Jamestown

Having spent a lot of time at various outdoor history museums (and having written a dissertation where my fieldwork was conducted in one), I felt we were really remiss for having lived in VA for going on 7 years now and never having visited Jamestown. So, we kicked off spring break with a trip!

The kids enjoyed the Powhatan Indian Village (they are grinding corn here) as well as the reproduction ships (not pictured).

They also liked the fact they could try on armor at the Fort James site. Amity was particularly fond of the chickens and found it hysterical that they could free range in and out of the houses. Zara enjoyed chatting with the interpreters, she's become quite accustomed to it over the years.

On the way back to Richmond we made a brief stop to walk the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. No trip to CW is complete without a picture of the kids in the stocks, of course. In addition, we happened upon our friend Jay who we know from some previous museum projects, so that was an incredibly lovely coincidence.

Dance Lessons

This is pretty typical of weekends around here. Zara's still in her PJs, while Amity's donned some finery. Both kiddos are teaching me (the photographer) how to do an Irish jig. I'm supposed to be dancing along, but they were blurry enough on their own (they move so FAST) that I figured I'd better stand still if I wanted to capture my instructors doing their thing.

BRIMS at MJH

Zara and her Scoil (irish for "school") buddies perform at the Martha Jefferson Hospital's annual event in celebration of cancer survivors and their care givers.

Downtown Mall Carousel

I'm not sure if this carousel comes every year and we just sometimes miss it, or if it's more of an every few years thing. In any case, an "old fashioned" (but still electricity powered, unlike the one at the Discovery museum which is parent powered) carousel appears on the Downtown Mall for a 3 day weekend around the beginning of Spring. It's free to ride it (all you have to do is wait in line!) and brings much joy to the kiddos of C'ville. Zara's especially excited because she's riding on a Zebra.

Piracy

I think this is one of those pictures where you'll need to provide your own caption. Go!

St. Patrick's Day Gig

Zara was asked by some of the members of BRIMS' Trad Ensemble if she'd dance for their set at Escafe on St. Patrick's Day. We were a bit iffy on the proposition, what with it being at a bar on a school night. But a budding young Irish dancer must hone her craft, so we left Amity at home with her beloved babysitter Katie, and the 3 elder Craigs headed to the Pub. This was also Zara's first time dancing without another, more experienced dancer (or one of her dance teachers) to help count her in, but she was cool as a cucumber and did a great job solo. All in all, a fun night.

Zara's self-portrait, on Peaches

This is the third year that Zara's had a piece in the city's art show. She constantly amazes us with her passion for art, and she works hard at it (and enjoys it as well). This year's piece is a portrait of Zara riding Peaches (her usual favorite horse, Freckles, was too hard to draw, she claims). Last year's self-portait was a head and shoulders shot, and this year we get an action shot!

Crowns

We've been on the road a lot this past month, and have been coming up with all sorts of ways to amuse ourselves. Here you see the crowns Zara (and Amity) made in the car on the way back from the Richmond airport. We were all so exhausted that we went straight to Noodles and Company (our first time at the one in C'ville) where everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. We'll be staying put for the few weeks. Maybe I'll even get to catch up on some sleep!

Aunt Debbi's Dogs, and a new Horse

We had a lovely mini-vacation to Florida. Highlights included (in addition to helping my grandmother celebrate her 90th birthday) more lovely warm weather, a trip in an airboat to see some alligators in the Everglades, meeting Deb's new horse Nicori, Amity sitting with Deb on Nicori (her first time on a horse), and hanging with Debbi's three dogs Molly, Matilda and Biscuit. The kids (especially Amity) really enjoyed playing with the dogs. Here you see Molly and Amity snuggling during some quiet TV watching (while Wes and I helped Deb with computer issues). Something for everyone!

Nanny's 90th Birthday (observed)

Nanny aka Pearl aka the mom of my dad Kenny and my Aunt Debbi, pictured in the rocking chair in this photo, is turning 90. We celebrated with a super quick surprise trip to see her in Florida, orchestrated by my very awesome (and crazy busy) Aunt. The kids are becoming seasoned travelers, and while I promised no time changes for this one I completely forgot it was Daylight Savings weekend. However, what's an hour between friends when we've been adjusting to 15 hour time differences? It was a bit tough on everyone to travel so soon after our last journey, but it was so worth it to be able to celebrate with Nanny. L'chaim!