Jamestown and the McCorkles

This morning we went to Jamestown Settlement and saw the first English permanent settlement. We saw how the residents made fish netting, farmed, made their homes, worshipped and ate. We also saw how the native Americans lived. We saw how fire was created from sticks and from flint and steel. I think they might have enjoyed seeing how a musket fires most of all. Your children will tell you all about it! In the evening we had a very special treat. Daniel McCorkles grandparents hosted us for a delicious dinner in their mill located next to their home. The kids ate and played and had fun. We all had a great dinner and are so thankful for them to open their home to us. Tomorrow we will learn more about coal mining and then come back to North Greenbush at about 6-7 pm. We will call when we are closer.

Williamsburg

We had a great day in Williamsburg. The village had a millener, printshop, magazine, post office, and wainwright. In the afternoon the Revolutionary VIllage in the center of town had live theater, acting out the beginning of the revolution. At night we had a wonderful dinner at the Kings Arms Tavern. The Tavern was all in candlelight and during the 'authentic' dinner, some 'neighbors' came over to visit, and we were also entertained by a fiddler. The village looked different at night. Tomorrow we are going to Harrisburg for an overnight on our way back to Albany.

Busch Gardens

We all had a great day today at Busch Gardens. We arrived at 10 and spent the entire day exploring the park, riding the rollercoasters and spending time together. We ate a packed lunch and had dinner and a show at Oktoberfest in the German section of the multicultural themed park. Some of the students were even part of the show, dancing the polka! It was so great to see the kids having so much fun together. We had a beautiful sunny day to top it off!! The students are spending some time swimming now before resting up for our big day at Colonial WIlliamsburg tomorrow. We are looking forward to another fun day tomorrow and the period dinner we have reserved tomorrow night! We will try to add pictures soon.

Cora

Independence Hall

Today we toured historic Philadelphia with a tour guide who took us on a walking tour around the sites. Then we went to Independence Hall for a guided tour. We picnicked in front of the Liberty Bell and are now on our way to Williamsburg. We picked up a movie at the grocery for the ride and we are watching it now (2012). We have a beautiful day- breezy and sunny.

Day in Philly

We had a great day. We spent the entire afternoon at the Franklin Institute Science Museum. We went to the Weather exhibit and broadcast our own weathercast. We went to the electricity and the changing world exhibits, an axhibit on trains and air travel. There were lots of experiments. We went to an IMAX film on the Forces of Nature. We ate at an authentic Cheesesteak place and went to the hotel. We are hoping to go swimming. All for now!!