Time with our visitors

Monday Oct.7

Helen had to work every day which she can do anywhere with WiFi. But William was supposed to have a great fall break. And we were determined to make that happen. 

William likes history so we suggested Historic Jamestown. He had been at the Jamestown Settlement, the recreated living history museum at least ones if not several times. He thought that sounded like a good idea.

It had changed quite a lot since James or I had been there. We didn't know you need a National Park Pass (which was left at home) and an entry ticket to the excavation part. But that was ok. I just need to learn to carry a purse and all memberships again.

It was a gorgeaus day. There was a guide at 11 am and what she was telling us was very interesting. The tour took about 1 hour. I took more photos but they would need extensive explanations. I noticed though that every time you visit a historic place you learn something new.

The tour ended at the museum. When I came to this exhibition I was startled ... that was not a real person but a lifesize cut-out.

All museums have something in common: after a while you have "information overload". And it was past lunchtime! But it was too early to drive home. We decided to drive to Yorktown. There is a pub at the river York where James and I have been several times already. It is a lovely area.

There were at least 2 dozen children and adults swimming and playing in the water. Yes, in October. But no photos of those.

Next day, Tuesday, we decided to drive downtown to the Valentine's Museum. The GPS got us first to another place and we parked opposite in a park house. OMG, as soon as we were walking towards the exit the alarm rang. It must have been something like a fire alarm. It was loud and awful. But it was a false alarm and we were happy when we found it we should leave because we were at the wrong place.

When we found the right place we were told that a tour had just started. They decided not to bother with taking our money and quickly brought us to the tour guide. There was only one other couple and the guide was great. The historic house was very interesting. For example: the decor on the walls which looks like reliefs are all painted. Unbelievable. 

Never seen a staircase like this before.

We enjoyed this visit very much. Aaron Burr had been a guest here at a time because the owner was his defense lawyer when he was accused of treason. 

You go to the house and back out through the museum which mainly focuses on Richmond/local history. 

It was very interesting and I am sure we will visit it again.

William had been sad that he might not see his cousins again on this visit because they didn't have a fall break from school like he did. And in the evenings they had a commitment with their sport teams to participate in the trainings. But Sarah and I found a way. Tuesdays and Thursdays the twins have baseball practice and Caleb is free. So Sarah sent him to school with a note that I was allowed to pick him up a bit earlier. 

We went straight from the school to the Science Museum which both boys like. They had about 2 hours until they close and they took adventage of that whole time and enjoyed it. 

I found these pictures very interesting. They were upstairs were they have classes and workshops.

The subjects of this one is obviously the pollution of our rivers and beaches.

When the Science Museum closed for the day we went back to the house but stopped for Chinese take-out which we and Helen enjoyed on the back patio. After that of course we had to bring Caleb home. But the cousins had a nice time together. William even helped Caleb with his math homework. A little tutoring.