Home's Cool Mama: 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!