Sunday, April 17, 2011

Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement is a wonderful place to go with your family.  Aside from a great indoor museum, they have recreated the Powhatan camp (where Pocahontas lived) and Jamestown...it literally brings history alive.  We have a blast there.  Homeschool week was our second time there, and everyone still loved it.  They had classes for the kids as well.  I'm going to include photos from both of our visits.  We read Pocohantas' biography, and this was like stepping into the story.  Magical!

Learning about Powhatan life

Map of the settlers' route to Jamestown
In a Powhatan home

scraping deer hide

grinding corn

playing native games  

Trying on armor in the Jamestown settlement

learning about weapons

Mickade gets put to work!

Down below in one of the life-size ship models

Homeschool Week in the Colonial Triangle

The first week of March was full of fun for us!  We've been studying early American History this year, and had the opportunity to go to special programs and have discounted rates at Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, and Colonial Williamsburg.  It was fantastic!  All of our reading literally came to life.

Colonial Williamsburg 



blacksmith

silversmith

A much needed break for Mom

At the wagon wheel maker's



'

The Millinery....clothing shop.
 
We got a behind the scenes tour of the horses and carts, called "Bits and Bridles."  The kids learned a little bit about the animals kept here, what types they breed, and got to see the carts up close and the horses in the stables (which was their favorite part.)  They have old breed working horses, and rare sheep and chickens.
 
Look at the size of that wheel!


The Barber....who actually makes wigs.  Mickade is checking out the different hair options (goat, horse, human....)

Enjoying a cup of drinking chocolate after a tour of the coffee shop


Enjoying some Colonial games


After missing several times, Lucy decided this game was best played up close.

Setting the table for Mr. Powell (Lucy boldly decided Mr Powell's seat was hers.)






I'd like to note that all the shops, etc in Williamsburg are actual working workshops.  The blacksmith makes the nails, etc that restore the buildings....the wagon wheels are used on real wagons...they make their own dresses at the millinery....the shoemaker makes the shoes they wear (and it take 8-12 hours per pair, mind you!)  It's an excellent experience and I highly recommend it!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Priceless

This evening before bath:

Me: "Quick, run upstairs, the tub is still running!"
Mickade and Lilli: "Ok!"


Lucy looks at me, all serious.
"The tub is running, mama?"
Me: "Yes, the water is running."
Lucy: "The tub is running? They need to go get it!  They need to get the tub and put it back in the corner!"

I heart being a mom.