Keeping my eyes open

Learning to trust and be flexible seemed to be the lessons of the day, or lessons of the week in this case.

    After the Government shutdown brought our plans to tour DC to a screeching halt we realized that a shift in thinking would be required! So, instead we headed down to Colonial Williamsburg. The realization that 1.) I am a total nerd, and 2.) I am raising at least one other nerd, became very clear.  As we pulled into the parking lot I began clapping and whining with anticipation. Aiden began to chant “the mystery of History!” and Jacob was cheering “I love History!” Alan, of course, being the only cool one among us, shook his head in utter horror.

            We paid an ungodly amount but in return got to actually interact with characters from that time period! The seamstress told us all about the impeding non-importation act with Great Britain, and what it would mean to her business. The printer told us all about the sacrifices one would make to support the colonists and the choices he would have to make for his family. The Blacksmith talked to us all about treason and the success war would bring to his craft, all as he made a hoop to fortify the wheel on the cannon wagon. And, amidst it all, I was struck with the awe-inspiring realization that as he stoked the billows, they were EXACTLY THE SAME BILLOWS THAT WERE STOKED BY COLONIAL AMERICANS! This place isn’t re-created for tourists, it’s were these things actually happened!

    

The next day we went down to Virginia Beach and marveled that we were playing in the ocean even as our friends back home were enjoying their first snowfall of the season. It was 85 here and 45 % humidity so the guest services offer of a SUMMER job here next year was met with interior guffaws! Alan had read about the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and was very eager to see it. I didn’t understand the true significance of it so when I was told we were paying 13 dollars to drive over a bridge I was less than thrilled! And this, my friends, is where faith and flexibility come in. As we readied ourselves to turn around before the bridge, defeated by the impending “frivolous” expenditure. Aiden’s little voice piped up from the back. “I can’t believe I am saying this but Dad, I’ll give you my money so you can go. I know how much it means to you.” 

A silence settled over the car as Daddy made a U-turn, went back to the gas station, found an ATM and pulled out the necessary cash. You see, Aiden and money are mortal enemies. He has yet to learn the lesson of saving. It’s PAINFUL for him to have money in his pocket and not spend it. He had been trying to save up for a video game system, $74 to be exact. And, as you can imagine, there are not a lot of opportunities to earn money for the boys yet. Aiden, parting with a single dollar that could otherwise be spent on something shiny or sweet was a true miracle!  His moment of generosity reminded us of the reason behind this all trip, to experience new things as a family!

     The bridge is a modern marvel of human ingenuity. It spans 20 miles going both above and BELOW the water!

 It’s truly amazing, an experience I would not want to have missed. And on the way out, there was a small café attached to a gift shop and peer. We had an amazing (and affordable!) dinner as we sat and watched the sun set over the ocean. It was a fantastic evening and one we would have missed if I had remained rigid and lost site of the overall goal.