Colonial Dresses, Williamsburg, and Jamestown

We got back last night from our trip to Williamsburg.  We had a really nice time.  The weather was wonderful, the crowds weren't too bad, and it was pretty slow paced.  However, we were exhausted, I guess from walking so much. 
Here is a picture of the dresses my mom and I made for Marissa and Daniella to wear.  They got lots of attention from the cast (and visitors) in them.  Lots of soldiers bowing to them, and bidding them good day.  Of course, they returned it with a polite curtsy.  On our carriage ride, we passed a group of soldiers who spoke to them all, and our driver says, "Sir, if those were my daughters, I wouldn't want those French soldiers speaking to them."  Most of the cast were engaging and friendly like that.  Anyway, back to the picture.

I wish I had a better picture of the back of Marissa's dress.  It has a drape down the back, which is tied up on either side with pink ribbons. 
Here are Ashley and Briana.  Briana is in her colonial dress that Maria's daughter made for her a couple of years ago.


We also happened to hit a weekend with reenactments, so that made it even better.  As soon as we got there Saturday morning, we walked up on a battle scene just starting.
Patriots

British and Loyalists


Daniella was entranced watching this little boy weave.

We enjoyed visiting many craftsmen.  Here are a few.
The Apothecary Shop

The weaver.  This guy was really nice, and went to extra lengths to talk about and demonstrate weaving, spinning, and yarns.  My girls were the only young ones in the shop at the time, and he involved and talked to them.

The Cobbler

Briana playing the harpsichord in the cabinet maker's shop.  He said handmade by them those jewels are $60,000--850 hours of work. 
Others we visited were the milliner, the tailor, saddle maker, blacksmith, sliversmith, wheelwright, and brick maker.  We also visited the magazine.
We took a guided tour of the courthouse, capitol, and Governor's Palace.  For those whose daughters have read the Felicity books, the Governor's Palace is where Felicity goes to the Christmas Ball, and wears her new blue gown. 
Governor's Palace
Behind the palace is a big garden with walkways.  We spent a while there.  It was so comfy and nice, and included a hedge maze. 
As I mentioned above, we made Marissa's day (life?) by taking a carriage ride.  We all enjoyed the ride.

This is not something you expect to see strolling down the street!
We spent 2 days in Williamsburg.  The 2nd day was a little short, so we decided to go back to the room to rest for a while.  Then about 7:00, we went back for a night-time stroll. 
The last day we went to Jamestown settlement.  This is a few minutes from the actual site of Jamestown, and is a recreation of Jamestown and the Powhatan village.  We weren't super impressed.  Maybe it was because it was slow season and a Monday, so there weren't as many craftsmen, etc. going on.  It might have been, too, because we had been walking for 2 days and we were tired. 
Indian Village

Grinding Corn

Digging out a tree to make a canoe

Carrying water

Touring the replicas of the ships was our favorite part.
The Susan Constant

The Godspeed

Looking at these ships will really put things in perspective.  They are SMALL.  I can't even imagine the journey they took in those tiny boats. 
Marissa and Daniella in one of the ship's bunks.

Our last stop was to go to Historic Jamestown.  It was late, so we skipped the museum, but drove the 5 mile loop road.  It is all natural, with occasional pullovers with signs telling about life there.  It was beautiful, but I can't imagine why they built a colony on the swamps.  Maybe they didn't have mosquitos in England!  I think this was our favorite part of the day, because it was just pretty, easy going, restful, and relaxing.  We saw deer, a beautiful sunset, and spent probably 45 min. sitting on the beach of the James River.  We took a short walkway down to the river, and let the girls throw pepples in the water, look at dead crabs (didn't see any live ones!), and play in the sand.  Did I mention how relaxing and peaceful it was?  A few other people came in and out for a few minutes, but otherwise we had the place to ourselves--no people, no cars, no boats, even....just crickets and birds. 





It was a good unrushed time for all of us to spend together.  I'm so thankful for get-aways and my family!
Letitia