American History Road Trip Part 1
Hello, friends! Liam recently asked to see a picture on my phone from a previous trip, and I realized there are several trips we’ve taken that I have not shared here on my blog. Some were small weekend trips, but others definitely deserve a place here in my digital history. Today I am sharing part one of our road trip through American History.
We flew into Richmond, Virginia, rented a car, and headed to our first hotel of three on this journey. I have shared before how much I love American history, so I personally couldn’t wait to visit some of these locations. I had been to some of our destinations years ago and wanted to share them with Liam, but several were new to me as well. I know a few people think I am crazy taking off alone with a small child, but I am 100% comfortable and confident in our travels. And to note, I am pregnant on this particular trip, but no one knew it at the time but immediate family. I had transferred Baby Judson just weeks prior to takeoff!
Our first stop was Williamsburg, Virginia…
I’m pretty sure he’s the only one who reads the safety card…
We stayed at the beautiful Manor Club at Ford’s Colony in Williamsburg. It felt more like a condo than a hotel which was a neat surprise. And since we were road tripping, we made a quick stop by their Walmart when we arrived. Literally the cleanest, most organized Walmart I’ve ever seen. Here’s a look at the outside and inside of our “room”.
The following morning we began our adventures at Colonial Williamsburg. I first visited Williamsburg with my high school show choir in 1999. I remembered bits and pieces, but it was almost like seeing it for the first time.
This tree is on the grounds of the College of William and Mary. Leave it to Liam to make an impression! (Side note, this was my favorite age with Liam, that late 4/early 5 years. Such sweet memories before he started school.)
We visited the leather tanner…
and dress makers…
and a few taverns!
From Colonial Williamsburg we took the short drive over to both the Jamestown and Yorktown settlements. Liam and I had previously visited Plymouth Rock, so he had an idea of where America began. This showed him how it continued, evolved, and became such an important location of the American Revolution.
Liam had no idea what tobacco was, let alone why it was hanging from the ceiling.
Of course he found a cat…
After a few days in Virginia, we loaded up for one last stop in VA before crossing into DC!
Arlington National Cemetery
It feels weird posting smiley pictures here but forgive us. At this time, Liam understood who a US president was and what their roles are. He also knew a few of his favorite astronauts were buried here. (We never found them. Miles and miles of headstones is mindboggling when searching for Gus Grissom from the Apollo 1 tragedy.)
Perhaps the most notable person buried here is, of course, JFK.
We sat for over half an hour watching this soldier march back and forth waiting for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That’s a special event if you’re ever able to stop and watch. I videoed it for us to have. And how cool is it that only God himself knows who is in that tomb!
I just love my adventures with this sweet boy. And I can’t wait to add to them with Baby Judson! Though this was our Sabbatical Year, it was by far the best year of my life so far. I am so thankful we have these memories! Stay tuned because our next stop has, uh, federal consequences to share! I’ll leave you with that cliffhanger!
