Our trip to Virginia

We returned today from our 2 week jaunt across Virginia. Almost 700 miles from Ringgold, GA to Virginia Beach, VA. We had a great time but as always are so glad to be home.

We worked in a lot on our trip. Probably the kinds of things that are torture for kids. But, I have to say that Mac and Alina (& Cal) did great and were very accommodating. We stopped in Roanoke, VA to spend the night along the way. Roanoke was a beautiful area and we enjoyed visiting the downtown market area. This area hosts a farmer's market with fresh vegetables & crafts during the day and then is home to many places to eat during dinner.

On the way toward Virginia Beach the next day we stopped at Monticello to visit Thomas Jefferson's home. We spent 2-3 hours touring the grounds and house. They had a special tour just for kids. It was really nice to not have to worry about "bothering" other attendees. Plus the tour guide aimed her speeches to the kids to keep their attention. We really enjoyed visiting this very historic place.

On to the beach......the kids enjoyed the surf and sand. We also did the usual beachy things like mini-golf, water park and also the Virginia Aquarium.

One day we drove down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This was about an hour to 2 hour drive. We visited Kitty Hawk where the Wright Brothers took their first successful flights.

We left Virginia Beach yesterday and drove to Williamsburg. While visiting the Colonial Williamsburg visitor's center to purchase tickets Alina decided she wanted to rent a costume. She looked like a little colonial girl. Mac and Cal donned the traditional hats. We really enjoyed our visit. We only got to spend about 3 hours and I can easily see that you would need several days instead of several hours to do it all.

One house was set up with children's activities. There were games that were played back in the colonial days. They also had Mac and Alina sit at a table and learn how dinner would be served. They learned how to fold their napkin, pass food, etc. They were put to work doing chores. Mac really got into this. He finally was rewarded with some feed to go feed the chickens (yes, real live chickens). One of the chores he got to do was shred dried mint that would be used during the winter months when the garden wasn't in bloom. Alina got too busy trying to learn the hoop game (can't remember the exact name).

We stopped on the way home and spent the night in Staunton, VA. Another beautiful, historic town. We had a delicious dinner and then enjoyed a Thursday night concert series (sort of like Nightfall in Chattanooga) within walking distance of our restaurant.

Finally we are home. What a long drive but wonderful memories. Hopefully Mac and Alina learned some things about the history of our country.

Enjoy the pics.

Alison