Jamestown

Last Tuesday, Joe and Cindy headed out for a little getaway to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. I kept Bryan so they could have some time alone. This was more than fine by both kids as they got along like (to quote Joe) "peas and carrots". =)

Feeling the need to get out of the house, I decided to take them to Jamestown. As it is less than 10 minutes from my house, this was an excellent choice ;o). I have been to Jamestown every year for the past six years with my students, and have visited a few times with family and friends.


The settlement has three main sections: the Powhatan Indian village, the English Fort, and the three ships the English came over on--the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery docked on the James River.
Being as familiar as I am with the place, I decided to skip the guided tour and take the kids to the parts I thought they would enjoy most. We headed down to the ships first, since Lily was awake and there was NO way I could take the stroller on the boats.

They are really fascinating with all the lines and sails and such. The part that amazes me is there were over fifty men on the largest of the boats, the Susan Constant, and it was still very tiny indeed!

The kids had fun exploring all the nooks and crannies they could find. They finally decided they were hot and ready to move on.

So, we headed for the Powhatan village. It is set in the woods with multiple dwellings and many open fire pits. There are many many furs inside each home, as well as activities for the children to do. They can pound corn; scrape the fur from a deer skin; play "darts" with a turkey feather, corn cob and a hoop; and make rope from river grasses.

There are interpreters all around to answer any questions and they are often demonstrating different aspects of daily life in an Indian village. We watched them building a home and making clay pots.
We visited the fort last. The kids went from building to building exploring the rooms inside and asking some excellent questions. We decided we like where we live with all our modern comforts best, and that the settlers must have worked VERY hard. Especially wearing the armor they had to wear for protection!


I have to say I was very impressed with the munchkins. We were at Jamestown for over 3 hours and never once did either one of them complain or act bored. They were attentive to all I had to say (and boy, did I say a lot!) and asked some fatabulous questions along the way.


By the time we left we were hot, sweaty and more than ready to be home in our air conditioning with our ice water. =)

Jamestown Part II

Team work in the Powhatan Village.


Yet more team work! First Hannah held the button for Bryan and then he returned the favor. =) As temps were well into the 90's, and as the humidity was outrageous, water was a MUST!!


Food in the storage house. Bryan looked up and asked, "What's that?" "Those are slabs of salted/dried meat, kind of like hams," I replied. At which point, he asks, "Can we touch it?"


Bryan in armor that is slightly too big. =)  

Jamestown Part III

Hannah and Bryan winching something on the "Godspeed".


On the pier in front of the three ships.


Scraping the fur from a deer skin.


Pounding corn into cornmeal.  

Giggle Monster

Thanks to Jessie for having the link to Dropbox on her blog because I never would have found it otherwise!

Brien and I purchased a new digital camera before Lily was born. It has video capabilities, although the quality is not so hot at times.

I wish we had had a video camera when Hannah was a mini-Monkey. There are so many things from her infant/toddlerhood I would love to relive. Alas, while we were able to take moving images, there was no sound.

Thankfully there is sound on this camera, as I'm sure you will agree. =)


Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing

Lily has such an infectious giggle I had to record it. Hannah had a deep rumbling belly laugh I wish I could have recorded. Oh, well.

Anyhow, Lily is looking off to the side to see her Daddy and the dangling string from the camera, which she is most anxious to grab!

CHEEEEEEEEEEESE!!!!!

Smile, everyone! =)  

Sunset on the James

It feels as if we have been in the car forever!! You see, Hannah was supposed to go to Lissie's house today for a four day visit. We left at 9:30, headed down the road, knowing we would arrive at then end of Lily's morning nap.

Unfortunately, neither Brien nor I checked to ascertain Hannah's "zuitcase" was in the car. We were cruising along I64, enjoying the fact we were moving along quite well for a Saturday morning during the height of tourist season. We had just driven past Newport News and were on our way to Hampton when the phone rang. Cindy had seen this suspicious looking black "zuitcase"-type item sitting in the kitchen. Could it possibly be Hannah's?

AARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! We had already been on the road for an HOUR! West bound 64 was backed up for at least 20 miles due to an accident. We needed that "zuitcase", but west bound was OUT! We took back roads and got back to the house around 11:00. Grrrrr.
But, it would seem fate was with us. Brien and I realized we could take a more direct route to my mom's by going across the James River on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry--Han still refers to it as the "pixie boat". Ferry/fairy/pixie--it works =).

Brien and I do so love to take the roads--literally--less traveled. I get so tired of the hustle and bustle of and rat race of the interstates that traveling down the back roads was a treat.

We drove through old, boarded up or abandoned downtowns. I love the old southern farmhouses and the gorgeous old store fronts. I wish I had the time to drive wherever the road leads me. If something caught my fancy I would just head that way and explore.

Alas, I had a deadline to meet, an excited Monkey to drop off and an exhausted Bit to get home. But, I'm ready to explore next time...=)

On the way, Hannah took some spectacular shots of Lily. Isn't this one sweet?

It took us about three hours to get back to the ferry slip. When we arrived, the tide was out and the sun was setting low. I love the skeletons of the old docks and piers jutting out of the water.

Suffice it to say, the misplaced "zuitcase" turned out to be a godsend, as I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a trip to North Carolina as much. Our family would have missed a fabulous drive in the country otherwise!

Birthday Queen

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Jeeesssiiieeeee
Happy birthday to you!

My earliest memory, around 20 months or so, is of going to see my mom in the hospital right after she had had Jessie. I remember being in the elevator, and the feeling in the pit of my stomach as the elevator ascended and then stopped, leaving my stomach behind somewhere on the ground floor.

I have lived with Jessie for 28 years now, and somehow we have managed NOT to kill one another. Yet...

She will tell you I tried to do her in when I was four and she was three, but honest, I didn't. You see, we had just been introduced to the wonderful world of hammocks. Yes, hammocks are most delightful and you could gently swing back and forth, back and forth. Jessie and I wanted one for ourselves in my bedroom. So, being the genius I was, I secured two corners of a blanket in the top drawer of my dresser. The other two corners were anchored very tightly by two piggy banks on one end, and a pile of picture books on the other.

Now, keep in mind is was only four here, okay? The "thing" (for lack of a better term) looked like a hammock, and it was strong enough to hold stuffed animals, so I told Jessie to climb on in!

Ah, then disaster struck, as I'm sure you can well imagine. There Jessie lay, stunned, in a heap of broken piggy banks and scattered books. Was I in trouble? You bet your sweet tushie I was!! And, to think, all I had wanted to do was create a comfy place for my little sister to sway to and fro. Honest!!

A Day at the Beach

I don't know how it happened, but it happened. My baby is a beach baby, not a mountain bunny like her Mommy and Daddy. I suppose it comes from living within close proximity to massive amounts of water and coastline and not many mountains.

As I wrote yesterday, Joe and Cindy very generously took Hannah with them and Bryan when they went to visit Sandbridge in Virginia Beach. Sandbridge is where the "locals" hang out. It isn't as commercial, over-developed, and crowded as the main beach and boardwalk at Virginia Beach are, meaning, it is a lovely beach to visit =).

As I wasn't there, the stories I am about to relate are second hand from Joe and Cindy, and to some extent Hannah and Bryan. I need to preface this by saying when Hannah, Lily and I went to the beach along the James River the other day I explained it wasn't what people considered "The Beach". I told her most ocean beaches had salty salt water (not that brackish stuff) and waves.

The Carvers and Hannah arrived at the beach, crested a dune and Hannah exclaimed, "Oh, it's a wave beach!! I LOVE wave beaches!!!!" Oh, the enthusiasm! They didn't arrive until almost 5:00 due to visiting the Marine Science Museum first. This was fine as most everyone was heading home for the evening, and the sun's rays aren't nearly as powerful or strong.
Hannah, who until last year was afraid to even put her face near the water, plopped herself face first into the waves and boldly declared, "Bring it on!" Okay, she didn't say that, but her attitude and body language did =).

The only trouble was the waves kept sucking her back into the ocean! Who knew that would happen?? She enlisted Bryan to help her in her quest to stay put saying, "Hold onto my legs to keep the water from sucking me back out!"
Goodness love him, he tried his best!! =) (As seen in the two pictures above.)

Bryan took on the waves face first as well. He and Hannah were as playful as two puppies frolicking and carrying on =).
After a while, the kids were tired of playing in the water so they moseyed up to the beach. There they proceeded to make sand angels and just waller in the sand. When do we lose that joy? At what age do we stop enjoying each moment of sandy revelry and instead want to get every minute speck off? When does the mere feel of graininess in our flip-flops become a nuisance? Why??? Why do we have to lose our innocent joy in a day at the beach and become anxious over a little grit?

Hannah and Bryan were drooping babies when they came in last night. Bryan had to have a shower before he could sleep. Hannah didn't care. And, as I snuggled her in bed she smelled like a day at the beach--all sandy, salty and coated in Coppertone. =)  

More Sandbridge

 

And Yet More Sandbridge

 

The Virginia Marine Science Museum

Since I didn't actually go, there really isn't a lot I can say other than it looks like Bryan and Hannah had a most excellent time at the museum.

Hannah said she touched a ray's flipper which she thought was pretty cool. =)

Going Organic

I'm not sure how you feel, but I'm an organic girl, all the way. I like knowing my food is not filled with antibiotics and growth hormones, nor full of pesticides. I also like knowing my meat led a fairly decent life while growing to become my steak.

Not to mention, the food just tastes better! 2% organic milk is just as creamy as non-organic whole milk. It's incredible and lasts longer. While organics are more expensive, they taste better and are so much more earth friendly!! I'm willing to fork over the extra cash for the organic products and if I had to, would make sacrifices in other areas of my life to continue to purchase them.

I truthfully cannot remember the last time Brien and I had something pre-made, loaded with preservatives. We are to the point where we can't stand most processed foods. Maybe we are just becoming snobs...

My mom emailed me these two pro-organic sites today: "The Meatrix" and "Store Wars". The Meatrix site is a cartoon spoof of "The Matrix" and if you are observant you should be able to find the first "Meatrix" spoof. "Store Wars" is just hysterical--my favorite is "Darth Tater"! =)

A New Kind of Fairy Tale--ribbit

Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.

The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said: "Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so."

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sautéed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself, I don't freakin' think so.

Hannah and Lily's New Friend

Well, the honeymoon is still on for Bryan and Hannah! They awakened this morning and immediately began playing. We forced them to have some breakfast, and they returned to playing. It was fantastic! Both these kiddos are extremely extroverted and neither one likes to play alone. They now have each other.

In fact, I had a shopping date with my friend, Sarah--more on that in a bit--and Hannah loves Sarah and LOVES to go shopping. This morning however, she loudly protested she wished to stay home instead.

It should be noted at this point that the Carver family is here on VACATION. Yes, that time when families are together for bonding and fun. As I have mentioned before we are in a primo location for all sorts of fun and exictement, and we have no objection to them basing their activities out of our house. This way we get to visit as well=).

So, Miss Han had decided she wanted to stay home and play with Bryan. At this point, Cindy and Joe said, "Sure, she can stay with us." Really??? You don't mind???

Nope. I went shopping, the kids played outside, played Play Doh and played inside. Joe decided today would be go-to-the-beach-and-the-Virginia-Marine-Science-Museum day, and they asked to take Hannah along!!! Holy smokes! This is their family vacation and my child has the pleasure of going along. What very generous friends!
In other news, Sarah and I went to visit the outlets today. Yes, I not only live near prime vacation sites, I also live next to some excellent shopping. Now, it should be noted there is a difference between "shopping" and "buying". I like to shop. I enjoy looking at all the nifty kitchen gadgets and cool children's clothing, as well as the very comfy Clark's shoes! =)

Hannah will be needing new school clothes come September, so we went to the children's clothing stores. I found a beautiful little outfit that was on sale for 40% off! Yay! I love a good bargain! =)

Sarah has been feeling a little down and out lately. Her husband is in New Orleans for three months and that is always tough. In addition she is having a very difficult time trying to find a caretaker for Erin for the fall. Our sitter is full up--she is comfortable with only one baby at a time, which I certainly understand--and I'm out of ideas for other sitters.

In addition, Sarah and I used to live mere minutes away from each other. Then, I up and moved 45 minutes away. This is rough. We used to have impromtu walks, talks, dinners, visits, etc. Now, here she is with a new baby, hubby gone and stress and I'm not nearly as convenient as I once was. I'm saddened because I always want to be there when my friends need me and now I just can't be.

But, I know Sarah loves me in spite of it all (doncha Sarah?) and I'm secure in the knowledge I'm irreplaceable *wink wink*! :oP.

Lily and Erin once again had a great time and Sarah and I had an opportunity to play "catch up" while the girls napped. It has been a very loverly day =).

Now, it's 9:40, the kids should be home any time now, and as they are LOADED with sand (can anything hold more sand than a little kid) they will be needing showers. I'd best go prepare!!  

Lily and the Pigs

These days, if I lose Lily, and I can't find her hiding on the bottom shelf of the bookshelf in the kitchen, I will head for the "caged animal room" as Hannah calls it. You see, Lily has discovered our piggies.
Our piggies are Toot and Puddle, named for the very adorable porcine critters in the stories by Hollie Hobbie.
Lil will stand there and stand there--yesterday for at least 15 minutes--sometimes cruising from end to end, laughing at and squeaking to the pigs.
I fancy she believes they are talking back when the wheek at her =).