots of fun together.
This morning we tried a new church. It had a pretty neat websight. In fact it looked updated and very outreach oriented. It was called Smith Memorial Baptist. Hmmmmmm........I seriously thought it was 1978 and I was back in our little Baptist Church I grew up in the early years of my life. The songs were from the Gaithers,the people dressed like then, and I swear I had seen the maps on the walls years ago. The Sunday school rooms were very old fashioned and the gym had AWANA awards on the walls. Needless to say, Eric said the sermon was very, very, good (God's word never gets old). I wouldn't know because Gabriel was totally freaking out in the nursery. When I came to get him he still didn't calm down but went through everyone in our family's names over and over asking for them. He seemed very afraid. It was so sweet but made me sad he gets so frightened. So he and I explored the building. It is always neat to see how others worship. It seemed like it would be hard to be "new" there though. It was very full and crowded but not super friendly. I did meet another family with 10 children who were visiting from Australia. We then went to Busch Gardens (yes, again) :) the kids love it there. We ate too much fudge and had a nice day. The weather is so wonderful. I also met another lady on Sesame Street land who is due the same day as me. Tomorrow we head to the SHIRLEY PLANTATION. It will be Sophie's last day and the kids are very sad.........she is hoping maybe a big storm will come in and they will have to change her ticket :). She has been wonderful to have along.
We ventured out to a huge play structure right on the beach. The kids played on that for a while but soon were all on mounds of sand burying Caleb. The water seemed rough and dark to me. There were lifeguards everywhere blowing whistles and a riptide warning. So it seemed rather scary. We did put our toes in the water but then went back to the sand mounds. The kids could have played there forever.
We walked a long ways along the boardwalk enjoying the people, sand, and scenery. It was very nice to just stroll along. Then we went into the millions of shops. We decided they went to China, ordered the same 20 souvenirs and then opened 50 shops :)! But the girls loved it. Eric, Gabriel,Caleb, and Josh stopped and ate pizza while we had fun looking at all the different stores. We took a different route home. We went by the WISCONSIN and the shipyards. There are so many tunnels here to get anywhere. The kids try to hold their breath when we go through them-(I noticed Eric went extra slow yesterday HA!!) It was a nice day. We came home, the little kids swam while the girls made cookies and acted like "Rachel Ray hosts on TV with make up and all". They are having lots of fun together.
This morning we tried a new church. It had a pretty neat websight. In fact it looked updated and very outreach oriented. It was called Smith Memorial Baptist. Hmmmmmm........I seriously thought it was 1978 and I was back in our little Baptist Church I grew up in the early years of my life. The songs were from the Gaithers,the people dressed like then, and I swear I had seen the maps on the walls years ago. The Sunday school rooms were very old fashioned and the gym had AWANA awards on the walls. Needless to say, Eric said the sermon was very, very, good (God's word never gets old). I wouldn't know because Gabriel was totally freaking out in the nursery. When I came to get him he still didn't calm down but went through everyone in our family's names over and over asking for them. He seemed very afraid. It was so sweet but made me sad he gets so frightened. So he and I explored the building. It is always neat to see how others worship. It seemed like it would be hard to be "new" there though. It was very full and crowded but not super friendly. I did meet another family with 10 children who were visiting from Australia. We then went to Busch Gardens (yes, again) :) the kids love it there. We ate too much fudge and had a nice day. The weather is so wonderful. I also met another lady on Sesame Street land who is due the same day as me. Tomorrow we head to the SHIRLEY PLANTATION. It will be Sophie's last day and the kids are very sad.........she is hoping maybe a big storm will come in and they will have to change her ticket :). She has been wonderful to have along.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Life Lessons
Well, our trip is going so fast. We seem to be in a good routine. Everyone is on the East Coast time schedule and the Lord has blessed us with wonderful, perfect weather. We spent another day today at Busch Gardens. This is such a great off season time to be here. The kids saw the wolf show, we heard Italian singers, and the highlight was eating in Germany. Chloe got to dance with a German girl and all the kids reluctantly, but with smiles did the chicken dance with European dressed boys and girls. We have learned so much. Our minds have been filled with historic facts and hands on learning that no book could ever replace. But today I was thinking about a different kind of learning that has and is taking place.
The learning of being together. Let's face it. We are no easy group. When you put together a new place, 7 kids under age 12, a very pregnant woman, a small space, and more, together you have a great opportunity to be molded :). Isn't that a nice way to put it? I mean everything we do does take work. You don't just jump into the van to go somewhere without a filled sippy cup, diapers, wipes, hand sanitzer, snacks, etc. Even finding 9 pairs of shoes can be a challenge.
On top of that you throw in self. Each child (and okay us adults too) think of self first. And that becomes very apparent when you are already tired. We get squeezed and the real us comes out. Who gets to sit where in the van, who got the last cookie, and who gets to use the bathroom when you walk into the condo after a long ride home. All these little things happen on a daily basis and are escalated when you are having fun but running hard and in a new place.
But the beauty of it is that it also a great time to learn. Today I watched Caleb help Chloe and Gabriel get off of a ride. He gently lifted Gabe out of his little boat ride and ran right over to him all on his own. I saw Sophie be patient with the little boys who are loving having her here but could drive any cousin crazy. We told Ben to NOT get out of bed until we say it is okay. He was taunting the girls at 6 am the other morning. We can't afford to buy everyone a cotton candy so we share one big one and they seem to know how to do that and not expect anything differently. The older kids have experienced some new freedoms on our trip (like riding a few rides outside of our eye sight) and yet they have blessed us by telling us each experience almost as if they wanted us there to be part of it all. They have looked out for each other and taken care of one another. They are learning that others have to come first. Constantly. Chloe can't make it an hour without needing to go potty. All of us had a turn at taking her today. And its true, in our house, someone is likely to take your pillow, spill their drink on you, get into your saved candy, turn on the light while you are sleeping, sit in your seat where you just were sitting, change your channel, and more EVERY day.
But that is where you can have patience, grace, and growth. Things we all need every day. Believe me, Eric and I are first in line for the Lord showing us our need in this. And somehow in all of the chaos and craziness there is a joy and gratefullness I have for each of these special people God has allowed us the priviledge to parent. And how crazy is it that the kids are teaching Eric and I the very thing we are trying to teach them. We all are changing and growing.
I am constantly amazed at their differences. Who likes mustard and who doesn't. Who is hesitant to try new things and who has no fear. The have different needs, and different areas they need to grow in and being together 24-7 has allowed this to take place in a new way. We all need eachother and we all help each other. We have bonded and are bonding in a new way. I love us being together.
We missed our turn on the way home tonight. The roads here are crazy. And Eric and I both began to laugh where last week we would have been stressed. The kids are being more patient with one another and we are all daily being blessed with chances to show love and grace to others all in the midst of making wonderful lifetime memories. We are learning to work together. To be a team. To give forgiveness and also seek to think about someone else first. Together. These lessons of the heart are much more important than any history lesson. It doesn't get any better than that.
The Lord is so good :0)
The learning of being together. Let's face it. We are no easy group. When you put together a new place, 7 kids under age 12, a very pregnant woman, a small space, and more, together you have a great opportunity to be molded :). Isn't that a nice way to put it? I mean everything we do does take work. You don't just jump into the van to go somewhere without a filled sippy cup, diapers, wipes, hand sanitzer, snacks, etc. Even finding 9 pairs of shoes can be a challenge.
On top of that you throw in self. Each child (and okay us adults too) think of self first. And that becomes very apparent when you are already tired. We get squeezed and the real us comes out. Who gets to sit where in the van, who got the last cookie, and who gets to use the bathroom when you walk into the condo after a long ride home. All these little things happen on a daily basis and are escalated when you are having fun but running hard and in a new place.
But the beauty of it is that it also a great time to learn. Today I watched Caleb help Chloe and Gabriel get off of a ride. He gently lifted Gabe out of his little boat ride and ran right over to him all on his own. I saw Sophie be patient with the little boys who are loving having her here but could drive any cousin crazy. We told Ben to NOT get out of bed until we say it is okay. He was taunting the girls at 6 am the other morning. We can't afford to buy everyone a cotton candy so we share one big one and they seem to know how to do that and not expect anything differently. The older kids have experienced some new freedoms on our trip (like riding a few rides outside of our eye sight) and yet they have blessed us by telling us each experience almost as if they wanted us there to be part of it all. They have looked out for each other and taken care of one another. They are learning that others have to come first. Constantly. Chloe can't make it an hour without needing to go potty. All of us had a turn at taking her today. And its true, in our house, someone is likely to take your pillow, spill their drink on you, get into your saved candy, turn on the light while you are sleeping, sit in your seat where you just were sitting, change your channel, and more EVERY day.
But that is where you can have patience, grace, and growth. Things we all need every day. Believe me, Eric and I are first in line for the Lord showing us our need in this. And somehow in all of the chaos and craziness there is a joy and gratefullness I have for each of these special people God has allowed us the priviledge to parent. And how crazy is it that the kids are teaching Eric and I the very thing we are trying to teach them. We all are changing and growing.
I am constantly amazed at their differences. Who likes mustard and who doesn't. Who is hesitant to try new things and who has no fear. The have different needs, and different areas they need to grow in and being together 24-7 has allowed this to take place in a new way. We all need eachother and we all help each other. We have bonded and are bonding in a new way. I love us being together.
We missed our turn on the way home tonight. The roads here are crazy. And Eric and I both began to laugh where last week we would have been stressed. The kids are being more patient with one another and we are all daily being blessed with chances to show love and grace to others all in the midst of making wonderful lifetime memories. We are learning to work together. To be a team. To give forgiveness and also seek to think about someone else first. Together. These lessons of the heart are much more important than any history lesson. It doesn't get any better than that.
The Lord is so good :0)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
birthday of the Constitution
Today was another special day! We slept in and Eric fixed breakfast. The big kids and I found the outlets near by. The girls loved shopping and poor Josh was dragged into Motherhood for a long time. The baby is kicking all of the time now and feels rather big :). We still don't know if it is a boy or girl but are excited thinking we will meet him/her in only 2 months and a few days.
We then went to Colonial Williamsburg for our "authentic dinner". We wanted to do this with cousin Sophie. We went to Shields Tavern. We were met at the door by a gentleman who seated us in a dark cllar like room downstairs with only candles. It was fun. Another man came over to the table and asked where we came from. When we told him Oregon he said he had not heard of it but he knew a lot of exploring was going on. He totally stayed in the time period. The kids loved it. Sophie had Thomas Jefferson's favorite meal-buttered noodles. I had an incredible roasted chicken and Eric had stew. It was really fun and the kids did great.
We then walked a LONG ways to the center of Gloucester Street where George Washington talked and the Pfife and Drum members played patriotic songs. The Air force band played a little program sharing the history of America in song since the signing of the Constitution. You couldn't help but feel thankful and proud to be an American. We made it ALMOST to the end of the program (when Gabriel and Chloe were done with sitting). As we walked to the van they ended with the National Anthem and you could see everyone standing singing from the top of their lungs. GOD BLESS OUR AMERICA!
Yesterday we went back to Yorktown for classes and a tour. It was much less intense than Jamestown. The kids seemed to really enjoy it and the lady who led the tour was great with the students. They saw a soldier camp and they shot off a musket and a cannon. They learned a lot about the soldiers life. It is a slow season and a great time to be here. I met another home school mom from Tenn. and had some neat conversations with her.
Time is starting to go too fast and before we know it these days will all be memories. Such special ones. We played a game last night in the resort with other families and we won. The kids were thrilled. Oh, and there is another family that has 9 kids who are staying here. So see, we aren't the only nerds running around. HA. We are missing everyone back in Medford.
We are grateful to be Americans more than ever before.
We then went to Colonial Williamsburg for our "authentic dinner". We wanted to do this with cousin Sophie. We went to Shields Tavern. We were met at the door by a gentleman who seated us in a dark cllar like room downstairs with only candles. It was fun. Another man came over to the table and asked where we came from. When we told him Oregon he said he had not heard of it but he knew a lot of exploring was going on. He totally stayed in the time period. The kids loved it. Sophie had Thomas Jefferson's favorite meal-buttered noodles. I had an incredible roasted chicken and Eric had stew. It was really fun and the kids did great.
We then walked a LONG ways to the center of Gloucester Street where George Washington talked and the Pfife and Drum members played patriotic songs. The Air force band played a little program sharing the history of America in song since the signing of the Constitution. You couldn't help but feel thankful and proud to be an American. We made it ALMOST to the end of the program (when Gabriel and Chloe were done with sitting). As we walked to the van they ended with the National Anthem and you could see everyone standing singing from the top of their lungs. GOD BLESS OUR AMERICA!
Yesterday we went back to Yorktown for classes and a tour. It was much less intense than Jamestown. The kids seemed to really enjoy it and the lady who led the tour was great with the students. They saw a soldier camp and they shot off a musket and a cannon. They learned a lot about the soldiers life. It is a slow season and a great time to be here. I met another home school mom from Tenn. and had some neat conversations with her.
Time is starting to go too fast and before we know it these days will all be memories. Such special ones. We played a game last night in the resort with other families and we won. The kids were thrilled. Oh, and there is another family that has 9 kids who are staying here. So see, we aren't the only nerds running around. HA. We are missing everyone back in Medford.
We are grateful to be Americans more than ever before.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Jamestown learning
Yesterday we woke up early & headed to Jamestown. It was a full day of learning. It was neat meeting other homeschool moms from all over. I learned about new curriculum and it was encouraging hearing their excitement for homeschooling. I mentioned to one mom that some days were hard, and she said, "Oh every day is hard" :) but it is worth it! We were all in line for a tour and classes they offer homeschool kids during this time.
The tour was outstanding. It was 2 1/2 hours though and by the end my own mind was boggling with all we have seen and learned. They have 3 ships to tour, an Indian villiage with live people demonstrating what life was like. The same for the the fort and much, much more. They recreate everything. The kids loved it. They also liked seeing the live hens running around all over and were thrilled to find a random turtle crossing the path and a squirrel that was leaping on the tips of the fort fence. It is the small things they find most interesting.
Each child was divided into age groups and went to "school" in the afternoon. Dad and Eric went with the kids. They said the classes were very well done.
After our Jamestown fun we found a COSTCO, ate hotdogs and went shopping! We got Papa an apple pie for his last night and came back to the resort and played mini-golf! That was funny. There are some stories for that.
Today the little ones and the girls will stay back while Eric takes Papa and the boys to Norfolk where they will tour some sights and then take Papa to the airport. It will be nice to have a down day and clean up and organize a little :). We are all sad to have dad leave us today. Chloe asked Papa to just get Nana and bring her back here. He has been a great help and we have such special memories. The kids are loving having cousin Sophie here. It keeps an element of excitement and hpyer in the air :) OH MY we have lots of energy in our house :).
The tour was outstanding. It was 2 1/2 hours though and by the end my own mind was boggling with all we have seen and learned. They have 3 ships to tour, an Indian villiage with live people demonstrating what life was like. The same for the the fort and much, much more. They recreate everything. The kids loved it. They also liked seeing the live hens running around all over and were thrilled to find a random turtle crossing the path and a squirrel that was leaping on the tips of the fort fence. It is the small things they find most interesting.
Each child was divided into age groups and went to "school" in the afternoon. Dad and Eric went with the kids. They said the classes were very well done.
After our Jamestown fun we found a COSTCO, ate hotdogs and went shopping! We got Papa an apple pie for his last night and came back to the resort and played mini-golf! That was funny. There are some stories for that.
Today the little ones and the girls will stay back while Eric takes Papa and the boys to Norfolk where they will tour some sights and then take Papa to the airport. It will be nice to have a down day and clean up and organize a little :). We are all sad to have dad leave us today. Chloe asked Papa to just get Nana and bring her back here. He has been a great help and we have such special memories. The kids are loving having cousin Sophie here. It keeps an element of excitement and hpyer in the air :) OH MY we have lots of energy in our house :).
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Sohpie is here! Colonial Williamsburg is priceless
Thursday night Eric, dad and the 2 big kids went to get cousin Sophie at the airport. Even though we checked ahead of time Sophie was on a ghost flight with no information. Needless to say, she wouldn't arrive until 1 am! So dad and Eric and the kids went to the WAWA (like a 7-Eleven) got some snacks and listened to a sermon :) and waited! They arrived home around 2 from Norfolk and the girls talked until 3 am. It didn't stop them from waking up at 6 ready to go for the day. We went to Busch Gardens again. This is such a great time to be here. There are no crowds at all and the weather is wonderful. It was only 76 today. We viewed all of the animals. There were wolves, and strange birds, and many other animals as well as an animal dog and cat show. The little ones loved that. Actually we all did. I never thought you could train a cat and they had. Gabriel sat perfectly through that show the whole time. That is about the only time he will sit still. He hates the stroller :) and wants to walk everywhere. Something else fun that happened is that there was a basketball game you play against the clock. We watched all these young guys try and win over and over. Finally, Eric asks dad to try. We were all laughing thinking he wouldn't do it. Well, he did. And he won and made 6 of 8 baskets. The kids were very proud of their Papa and other people watching were cheering him on. It was pretty special. It is a beautiful park with tons of nature to look at. We were very tired when we got home and everyone when straight to bed after Eric made some huge yummy sub sandwhiches and watching FOX news :)
Today we woke up and switched condos. This one we will be at for the rest of the time. It is smaller but so beautiful and very nice with wonderful beds, dishes, and the facilities are great for families. There is free mini golf and family activities that are free as well through out the day. But we only checked in and headed 2 miles away for Colonial Williamsburg. Our tickets began today. It is a special time for homeschoolers and the cost is almost free. I can't tell you how wonderful it is for the children and we barely scratched the surface.
We arrived and received our tickets and headed to the working farm in the town. A black woman greeted the kids and asked the older kids to define slavery. It was very interesting hearing their responses. She then demonstrated through taking their purse, backback etc. How slaves were an "item" owned. She also taught us some new things about slavery. It is really hard to hear. Her family acutally helped changed laws in Virginia against black years ago. She was amazing. Dad and Eric asked her lots of questions. She gave a history lesson that no book could have done. All while in full costume on a real working farm. She spent about 45 minutes with just us.
The kids then made candles. It took a long time but they enjoyed it. They do everything just like you would have done back then. We then saw men working as carpenters squaring trees using axes only. All staying within the time period.
We walked a 1/2 mile or so to the town and viewed the Governor's Palace. Talk about beautiful woodwork and a garden that was beyond words. It was so pretty. After that we all decided we needed chocolate and walked to the candy store and then caught the shuttle bus back to the entrance. We will go again during the next week as our pass works for 5 days. You just can't take it all in there is so much to see and do.
We just finished dinner and the girls are making cookies and all the kids are journeling. They want to go swimming but we are calling it a night. We are so grateful the Lord has allowed us this time as a family and also seeing to learn hands on. It truly is a different world when you look at all the history through the "real thing".
We will post photos tomorrow. Hugs to everyone.
Today we woke up and switched condos. This one we will be at for the rest of the time. It is smaller but so beautiful and very nice with wonderful beds, dishes, and the facilities are great for families. There is free mini golf and family activities that are free as well through out the day. But we only checked in and headed 2 miles away for Colonial Williamsburg. Our tickets began today. It is a special time for homeschoolers and the cost is almost free. I can't tell you how wonderful it is for the children and we barely scratched the surface.
We arrived and received our tickets and headed to the working farm in the town. A black woman greeted the kids and asked the older kids to define slavery. It was very interesting hearing their responses. She then demonstrated through taking their purse, backback etc. How slaves were an "item" owned. She also taught us some new things about slavery. It is really hard to hear. Her family acutally helped changed laws in Virginia against black years ago. She was amazing. Dad and Eric asked her lots of questions. She gave a history lesson that no book could have done. All while in full costume on a real working farm. She spent about 45 minutes with just us.
The kids then made candles. It took a long time but they enjoyed it. They do everything just like you would have done back then. We then saw men working as carpenters squaring trees using axes only. All staying within the time period.
We walked a 1/2 mile or so to the town and viewed the Governor's Palace. Talk about beautiful woodwork and a garden that was beyond words. It was so pretty. After that we all decided we needed chocolate and walked to the candy store and then caught the shuttle bus back to the entrance. We will go again during the next week as our pass works for 5 days. You just can't take it all in there is so much to see and do.
We just finished dinner and the girls are making cookies and all the kids are journeling. They want to go swimming but we are calling it a night. We are so grateful the Lord has allowed us this time as a family and also seeing to learn hands on. It truly is a different world when you look at all the history through the "real thing".
We will post photos tomorrow. Hugs to everyone.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Yesterday we woke up at 5:00 am, loaded the van and drove over 2 hours to Springfield where we road into DC on the metro. It was a huge, wonderful day. I am not sure how many miles we walked, or how many times Chloe and this pregnant mommy had to use the "potty" but it was such a special day despite moving all of us around. We were able to meet the Cogressmand and tour the Capitol. Congressman Walden was so gracious to us. His helper "Erika" gave us a wonderful tour. Since The Pres. would be in the building that day everything had to be shut down by noon. It was kinduv neat because everyone was in a frenzy with preparing for him to come. So we saw tons of secret service people. Also, the Congressman pointed out all the "Officials" would be in the same building at the same time. After that we ate a $50 lunch at McDonalds in the Space Smithsonian! Very spendy :). Eric and the big kids would and could have stayed there all day but we had so much left to see. While that was neat it was when we walked to the Wash. Monument and saw all the sights on the "Mall" that were truly amazing. The kids were troopers and each one seemed to glean something a little different. Gabriel and Caleb can run and run and run. We have a few funny stories to tell when we get back. You just can't explain it all unless you are there. How beautiful and moving it is. The weather was perfect and it was very sparse with people. A great time to bring our crew :). We finally arrived home after 10 pm. There are more highways, freeways, wierd roads and together Dad and Eric finally got us home. While we were tired after a huge day :) it was one of the most special in my life personally. MOst the kids fell right to sleep but Haley and Ben came into our bedroom and watched The Pres. speech to America in the very room we had been in only hours before. They wanted to hear what he said. Today cousin Sophia comes to town and the kids are already awake, hyper and ready for a new day. We miss everyone. GOD BLESS OUR AMERICA!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Yorktown
Today we slept in and did school work. Eric and Papa were able to catch up on some work. The kids are calming down (a little) :). It rained really hard here all morning. It is wierd because it is still warm out while it is raining. Everything is so, so green. The houses all look clean and cute with all the greenery they have. We fixed lunch and then ventured to Yorktown.
This is where the last battle of the American Revolution took place. It looked really neat. In fact you could almost picture how it happened. Again, it is amazing to stand there and picture it. And to think of all the things that "went right" to end the war. The Lord's hand was there so many times. We keep hearing new stories about fog that hid the troops, a strom that appeared and gave us great advance etc. It is fascinating. The kids watched a movie about Yorktown, walked through a boat replica, and then we all walked in the actual trenches the men had dug. We drove the tour route. Dad and Eric were thrilled with this part. We found an old grave yard where slaves were buried. We took some really neat pictures. Chloe was saying "revomootion" instead of Revolution and asked out of the blue, "when are we gonna get that baby of ours"? She is enjoying the Papa carrying her everywhere.
Tomorrow we are waking up extra early and will drive into DC. They changed our Capitol tour time because the President is addressing Congress tomorrow. We should get to meet our Conressman. Our silly rental van is making strange noises so pray we make it safely into Washington. On a much lighter note, Eric bought Dad and I coconut m&m's. Eric does not like coconut at all. And they were very yummy. We are missing everyone already and love reading email.
This is where the last battle of the American Revolution took place. It looked really neat. In fact you could almost picture how it happened. Again, it is amazing to stand there and picture it. And to think of all the things that "went right" to end the war. The Lord's hand was there so many times. We keep hearing new stories about fog that hid the troops, a strom that appeared and gave us great advance etc. It is fascinating. The kids watched a movie about Yorktown, walked through a boat replica, and then we all walked in the actual trenches the men had dug. We drove the tour route. Dad and Eric were thrilled with this part. We found an old grave yard where slaves were buried. We took some really neat pictures. Chloe was saying "revomootion" instead of Revolution and asked out of the blue, "when are we gonna get that baby of ours"? She is enjoying the Papa carrying her everywhere.
Tomorrow we are waking up extra early and will drive into DC. They changed our Capitol tour time because the President is addressing Congress tomorrow. We should get to meet our Conressman. Our silly rental van is making strange noises so pray we make it safely into Washington. On a much lighter note, Eric bought Dad and I coconut m&m's. Eric does not like coconut at all. And they were very yummy. We are missing everyone already and love reading email.
Busch Gardens!
This is the prettiest amusement park ever. We all still love Disneyland but we had an absolute blast yesterday.
Jamestown
On Sunday afternoon we went to Jamestown. It seemed unreal to be standing where America began. The kids and I have studied it for so long. It was marshy and buggy and swampy. It was absolutely beautiful. There was a fort and the 5th church that was built was still standing. The water was pretty. The kids seemed to gain a greater understanding of what happened and what it looked like. We will return to Jamestown on the 14th where the kids will take a tour and classes. It is hard to believe we are here.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
We are here!
We made it here! And it is absolutely beautiful. WOW-4 plane rides is a lot! The kids did great but Dad, Eric, and I were sooo tired. We got our rental van. It is the exact same van as ours at home. Chloe is sure it is ours. The only diference is the seats and we don't beep when we back up....We snuck to Busch Gardens to check it out that first night. It is a beautiful amusement park. The weather is so nice right now. Around 80 with just mild humdity. Dad loves all the trees. He names them each time we see a new one. Everything seems so, so clean.
Yesterday we ventured to Richmond. We went to the Holocaust Museum. It was very sad. Very hard to go there but a good one to take kids to. They had a fake underground tunnel and lots of photos and replicas of a concentration camp. While the little ones didn't understand, Josh, Haley, and Ben surely were left with a strong impression of sadness.
We drove 10 miles through 2 toll bridges (new to the kids) to find a top 10 restaurant dad found on line. It was more like a bar. We laughed and decided the Chick-fillet next door would be fine. We then went to the Hollywood Cemetary where we saw where many famous presidents and Confederate soldiers are buried. It was so beautiful and taken such good care of. During our drive we got lost "in the projects". It was very sad to see. And seemed a little scary. There was a grave yard close to that that. It was terrible and not taken care of and full of tons and tons and tons ofof grave stones. They were one on top on another.
We drove through Williamsburg. The college William and Mary is so pretty. Tons of parents were dropping their kids off at school. The kids still weren't tired to we went swimming back at the hotel. It was nice to swim.
Pictures will be much more exciting but I will wait until we reach our condo tonight. We have been in hotel for these first 2 nights waiting for our condo. The space will be nice :).
The kids are writing in their journals and we are getting ready for church. Gabriel is walking around saying 'airplane". He loved taking off and landing. Watching his little eyes was priceless.
Well, off to church to see what the Lord is up to in Virginia.
Yesterday we ventured to Richmond. We went to the Holocaust Museum. It was very sad. Very hard to go there but a good one to take kids to. They had a fake underground tunnel and lots of photos and replicas of a concentration camp. While the little ones didn't understand, Josh, Haley, and Ben surely were left with a strong impression of sadness.
We drove 10 miles through 2 toll bridges (new to the kids) to find a top 10 restaurant dad found on line. It was more like a bar. We laughed and decided the Chick-fillet next door would be fine. We then went to the Hollywood Cemetary where we saw where many famous presidents and Confederate soldiers are buried. It was so beautiful and taken such good care of. During our drive we got lost "in the projects". It was very sad to see. And seemed a little scary. There was a grave yard close to that that. It was terrible and not taken care of and full of tons and tons and tons ofof grave stones. They were one on top on another.
We drove through Williamsburg. The college William and Mary is so pretty. Tons of parents were dropping their kids off at school. The kids still weren't tired to we went swimming back at the hotel. It was nice to swim.
Pictures will be much more exciting but I will wait until we reach our condo tonight. We have been in hotel for these first 2 nights waiting for our condo. The space will be nice :).
The kids are writing in their journals and we are getting ready for church. Gabriel is walking around saying 'airplane". He loved taking off and landing. Watching his little eyes was priceless.
Well, off to church to see what the Lord is up to in Virginia.
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