Virginia Vacation Day 3

 On Monday of our vacation we headed to Yorktown to celebrate the 234th anniversary of the day that Cornwallis surrendered the British troops (October 19, 1781). This day marked the end of fighting in the colonies though the war continued on the seas.

Yorktown Day begins with a military parade through the historic town.

There were all kinds of groups involved and many in costume, including the Women's Club of Yorktown.

A member of a Scottish regiment it seems:

We showed up just in time to grab a spot at the start of the parade:

As soon as the parade was over the locals made a bee-line for the Women's Club's Brunswick Stew luncheon (Brunswick stew seems to be "the food" in these parts). Note the couple in the beautiful Scottish outfits to the right of the photo:

It made me think of scenes from Anne of Green Gables for some reason. I loved the homemade arrangements decorating each table -- they featured magnolia leaves and lots of foraged bits and pieces.

We stepped inside the Customs House to look around.

The Customs House has a long history. It quartered British troops during the Revolution then French troops afterward and was used as a military headquarters during the Civil War and again used during World War I.

A few more of the Scottish Regiment walking around:

We really enjoyed walking through the Thomas Nelson house. Nelson was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and an important citizen of Yorktown.

 In the side of the house you can still see pock marks from cannon fire during the Revolutionary War battle! It was interesting to compare this house to the house on the grounds of the Powhatan Resort where we were staying as well as to the Wythe House at Colonial Williamsburg. Very similar.

Yorktown was a lovely little town to walk around and there were historic, private homes all around.

I think this was a bed and breakfast.

At the top of the street was the Yorktown Victory Monument where they had a procession with flags from each state and the singing of both the French national anthem and the United States national anthem. I guess the French played a big part in this victory.

I loved this door that we passed:

Yorktown has a small bit of history with the Civil War but it sounds like most of the residents cleared out during that time as life became very difficult for them.

 Yorktown is right on the York River so we went down to the beach to look around.

The kids had to get in some sand time:

Then we had the bonus treat of watching a US Naval Destroyer come up the river and go through the swinging bridge!

After dinner that night I took the three older kids back over to Williamsburg to go on an evening tour. It was fun to walk around at night and hear more history and stories and imagine life long ago!

All of this touring couldn't have been more perfect for our history studies. Everyone but Rachel has been studying US history this fall and it was so fun to actually see the places we've been reading about!

Virginia Vacation Days 1 & 2

We had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week in Williamsburg, Virginia over fall break! We stayed at the beautiful Powhatan Resort just on the outskirts of the town. In the center of the resort (which were just regular condos) was this delightful 18th century mansion.

Our first day of touring was spent at Colonial Williamsburg, getting a feel of how much there was to see and how we would tackle it.

Here is the capital building. Jamestown was the original capital of Virginia but then, in 1699, it was decided to move the capital to Williamsburg (eventually it moved again to Richmond).

We had a glimpse inside the silversmith's. It's interesting how many trades were important back then that don't seem to be around as much anymore. Of course, maybe we just have other names for them (like gift stores, jewelry stores, etc.)

In the apothecary:

 There were a number of people dressed up in period clothing:

We found the Presbyterian meeting house behind the capital building. Definitely very plain!

Had to get a picture of the preacher in the pulpit!

Michael liked the name of this place -- Edinburgh Castle

I loved the architecture. It reminded me so much of my early years in New England and the east coast.

Here's another lovely house:

We took a tour of the jail.

And looked around in the cells.

Then we stopped to watch a marching band:

It was fascinating to learn the steps of firing a canon. War was so primitive 234 years ago.

Then there was some training of the new recruits.

Every now and then a wagon or carriage would drive by.

Rachel and I were tempted to buy Laura an outfit and dress her up!!! (They did have outfits for rent since a good number of visitors like to visit in costume!)

The boys liked the tri-cornered hats!

Laura liked them too!

Even Rachel!!!

A few more patriots in the streets:

On our way home for the day we passed some sheep!

As well as a few more performers:

We don't tend to eat out on vacation but I was kind to myself and shopped at the nearby Trader Joe's where they had all kinds of yummy things in the frozen section (like potatoes, grilled veg, etc.).

Another view of the Duke of Gloucester street in Williamsburg:

Sunday dinner: lemon chicken with roasted butternut squash:

Sunday we headed to church at Grace Covenant PCA which was nearly around the corner!! Then, we had a dear family friend come for lunch!!!! It was so fun to catch up and be in our friend's "neck of the woods" for once!

We were blessed with beautiful weather all week even though it started out on the chilly side.

After lunch on Sunday we took a nice walk around the resort.

The Powhatan mansion is left open for people to walk around any time so we poked our heads inside.

It would make a wonderful family home I think!

Perhaps the heating bill might be a little high.

In the evening we spent some time coloring together. Have you seen how popular the adult coloring books are these days? I couldn't resist one at the book store before we left and it was a big hit! We all loved it!

It is time consuming though!! This took 2 hours!

And that was it for the first two days. More to follow!