My family had an amazing Thanksgiving. My parents invited all three of their kids plus our families to spend several days with them in Colonial Williamsburg. We saw the old printing press where the type was still “pressed” by hand onto the paper; we watched a re-enactment of a witch trial from 1707; we learned some games that children played during the colonial era; we ate in colonial-style taverns. It was an amazing experience.

We also took a day to visit Jamestown, the earliest permanent settlement in America (think Pocahantes), and Yorktown, where we saw a re-created revolutionary-era farm and soldier encampment. My kids are still talking about it nonstop, and I must admit, I wanted to spend more time there myself. What a great opportunity to remind ourselves of our country’s origins; perhaps for at least a few days or weeks we won’t take our freedoms for granted quite as much.