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Fourth of July Pictures

By Melissa Markham on July 5, 2007 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Yesterday, we had a great time at Thomas Jefferson's summer home, Poplar Forest.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought I would save you a lot of reading and just show you pictures with brief captions:) Plus the couple of links above in case you want to know more about Thomas Jefferson or Poplar Forest.

Let the photos commence!

When we arrived, first we saw Miss Missy who was sharing stories of the enslaved African-American plantation community. She was a hoot. The kids had a hard time following her speech and I had to listen closely, but she was a colorful lady and I wish her stories lasted longer.

Miss Missy, African American storyteller

Next we headed over to see Otto the Sword Swallower! Some people left due to weak stomachs...he juggled, cracked a whip, breathed fire, pounded a nail into his nose and finally he swallowed swords...first the dagger that you see before you, then a 29" sword, then 3 small fencing type swords at once...yikes! Jack had his eyes covered most of the time!

Next we picked up some snacks...sorry no pictures of me stuffing my face with Kettle Corn, but you will get to see Jack's blue lips later:) Then we headed over to see Senora Bella! I love Senora Bella, she is a juggling, joking, slack rope walker. Katrina was thrilled when she was chosen to be a helper!

Next had to be the pony rides! Please note Jack's blue mouth and teeth...the residuals of a blue raspberry sno-cone!

After the pony rides, Katrina tried her hand at 9-pins...she had one very stubborn pin that it took her several attempts to knock down!

Next it was time to see the Colonial Conjurer, who, along with various magic tricks, encouraged the children to read and to practice and to never give up.

Next we were off to the South Lawn to listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence. First came the Fife and Drums and the Boy Scout Troop #45 Color Guard, then the Pledge of Allegiance, then the National Anthem, and then the readingof the Declaration of Independence and a Roll Call of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Spectacular!

The last thing on our day's agenda was to head to the children's activity tent. The girls did a paper weaving craft. Jack and Katrina played a "Lewis and Clark" board game and they dressed up as you can see below. Katrina was giving me her best Scarlett O'Hara look, while her friend, K.K., was just as cute as a little speckled pup. Jack suffered through the dressing up part...what a sport!