Family Fun in Williamsburg

We had a wonderful time in Virginia enjoying the historical sights of Williamsburg and spending time with my sister, brother-in-law and their daughter, Charlotte.  

 One of our side hopes during this furlough is to get to expose Elijah to some of the cultural experiences that are different in the US.  Everything from libraries to outdoor classical concerts...if it's free (or very cheap!) we're enjoying it!  One of the most fun free US experiences so far was the archeological dig for kids that we did in Williamsburg while we were visiting my sister.  The dig was of an old colonial store and the kids Elijah's age and up actually got trowels and helped dig up dirt and material and sifted through for historical artifacts!

Audrey's age just got to play in sandboxes :)

The digging underway

This activity was exactly Elijah's idea of fun!  He dug nonstop for almost the entire time we were allowed. 

Meanwhile, the girl cousins enjoyed the easier sand sifting!

 Afterwards, we got to sit down with an actual archeologist and ask her questions about what we dug!  A pipe, oyster shells, and more.  It was such a blast to enjoy these community events that we don't have access to overseas. 

 The highlight of my week was getting to spend time with my sister, Danielle, who is expecting baby Violet any day.  I even got to give her and her husband a mini birth preparation class, the first time I have done that for family.  I just wish it would have worked out to meet baby Violet.  That is one of the harder parts of missions, knowing it could be several years until we meet this little one :(

Williamsburg is just a beautiful city to walk around in.  We even got to enjoy a much needed date night to a movie in the park one evening.   

 And a day at Jamestown River was also a hit.

 Ah...what can I say, such an awesome few days with family doing normal, everyday life.

 Charlotte wanted to dress up like Audrey one day. I'm not sure how the little zebra felt about it in this first picture!

 Lots of fun every day and lots of stories together each night.  Elijah got really into Clifford books, or "Clipper" as Elijah kept calling him.

Adam, Danielle, and Charlotte - Thanks for all of the fun memories!  We will miss you guys!