Spring Break in Colonial Williamsburg and DC

This spring break we left our home here in the northern-most Spanish Territories (or was this the southern-most Russian Territory?) and headed for the Colonies.  Then we leapt forward to present-day-America's seat of government and spent four days in Washington D.C.  It was all VERY cold (so much for the cherry blossoms) but still really good.  And tiring.

2.5 days in Colonial Williamsburg

We bunked in the historic district, in the upstairs of the historic David Morton House.  Luckily for us, it has been modernized somewhat with indoor plumbing, electricity, and heat (we really needed the heat). It was a great location, even if the layout was a little awkward.  Eleanor especially loved our canopy bed.  While visiting the 1780's we stormed the Governor's palace (to demand back our gun powder); heard the hot-off-the-presses Declaration of Independence read in Capital Square; bade farewell to George Washington as he led the troops to (what was to be) the deciding battle at Yorktown; interacted with a number of tradespeople at work, including spinners, a basket maker, a printer, a book binder and a smith; had a pub dinner and period music one snowy night in the tavern; and had just all-around remarkable interactions with a number of interesting characters.

Oh, and it turns out we just had to go back to the 1780's to finally find a shop selling wooden hoop toys, so we bought it and shipped it home.  (I'm not sure why I never found it online during my previous searches, 'cause it's clearly there.)

4 days in Washington D.C.

Our jump forward in time brought us the many benefits of the Smithson donation (= incredible, free museums) and a chance to see the St. Clair grandparents.  (They happened to have a trip scheduled for DC during the same time we were planning our trip!)  

While in the District we visited 6 museums (what?!?) ... Air and Space (for Amelia Earhart and Wright brothers' gear), Natural History (for dinosaurs, fossils and gems like the Hope Diamond), Archives (for the notables -- Declaration of Independence and Constitution -- but also for Charles Ingalls' homestead claim paperwork), National Gallery (a DaVinci and Van Gogh for Eleanor), American History (for Dorothy's ruby red slippers and Lincoln's hat), American Art (some Hoppers for Stephanie and a Grandma Moses for Eleanor).  Eleanor's tolerance for museums is a genuine grace (until those times when it uncomfortably surpasses my own).  We also toured the Bureau of Engraving (where Eleanor bought a bag of shredded money), and hit some of the more iconic monuments and memorials (Lincoln, MLK, Roosevelt, Vietnam).  Whew!  We came home tired.

The Eleanors

standing on the very spot

Rainbow themed 9th birthday party for Eleanor

We were finally able to reschedule the community center auditorium rental for a March 1st, party.  Lots of balloons, party games, cupcakes, and plenty of space to run around.  And all of it in rainbow colors! Woohoo!  This was one of my favorite parties yet.

arrivals

rainbow face paint station - DIY

the big ball, a chance to share it with friends

instructions for those that want to play a party game

balloon relay

balloon games the kids made up

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Eleanor hands out the 3 party favors she hand made for her friends.