Williamsburg:)

It only took six years for our first family trip to the 'burg, and it was worth the wait!  We dodged the heavy rains and managed to tackle Colonial Williamsburg in the morning, Jamestown in the afternoon and William and Mary the following morning.  Next year, we'll add Christmastown at Busch Gardens to the mix! 

Andrew got a great lesson about dressing for how you "wish to be received".  Would have thought Granddaddy was talking to him!

The folks that work in these stores are always SO kind and informative.

The Magazine----the next time, we'll have tix so we can go in and see the plethora guns.

We called it the coffee wreath.

 Jamestown Settlement

The sleeping quarters of the ships in Jamestown.

An informative lesson about the origins of the word "lantern" from "lant-horn", originally made from horns.

The Wren Chapel - an organ recital

We snuck up to the 3rd floor to see a true, old fashioned classroom.

Andrew desperately wanted to ring the Wren bell----told him he had to study 4 long years to earn that honor.

We did NOT streak the Sunken Garden....stories for later!

Along with the massive Science Complex nearby, the Phoenix by Crim Dell is new in the last 15 years.

Daring each other to cross Crim Dell.

My first kiss on Crim Dell!

Pondering life...and how we are related to Swem, via Michael's family. 

We had to sweet talk our way in the Hall as they readied for the afternoon's game.  Go Tribe!

Christmas

Three-four years ago, we started staying home on Christmas for several reasons, one of which was so that the kids could participate in Meadows' pageant on Christmas Eve.  Matthew's debut made it absolutely worth it!  He did great and followed the Shepherd's (Andrew) exactly where/when he supposed to. 

Shortly after this picture, things got a bit dicey during Tom's Homily as Matthew took his shoes off, then ripped off his socks with glee and I prayed, "Please, oh, please don't strip anything else off!". 

 It's been so warm we've been able to enjoy the deck Christmas week---75 on Christmas Day!

 A new Dec. 23rd tradition....Christmas fun with the kiddos and Cranberry Margs for the Mommas. 

 

So glad they still LOVE playing with Bethlehem!

 

Even after having the GoPro affixed to him, Andrew insisted on playing a few songs for Jesus before we went to the tree.  Be still, my heart.

Monster trucks! 

Christmas outing to visit a few elderly friends.

10 years - 3 beautiful watercolors

A new red purse from Grandma!

 34th St. Lights!

Aquarium

Visiting Jim, Yvie, David and Caroline in Silver Spring.