Fun in the Federal Triangle

A little* while back we took a little family trip to the "Federal Triangle", otherwise known as Yorktown, Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg Virginia. We had a terrific time, and really loved

getting to show the boys some very important American history!

I must first also admit, before we took this trip I had know idea that these three sites were so close to each other! (like within 8 miles) It was very interesting that such important things would culminate in this area. 

We first headed to Yorktown (you know, where the British finally surrendered to the Continental Army and America won it's Independence!) 

Daddy and the boys enjoying the mock camp that was set up. Porter was glad he didn't have to be a soldier like this he said!

                          The boys watching a demonstration of firing the cannon- they loved it!

Porter testing out the different swords used in the Revolutionary War

Mommy and the boys just sitting with General Washington

 Daddy and the boys on the beach at Yorktown-just picture the French Navy out in the water there

We also thought it was incredibly interesting to drive around and see the battlefields, and all the trenches. Each different section was marked with either the American, British or French flags as to the section that army was positioned...very cool in helping you to picture the situation!

(Daddy and Porter representing the French here)

 Remember, this is pre-French Revolution so the flag is different

The Americans!! 

and the British...

 Of course we had to get a picture of Bacon St., pretty sure this is where Noah would choose to live if we could choose!

Porter practicing a little diplomacy, negotiating treaties?

 The visit wouldn't be complete without a trip to a Powhatan village

Porter grinding some corn

Then, we headed over to Jamestown!

This was the boy's favorite part of the trip, 

as there are the three replica ships that landed here back in 1607.

Only Porter and I toured the ships, and I must say- I am SOO glad that I never had to make that journey on one of these boats. They were MUCH smaller than I had assumed, and I am still in disbelief that these guys made it all the way over the Atlantic Ocean! It was truly a miracle!!

 The last great thing about Jamestown was the costumes! Who doesn't like to see their little boys dressed up like Conquistadors? What a silly boy!

 Hmm....maybe we should give Porter some more chores? 

He seemed to be pretty good at this!

For his part, Miles also really enjoyed himself

And lastly, we enjoyed downtown Colonial Williamsburg. It is such a fun place, and we really enjoyed all the people in costume and fun shops. This was taken in the Merchant Square, highlights including the toymakers shop and the Christmas shop! I didn't get many pictures here, but we'll be back another time I'm sure as well as there were also awesome outlets to shop at and plenty more to see. 

 It was a beautiful area, full of history- which we LOVE as a family and we are SO glad that 

we made sure to squeeze it in this time we were in DC. I am pretty bummed that we waited this long to go! It was great. Good times.