American Village American Heritage Day

Today we went to the American Village for a little field trip.  We had the best time- I think this was one of the more educational trips we've been on.  Julia was excited to see some of her friends when we got there- here they are walking in-




The kids recognized the Mt. Vernon house that we'd just seen in D.C.- they were so excited.
 

Playing in the stocks-



We started the day off with a rally complaining about the Stamp Act! The guy in the middle represents King George- do we want your taxes? NOOOOOO!!! No taxation without representation the kids chanted!

 

We had a 'dummy' of King George's tax man- what shall we do with it?
 

Hang it up!
 

Then we broke off into different activities. We first went to the "encampment" and learned about how they loaded and cleaned the weapons.

 

Then he asked them all to get their guns and line up- Tucker said, "yes, sir!"

 

Line up men and fight against this tyranny!
 

Then we went to see the miniature American history museum- so cute-
 

Then it was off to the barn to learn about Paul Revere's ride. Each child had a part to play and this was VERY educational- we learned that Paul Revere had a lot of help that night-
 

The old north church- two if by sea-

 

Marky was picked to be Paul Revere-

 

 Julia and friends were at the armory in Concord- they protected the gun powder-

 

Tucker and friends were at Buckman's Tavern in Lexington and shot at the British soldiers when they came-
 

Once everyone knew their parts we did the play- Paul Revere crosses the bay to get to his horse-

 



 The redcoats are coming!
 

Tucker and friends hide in the "forest" after the incident with the soldiers-
 

After Paul Revere's Ride we went to the Constitution Hall room and met Thomas Jefferson-
   

 Then it was on to the Oval Office replica-
 


Such a fun day. Afterwards we headed to the cutest coffee house and had lunch on the porch while the rain poured down. Such a nice way to spend a Friday!

Overheard

Showing Marky a Rob Roy cartoon I found at a 2nd hand store-

Marky:  Oh, look- it was written by Sir Walter Scott.  And we know what else he wrote don't we Mommy?

Mommy:  Uh....Roll Tide.

Marky:  He wrote Ivanhoe!  Don't you remember?

I don't know how much longer the little professor will take me as his "teacher".

Tucker's Birthday in pictures....

Today was Tucker's fourth b'day party.  This was his 3rd time to have a party at Pump It Up.  When you are little and have a January birthday- this is the perfect spot.  We had a fun day- Tucker was running about 1/2 speed because of his Saturday stomach bug, but he was happy, happy, happy.  This morning I said, "today is your birthday party!" and he said, "HOOOORAAAAY!   I'm so excited!  I will get  a cake and a balloon!  Yay!"



A "bawwwwl"-

 

Moving into the second room of jump castles-
 

BB had Charlie-duty, which is a full-time job!

 

But she kept him happy!

 




 At one point they let Tucker and some friends get into the wind tunnel-

The party crew!

 

"Make a funny face"-
   

Time to eat! Pizza, goldfish, and fruit salad-

 

 Tucker LOVED his cake!! He picked it out himself-
   

Happy Birthday to you!



Time for presents!

 

"Look Marky- I got legos- just like you- I have legos!"

 

Happy Birthday Sugar Bear!  We love you!  (And he took a long nap after reading Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, "that book goes with my cake and balloon- construction!").  :)