We haven't been on a trip (not counting seeing family) since October. If you know us, you know that is a long time for us to get out and adventure. Granted, we have been a bit busy lately, but it was nice to take time as a family, and Josh planned the perfect Memorial Day weekend trip because we learned a lot about those who have served and died for our Country by visiting the Marine Museum, many Civil War battle fields, living Jamestown and Yorktown, and Yorktown Battlefield. We snuck in a couple other stops, as well, and we were all pleased with how our mini vacation turned out.
Marine Museum: The museum wasn't too busy when we arrived, but it was sure busy by the time we left. It was a pretty cold rainy day, but the museum was free, and you didn't need a reservation, so naturally people flocked to this particular museum. If you have never been, you really should go. The displays are really neat, and everything in the museum is real, and has been used by the Marines before, including the giant helicopter and tanks in the pictures.
Prince William Forest Park: This was a quick stop, but a semi-adventurous one. Trexton fell asleep in the car pretty quick after the Marine Museum, so we were going to just do a quick drive in the forest, and head to our next destination, but Josh needed to look at the map, and Payson wanted to do a little hike. Nobody else was in the park, at least not in the area where we were at because it was cold and rainy. We (Payson, Avenly, and me) thought we would run to the waterfalls, which were .3 miles from the car while Josh looked at the map. I did snap one picture of the two of them on the bridge over the creek, but not too far from the picture we heard a low growl. Payson was about 10 yards ahead, and normally I wouldn't think anything of it, but as soon as I heard it, I KNEW it was a bear. I told Payson to come back, and both Pay and Anny heard the growl (or whatever you call a bear sound), as well. Too be honest, I was afraid to look up, and kept my eyes on the kids or down on the ground, so I don't know if the bear was in sight, or in a tree, or what, but we must have scared it enough for it to make a sound. We did not move forward, and ran back to the car with butterflies. I researched to see if there were black bears in the area, and sure enough, black bears do live in Prince William Forest Park.
For reference, if you don't believe me, this Youtube video gives examples of bear sounds. We heard something just like the first and second sounds in the video.
Petersburg Battlefield: This was another battlefield, but it deserves it's own description because it was very cool and complete with a fort. We also saw more prominent earth works, and the first picture in this set is of the crater, where the Union came in and blew up Confederate gun battery underground. (Also, just to note about Covid- this was the first place we saw a sign that said, "if you are vaccinated, you don't need a mask in National Park buildings." Things are finally, slowly, getting back to normal over a year later). 
Living Yorktown: Living Yorktown was a lot like Jamestown in that it had an awesome museum and "living" displays outside with a village and camp. It also included an amphitheater, where we were able to watch the band play the drums and old fashion flutes (piccolos). We then took part in a special Memorial Day presentation, where we all had a moment of silence for the fallen soldiers, and then they blew another cannon. I didn't video this one because it was part of the Memorial Day ceremony. 
Yorktown Battlefield: The visitors center was closed for Memorial Day, but we were able to drive around the sites for the battlefield. The earth-works were even larger here than at the Civil War battlefield sites, and they are much older. We saw the exact spot that Cornwallis surrendered because he couldn't retreat across the extremely rough river. If you don't know the history of this great battle, there was a huge storm. After watching the video on it, I think someone from upstairs had a hand in things. He needed this country to be free! ;-) 
Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe: We were so close to the Atlantic Ocean, we couldn't resist spending a couple hours on the beach, even if it was only 62* when we got there. Trexton started in his clothes, but I shortly changed him to his swimming suit that kept falling off, and so he ended with just his swim diaper. The kids had a blast playing on the edge of the waves. I was ready to go after 2 hours because it is exhausting watching an almost 2 year old around water, even when you take turns with your spouse. Also, we ate lunch at the best seafood place after driving through the fort. 
We really enjoyed our weekend trip, and it was perfect for Memorial Day. We were able to teach the kids a little bit of history, and help them understand that many brave men and women lost their lives for our Country and for us.
