Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Colonial Williamsburg

Just when I thought I was almost done with these Virginia posts, I realized that I skipped right over one of the most memoral days we had there! The reason it was so memorable? The heat... the expense... the long drive... the humidity... the heat... the humidity (oh wait, I already mentioned those!) We were so excited to take our kids to Colonial Williamsburg. Jared and I went when we were first married, and his family used to go all the time. I remember being able to go in many of the buildings without paying a penny. However, this time, things have changed. They've really added a lot of cool things, but they charge an arm and a leg just to be able to go in the buildings. We decided to just do the "free" thing, and didn't realize until we took the shuttle clear out to the village, that there really isn't much you can do without paying. Oh well! We decided we would just walk around, go in the shops (of course they let you in there!), and just SEE the old houses and buildings. And it was HOT! Everyone was sweating like crazy, and the kids, as brave as they tried to be, complained a little bit. I would hear "Mom. I think I'm going to DIE!" And my response? "I know. Me too."  BUT... looking at these pictures, I was reminded that there were a FEW things to do.



We could watch the ONE free little performance. A speech by President George Washington.



We could wander the lovely streets.



We could lock ourselves in the stockades!!




There was ONE old church that we could go inside of. It's still a functioning parish, and they kindly let people in to visit. This is a church building that Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and others actually WORSHIPPED in. Pretty cool!




We could enjoy the outside of EVERY building. I love old bricks, so atleast there was that! LOL :)




One nice colonial lady let the kids play for a few minutes. They thought it was pretty fun. They were in need of some serious water afteward, though.




We got to talk to a kind, and very much in-character colonist. I loved his accent, and his proper way of speaking. The kids thought it was pretty funny. I thought it seemed like it would be fun to work there ;) LOL! And of course, a family picture during the one breeze that blew through, right in front of the palace. I wish we could have gone inside!


Although we were disappointed by the ridiculous cost (I'm talking AMUSEMENT PARK pricing just to tour buildings - it would have cost our family a couple hundred), and we decided that we'll visit somewhere else next time, I'm glad the kids got to see a little piece of Colonial Williamsburg. I think they learned a little bit, at least, and they definitely learned to be grateful for air conditioning!!

4 comments:

Jenni said...

Looks like such a cool trip, Jen and what good memories for you and your kids. How fun to be with family...

Lisa said...

Wow, you guys were able to do a lot of fun things. I've enjoyed reading all about your trip. I can't believe how expensive it was to go inside the buildings, I hate it when places do that.

Tim and Candace Stafford said...

Sorry that you guys had to stay in the heat longer because we got there so late! We love you and miss you so much already!

Amy said...

Oh my gosh how cool does your trip look, what amazing historical things you all saw. Love the pics of course, you guys are so darling!