Talk about fantastic.

Last year I spent Mother’s Day at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.  It was so much fun!  But, despite being 1300 miles north this year, we had just as fabulous a day today.  ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can’t believe it has taken me thirty years to get back to this GEM of a living museum just 45 minutes from my house. 
I am thanking God that a friend’s blog reminded me it was here.

We had the most wonderful day!

My mother-in-law gave us a family pass for Christmas.  Today was our first venture out there.  It was amazing. 

Mercantile.

Insurance office.

Games children played.

Marie was the first to give the stilts a try.  She rocked.  The boys quickly latched onto it as well.

But it was Daddy who rocked the field.

We cooked in a few buildings.

and enjoyed the grounds, and the churches.

Big brothers and sisters looked after Johanna. 

We operated printing presses.

And Marie participated in the Virginia Wheel dance party.  (Video to follow soon!)

Tab (a/k/a Laura) got her groove on the stilts.

And they visited an early 1800’s school house.  Now… if school was still conducted this way, we might embrace the system.    Books included a reader, a speller, and a BIBLE. 

We picnicked and then forgot our camera in a few stops. 

The kids tried out their tinsmithing skills.

OH – and we remembered Mom for one picture!

This place is amazing.  I can not wait to go back in a few weeks.

The docents recommended steering clear of the place for the next few weeks as school trips make the place “zoo-like.”  They encouraged week day visits in July and August to avoid crowds.  If the weather cooperates we plan to attend the War of 1812 Reenactment days, Civil War reenactment days, and Laura Ingalls Wilder days at the least. 

It was AMAZING.  Now Marie wants some period clothing, too…