A day in colonial Williamsburg

The next day we woke up early to attend an 8 a.m. Prayer Walk in colonial Williamsburg organized by "Virginians for Liberty." The date was historic, since back in 1774, June 1st was set aside as "a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer" in colonial Williamsburg, in protest of the closing of Boston harbor by King George III. Since we happened to be there exactly at this time, we thought that we should join in protesting the un-American changes coming from Washington and to lift our country up in prayer. The walk started at the Capitol, proceeded down Duke of Gloucester Street, and ended at Bruton Parish Church.

There were about 100 people in attendance.

Bright eyed and bushy tailed early in the morning

While walking down the street, we sang a few songs -

and Caleb sang along.

The endpoint of our walk - Bruton Parish Church

There were several speeches given here

during which Caleb enjoyed gathering rocks...

...and throwing them.

As a matter of fact, he did that most of the day

stopping every few feet for one irresistable rock or another.
Those colonial rocks are really something else, I guess...

The colonial water fountains are great, too

And look! Colonial tree to hide behind!

colonial birds...

and sheep.

But he had to leave all that behind to enjoy the colonial musicians

at the Gambols

and to down a couple of drinks

Whatcha talkin' about, Willis???

Busch Gardens

Once we were finished with business in Richmond, we headed down to Williamsburg, one of our favorite places to relax. We also wanted Caleb to experience Busch Gardens again this year before the baby came, since he really enjoyed it last year.

The Carousel - I had been telling him about this for a week, showing him pictures

from last year, so he knew he was going to ride the horses.

I went on the carousel with him many times while Daddy went on some big rides...

As I neglected to hand over my camera, you will not see any pictures of me riding with him.

In fact, you will not see any pictures of me, at all.

Then came the water play area that he really liked last year.

He started out holding my hand as we walked together,

but by the end, when Daddy joined us, he was balancing on his own

and jumping from stone to stone.

What's this he's showing me? WOW!

Caleb was obviously amazed at seeing the Griffon

swoosh above our heads.

We went on some of the same rides as last year.

I took him on the dragon egg ferris wheel

and Daddy rode the flying dragon with him.

Then, Caleb saw the tugboats and was begging to get on.

This is a ride on which adults cannot accompany the children. Daddy was hesitant,

but I talked him into it. Caleb enjoyed his freedom and did really well on this,

bouncing his head from left to right, singing to himself.

Our one concern was that without us there, he would try to get out.

But only once the ride stopped did that become an issue,

and as I yelled "Wait!" Daddy rushed to him just as he was lifting his foot

to step out of the boat - into the water. Yikes!

More alone rides followed.

The Ladybug ride. You can tell how he felt about that.

Making faces as he passes by and sees me taking his picture.

And on the swing.

This was clearly a winner as well.

Then, Daddy took Caleb on a bigger kid ride.

Oscar's Whirly Worms was fast! When I saw it, I thought he might get scared,

as it was the end of the day and he was quite tired.

But, no... He was laughing through it.

Daddy got bold and wanted to take Caleb on some other rides,

but I had to draw the line somewhere -

I thought he was a little too young for the rollercoaster and Prince Elmo's Spire.

These rides were all in the new Sesame Street Forest of Fun area,

and as a photographer, I should have been prepared for what was to come -

but I must say, I failed.

Caleb glimpsed Cookie Monster and Elmo.

He ran to them and gave them, especially Elmo, the most wonder-filled greeting,

saying "Oh, hi!" waving excitedly as he ran and freely gave Elmo a huge hug.

These pictures, taken afterwards, as the park photographers took their picture together

don't show any of his initial excitement.

He was so surprised

to see Elmo and Cookie for the first time in real life.

I wish I had captured the moment.

And how does a long day at the park end?

Coloring with Daddy at dinnertime, of course.

Republican Convention - Richmond, Virginia

We got back from our trip a few days ago, but as always, it takes me a while to organize all of the pictures and assemble the most representative ones for your viewing.

I've broken down the photos into three parts, and here is Part I, the Virginia Republican Convention in Richmond, where our weekend started. Ron was a delegate again this year, while Caleb and I (and Summer Baby) tagged along as guests. This time, the Convention was in the Coliseum, because there were approximately three times as many delegates as last year. In fact, it was the biggest convention in 15 years.

This was taken early afternoon Friday, when they were just starting to gather.

Caleb hanging out in the hallway

That night, we attended a barbecue event called Restoring the Founders' Vision.

While waiting for food in the long line, we had our entertainment.

They provided children's entertainment, so the children would not be bored during the speeches,

so after dinner Caleb and I went exploring. He had fun coloring

and also cutting with a scissor for the first time.

And look who showed up: George Washington!

And the Fifes and Drums! We almost felt like we were in Williamsburg already.

You would think he'd be quite tired out after all that activity

(and you didn't even see the soccer game we played with a stone),

but he had plenty of spirit in him

when we got back to the room.

Eventually, though, all fell silent -

Caleb slept...

and while Daddy attended the many hospitality suites in our hotel

and in the Marriott across the street,

as well as in the Convention Center,

Mommy was able to do something she doesn't have much time for anymore:

relax and read a good book.

The next morning, the meetings continued

and Caleb and I did get to see some of it.

But I think the most memorable part of this portion of the trip for Caleb

was this right here:

"FUNNY CAKE"!!!

Oh, ain't vacation grand?

Faces

Faces

Photo of the Week

2009 Week 20

Someone asked this week: "Does he still make faces?"

Oh, yes!

This time in the backyard at dusk.

Just because.