Friday, September 18, 2009

Virginia has always been the favorite state in the McDonald household. For years, we tried to think up reasons to visit, and try to find ways to move. It's a state with so much history, there are stories of the early colonists, there is such a passion for why America fought for freedom, there are markers and historic sites from the War Between the States, and there are great cemeteries, where those who fought for a worthy cause have been laid to rest. The homes of our great forefathers are there. Their stories can be told by just visiting the places they lived. Not only that, Virginia is full of beauty...lush green mountains on one side, the Shenandoah Valley, and the great ocean on the other side.

We've been to Williamsburg a few times during our trips to Virginia, and each time feels like the first. We spent all day Friday there, in costume and had a wonderful day together - learning, sharing, and experiencing life during the 1770's in Williamsburg. The reenactors do a fabulous job portraying their characters. There are Patriots, Tories, invigorating speeches, tragic stories, and so much more. One day, when we're all grown, we plan to have a family reunion in Colonial Williamsburg...our love for this great town will be shared with our children. :) So, enjoy the few pictures below!

A patriot and his daughter.
Yes, her dress used to be much longer and yes, she loves her flip-flops.

Taking a ride on the bus which would bring us to our destination.

The little ladies in the gardens at the Governor's Palace.

The family in the gardens.
Photo Credit: A kind gentleman we met on the bus.

The cute parents who were also in the last post, but will not be in the next.

William adores his Em.

The McDonald gentlemen with Patrick Henry.

Shopping for household wares, gifts and I do believe mom is looking at a drum. Do you think we ended up buying it? :)

William found a Colonial boy doll.

Setting type at the printing press.

The little McD children with the printer.

The wig maker informed us of the latest fashions and tried to convince us to shave our hair off and wear wigs.

We talked with Gen. Lafayette for a while before the Declaration of Independence was read. Abby and Em enjoyed petting his horse.

Nap time?

The town nuisance. She was hilarious!

The traitor Benedict Arnold tried to convince us to side with the British.

Dad and one of the gentleman in town.

"And the band played on..."

You see William beside Grace? He's begging to get in.


So he got in...only he didn't really like to put his head in...

I think he liked this better.

Orders were shouted and the men were ready to....

Fire!

Now, the guns were pretty loud, and some of the kids thought that was enough. These guys didn't.

After the shout to "Ready yourselves!", the guys beside the canon would lean over, plug their ear and the canon boomed. Pretty impressive.

Our midshipman, inspired to fight for freedom.

Jessica, inspired to make new dresses for next year. :)

Dad, mom and some of the kids on the lane.

Next post: Virginia Beach!

8 comments:

  1. Ahh...Williamsburg, a place I've heard (and now seen *grin*) much about! T'would love to go there someday...another location to add to the wish list.

    A very nice family pic, indeed...

    Humm...Tiff shaved and wigged. Not a very good mental picture. Sorry... :P Think I'd prefer the strawberry blonde...as would others... *cough*

    Abby, Grace, and William look a little too happy to be in those stocks...but, from the sights of Williamsburg, I guess it wouldn't be that bad of a place to be stuck. ;D

    And that house...and the sky behind it...sidelined by...whatever you call those buildings...a perfect photo op! :D Oh yes...and the people posing in front look nice, too. ;)

    Looking forward to seeing y'all this evening!

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  2. What wonderful pics!!! We, too, love Virginia. It's one of those states we want to see again. So much history. We missed Williamsburg, maybe next time.

    I can't believe I missed your last post. Busy with school I guess.

    William is too cute in the stocks. The pic of Caleb is very impressive - love the boots.

    Nice family photo, too. I can't quite add the bus pic to the time period though.

    See some of y'all soon. Hugs to all y'all, Mrs.H

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  3. Ashton,

    Wow...I do believe this is the first time I've seen a long comment from you! :) Yes, you HAVE to go sometime...and in costume, too! We'll try to let you know when we're planning our next vacation out there. :)

    What?!?! You don't think the wig would be a nice touch? Considering the creatures that move into wigs, I changed my mind. Besides, there was an "other" who prefers the natural strawberry-blonde. :)

    No, it wouldn't be a terrible place to get stuck...nice view.

    Servants quarters...nice house, eh? Actually, some of the wall paper they put up in there was hideous! Bright blue with bright gold trim, and then bright green with bright gold trim...yuck. Other than that, I loved it!

    See you in a few hours!!

    Mrs. H.,

    Yes, y'all must go back and you have to visit Williamsburg!!! Next time we vacation there, y'all should come out and go with us...that would be sooooo fun! You'll need costumes too, but that can be arranged. :)

    Ahh, well this post was more interesting, in my opinion. :) William had fun playing in the pillory and stocks..stayed there for like 15 minutes!

    We actually found out that most men during that era didn't wear boots...Hollywood just tries to make it look like they did. Oh well, he was supposed to be in the military.

    *laughs* You'd think they'd take you to the main street in a carriage...more people fit in the bus, though.

    Just a few more days!!! Love you!

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  4. Our family *loves* Williamsburg! great job on the outfits :)

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  5. Oh, I love Williamsburg! We visited it years ago when my father was in the military.

    Those period costumes are great! I especially love that burgundy (or cranberry) and gold combination that Jessica is wearing.

    ~Amanda~

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  6. Wow.... looks like you all had a marvelous time!!!
    Every pic displays joy, happiness and excitement!

    Love~ Jen

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  7. Ashton,

    I didn't know whether or not to make a happy face or a sad face. But, who can a a sad face with the sun shining in your eyes? lol :D

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