Making History Happen

In Punishment for Want of a Tidy Room

Ice Cream on a hot afternoon--
one of Thomas Jefferson's favorite treats!

The boys enjoying a trial in colonial Williamsburg.
I got to be one of the judges!

A (handsome!) loyalist tries in vain
to calm the angry crowds.

Having spent this year learning about colonial America, it was a joy to pack up the family and make the pilgrimage to Colonial Williamsburg and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia this past week.

Taking a break in Williamsburg.

The problem with history for many people is that it all just seems so . . . old.  Not so for the boys.  Although they each love history for different reasons, they all enjoy the stories that make up our past.  And this week, much of it came alive.

Preparing to meet George Washington

The Local Militia rises up
against the Governor

In front of the Governor's Palace

Denver enjoyed a tour
of the militia's arsenal.

Getting lost in the maze behind the Governor's Palace

Dinner in Williamsburg

George Washington
speaks in favor of independence.

Denver and I enjoyed the colonial judge.

Denver enjoyed riding his "horse"
through the town of Williamsburg.
His horse was less enthusiastic!

Every actor we met-- from the postmaster to the shopkeepers-- was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of colonial America.  We heard George Washington speak in favor of separation from England.  We toured the jail.  We visited with tradesmen and soldiers.  We were involved in four trials at the courthouse, where we learned fascinating facts about the laws of the day-- a.k.a. Don't be a Catholic.  

In the city of Williamsburg, we had the good fortune to visit on the anniversary of an uprising against the governor.  After the Boston Massacre, the governor in Williamsburg took the gunpowder from the local militia.  Upon discovering the theft (and the culprit), the militia and local people rose up against the governor and threatened to storm the governor's palace.  We stood among the townspeople and listened to the different opinions of people, and watched as the angry mob was (temporarily) persuaded to retreat.

Observing the trial of a man for
failure to attend church.

A candlemaker at work.

At Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, we toured his plantation and his home.  We learned about Jefferson's life, and the lives of his family and slaves.  More powerful than books-- which I admittedly adore-- the effect of being at Monticello was profound: walking through tunnels built for the servants; touching the chair where Jefferson last sat; seeing nearly the same view Jefferson saw from his bedroom window; seeing his burial site and a recent wreath sent from President Obama.  Jefferson's life and times seemed more real than ever. 

The boys in front of Monticello.

I know that not everyone has this opportunity to travel and learn as a family. 

Some families do far more traveling. Some do far less.  I am simply grateful for this time with my family.  It is our time to create our own history-- one of love, joy, and togetherness.  Oh yes, and a trip to Busch Gardens where the boys (all FOUR of them) went crazy for roller coasters all day long!

Denver and Spencer in front of Jefferson's gardens.

Enjoying lunch at the foot of Monticello.

Chillin' at the Swimming Pool

Heated Indoor/Outdoor Pool

Escape from Pompeii

My Boys in a Teacup at Busch Gardens

Cheerio!

Spencer and I this morning--
 Ready for the Cheerios Challenge

 "What have you been doing lately?"  I hear this question all the time from friends and family.  

I never know what to say.  I am mostly too busy to stop and think about it.  I usually end up smiling and saying something like, "I don't know" or "Just the usual!"

The truth is we are happily busy. This week is typical. I was in court three days, taught writing at Montessori, and yoga to clients.

I swam.  I biked.  I ran.  I strength trained and did yoga.  I helped guide the boys through their homeschool.  John flew all over the United States, swooping in to change clothes and flying away again. 

And the boys were busy, too!  We had Atlanta Zoo Homeschool Academy this week, and science camp at Charlie Elliot Nature Center, too.  Spencer can tell you all about ungulates (hooved mammals) and both Spencer and Denver can teach you about animal mimicry-- like the way a non-venomous milk snake's color mimics a venomous coral snake. 

Denver and Spencer posing in costume
with some of the weaponry they made
in their History of War art class.

At their LEAD classes this week, the boys completed several pieces of weaponry and were able to bring them home.  Our homeschool room now looks like an armory. 

John Robert had several projects and exams this week before reaching the finish line that is spring break.  He bought himself a new cell phone after an unexpected disaster with his beloved Samsung last week.  

And there is more adventure coming!  Denver has a scout hike this afternoon, and all three boys will go see a musical with their Mimi tomorrow.

On Tuesday we are off on a spring break adventure to Thomas Jefferson's famous Monticello, to colonial Williamsburg to learn more about early America; and finally, to Busch Gardens for rollercoasters.  We are one lucky family.  Cheerio! 

Denver and an alligator snapping turtle
at the Atlanta Zoo.

Up close with an alligator snapping turtle.

Denver and a frisky Timber Rattlesnake.

Denver on a baboon at the zoo.

Before Walking with Jane

Doorway to Light

I said, "I'm sorry, Sweetie, but Mommy just feels like she might cry right now."

He said, "It's okay.  You can cry."

Moments later, I hugged him.  "For some reason, when you told me I could cry, it made me feel a little better.  Thank you."

"That's okay, Momma.  But really, if you did cry, it would make me uncomfortable."

Azaleas in Morning Light

We both laughed.  No one cried.

Sometimes we are not happy, and we don't know why.  There is plenty to be grateful for.  Maybe the sun is even shining and you don't have a tremendous amount of work that day; and yet, happiness escapes you.  This week has been this way for me.

Before walking with Jane this morning, I wandered through Chimney Park looking for a crack in my bad mood so I could peck my way out.  

Thoughts Going in Circles.

I'm still pecking, but I've made some cracks and I hope to be smiling soon. Thanks, Jane.

Sunlight over the Fairy House.

Tiny Fairy House Easter Bunny.

Roof and Sky

Springing Forward, Looking Back

The boys and I enjoyed pizza and gelato
yesterday at My Pie on the square.

Maybe the surest way to fall is to move forward while looking back.  Yet I cannot help myself.  My days with the boys fly past, and holding each moment is like trying to catch the wind.  

Enjoying a quiet moment at the library.

John is finishing his first year of high school.  He has done well academically, and has learned a lot about himself this year.  As he commented yesterday, "It's hard to know what I want since I change and become a different person about every two years."  Hmm...

Spencer is maturing.  Now six feet tall, he spends a lot of time thinking, reading, and playing video games with computer friends.  He is very thoughtful and likes to be outside.  He rides his bike almost every day.

Spencer and Denver enjoy bicycles and nerf guns.

Denver is growing up (and out!).  Rambunctious and as enthusiastic as ever, he enjoys all learning as long as it involves movement.  He enjoys talking to his dad about how machines work and the mechanics and physics of aircraft and cars.  Traditional academics are a boring nuisance to him; everything he enjoys is about action! 

Playing at Chimney Park.

They and my husband are the center of my world, with the dogs running a close second.  Time for myself-- when I make it-- is all about running, biking, swimming, and yoga.  Somehow, work finds its place in there, too.

It is perhaps no surprise that I spend a great deal of time fantasizing about rest.