Virginia's Historic Triangle~ Williamsburg

The next historic town we strolled through was the quaint village of Williamsburg. The beauty and charm of this colonial town captured my heart. I LOVE WILLIAMSBURG! It was a pity that we only had a few hours to enjoy Williamsburg . . . we simply must go back . . . :-) How many times have you said that and never did? Hopefully this time will be different.


The boys in front of the Magazine.

The Governor's mansion

Enchanting colonial gardens~

Daniel was found clowning around in town and was promptly locked in the stocks near the courthouse. I can still hear his plantive cries.


The law administered justice to another person in our party also. They caught this one by surprise.


The shops that lined the street were filled with historical merchandise. This one in particular sold the best (in other words, most authentic) three cornered hats we had seen.




Hats, ribbons, and everything lovely.

Max discovered a fellow thinker in Williamsburg and enjoyed a lively debate with him there. :-)

Hunter Hospitality

After our busy sightseeing day on Saturday, Sunday was refreshing. Dad had contacted a gentleman before we left by the name of Kirk Hunter, who he had met at a Fatherhood conference a few months earlier. We were excited for the opportunity to meet and worship with them on Sunday morning. God filled our hearts again as we were able to enjoy worship and rich fellowship.


Mrs. Hunter is an excellent hostess and she bustled around the kitchen preparing a delicious meal as we became aquainted. We shared sewing idea's and tips, and she inspired Mom and I with her industrious homemaking. We were all revived by the encouragement of the Hunter family as we visited and shared our lives and hearts with them.


Thanks to each one of the Hunter's for their hospitality and graciousness to us on Sunday! God is so good to bring us together for fellowship with His precious people.

Uno Grill

Saturday evening we had a good taste of Southern resturant fare when we sat down to eat in Uno Grill. Mom and Dad enjoyed a private table while everyone else sat at another, solving the world's problems. :-) Actually not, but we did have a great visit!

Virginia's Historic Triangle~Yorktown

After lunch at Jamestown, we all piled in the car and drove to Yorktown, which is a few miles away. There we took the Yorktown battlefield tour, listening to the story of history coming forth from our tourguide, the museum and our Father. I was amazed to see how the trench mounds created there by the British soldiers have stood the test of time. They rose up from the ground grass-covered, but still standing. When our tourguide told the story of what happened in Yorktown during the War for Independence, I almost felt sorry for General Cornwallis who was in command there. Everything that possibly could've gone wrong went wrong for the British at Yorktown. With the opposite being true of the Americans. The power of God's providence was surely at work in this little Virginian town.








Exploring redoubt #9, with defense trenches in the background. Situated on the top of the trenches is a little dirt path where we trotted out to the redoubt. Whenever I visit a historical sight, I am always struck with the quietness of the scene. What is now a place where we can trip along, as merry as can be, was once a place of intense action. We can only imagine the screams of victory and horror, the beating hearts and clammy hands, and the powder and gunball filled air that must have shrouded these now serene places. Though we are able to visit them today, we will never in our 21st century brains, truly understand the realities of what happened there.

Jeremy, checking out the landscape.

I have been blessed with a Father who enjoys the study of history, and seems like a living history book! As we walked along the paths of the Yorktown battlefield, I soaked in his knowledge of this fascinating time in history.

Sinners in the Hand of an Angry . . . Max?

Seeing an empty pulpit before him in the Jamestown Town Hall/Church, Max could not resist the urge to hop up and do a little expounding. :-P

Touring Virginia's Historic Triangle~Jamestown

Saturday morning dawned bright and crisp as we hopped into the car to visit the historical town of Jamestown. We cruised the woodsy countryside, windows rolled down, praise music floating through the speakers, reveling in the beauty of Virginia. I love this state! History seems to seep through all the nooks and crannies, reaching out to touch my heart; reminding me to remember both the joy and horror, the victories and loss that have so ravaged this land years ago. Though our stay has been passing swiftly, I can already understand how the men of Virginia felt such a passion to fight and protect their beloved home. The beauty of the change in season is evident here and we are awe-struck by the picturesque scenes we have witnessed.


To God be the Glory!

Having fun with Jaelynn in our first hotel night.




Daniel and Kendra walking the length of the new Jamestown museum. The architecture was beautiful.

Chief Simon enjoying his new domain in the Powatan Indian dwellings.


Even the Indians enjoyed the fashion of fur . . . right?

Kendra decided to make us some lunch the old fashioned way! :-) "Welcome to our home"


Everyone really enjoyed touring the shipyard at Jamestown. One of these ships was being built when we left Virginia twelve years ago. Now all three of them, the Susan Constant, Discovery, and the Godspeed complete real voyages during the summer.

When we walked up the gangway of the Susan Constant, this wonderfully grizzled old sailor noticed Max entering on the exit side and growled " Ah, you can always tell the mischief makers because they walk in on the wrong side." then proceeded to grab him, pull him into position, and pose for a great picture. :-) Jamestown is full of surprises.


We've had a blast with Daniel and Kendra and Jaelynn! It has been so special to enjoy this family trip all together. I can't imagine taking this family trip without them.




Simon's right at home. :-)

All the guys spent what seemed like hours in the Jamestown 'gun-shop'. :-) We ladies had toured the entire town before they were done there.

Jaelynn has been such a great traveler! She has kept us all infatuated with her smiles, and it's been so much fun touring the South with her!



No visit to Jamestown is complete without dressing up.

Richmond, VA

We've finally arrived in Richmond, VA for our eagerly waited for family vacation! As we swooped over the expanse of green in our airline jet, I was filled with anticipation to see the state of my birth. This week will be full of activity for the Parish Family, and I'll try to keep up on the blog. At the moment, Max, Simon and I are sacked out in the motel waiting for Dan and Kendra's plane to arrive while the rest are out food shopping. A perfect time to spend uploading pictures. :-) However, until pictures begin to be taken here, I thought I'd update with a few more of last week with all the family together!


On the plane today, I took the opportunity to work on C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy series which Max highly recomended I read. While they wouldn't be my normal choice for reading material, they have challenged and interested me. Anyone out there have any thoughts on this intriguing series?

Big bro Dan with little bro Jacob . . .

Daddy Dan with Princess Jaelynn. :-)

The boys
Washing the car
We curled Jayni's hair almost every night. It turned out adorable.

Daddy, Husband and Grandpa. Three in one. :-)

Happy Birthday Max!

Celebrating Max's 21'st birthday was a blast with ALL our family!


What a joy it has been to be Max's younger sister. I am still in disbelief and awe that 21 years have arrived and gone. The bounce in Max's step, his smile, and his deep faith in the Lord have encouraged me in many, many ways. I feel like I can talk to him about anything! There have been many instances that I have just needed someone to hold me and hug me, and he knows right when and how to do it. That says a lot for a big brother! I can never leave a visit with Max with a frown, or a heavy heart . . . because he won't allow it! :-)


Our family has been truly blessed. May God bless you as you seek to follow the vision that He has given you. We love you!!!!

Big brothers+little sisters= An unbeatable combination

"They're talking about Jesus!"

While we were all driving home from our shopping trip yesterday, Mom and I were enjoying some uplifting praise music while the children were catching their afternoon nap. Or so we thought, for all of a sudden, Jayni's little high pitched voice broke into the music. "That's Jesus they're talking about! Jesus and His cross! That He died on, that is Jesus that they're talking about!" She continued on, telling us all about it. Mom and I looked at each other, amazed. Jayni is very perceptive and learns quickly. Though there are many things we are needing to train and help them learn, her innocent heart is a precious thing. :-) May God draw her to himself, and use her for His glory!

Shop till you drop!

Today was a very special occasion. Mom, Jayni, Jacob, and I drove forty-five minutes into Fresno to enjoy our first shopping trip together! Jayni and Jacob get to stay a whole week with us and we are enjoying every minute of it. In Target, Mom and I each took a shopping cart and a child and whizzed around; scrutinizing the childrens clothes for the “very cutest” ;-) smelling shampoos with Jacob, and trying on shoes. ( No, not the red sparkly ones, Jayni!) I personally had a blast, in spite of a nasty sore throat that I have acquired from the passionate kisses of Lillyann; who had a bad cold while we were in Redding last weekend. Mom and I slept in a big King bed while we were there, with Jayni and Lilly in between us. Lilly was covering me with kisses and hugs! I thought a cold as a result would be worth it then, but am not so sure now. :-)



When we arrived at Costco this afternoon, I drove the cart around with the two little ones in the front while Mom waited in the returns line. I noticed people giving me glances, but realized why when, after Jacob dropped a toy I stooped to pick it up right after hearing the offer of a nice older man to pick it up for me. When I came up from retrieving the lost toy, he smiled to Jacob and said, you’ve got a very nice Mom! - Whoa! A Mom? :-)


As we were walking out, Mom handed our receipt to a employee whose lip was curled up, looking like he was born that way. Jacob began to ask me with a confused look in his big brown eyes, Is that a frog? Look! A frog! Is that a frog? Jayni just stared up at him with a pained, compassionate expression, staring and staring until she couldn’t turn her head any more. When we went out of the store, I glanced at Mom, she glanced at me, and we both burst into hysterics!



What a joy these precious children have already been. Jacob just toddles around, trying to keep up with the big boys, while Jayni can’t get enough of our front zinnia bed where the butterflies flock. She comes in and out, excitedly showing us her latest catch, a beautiful yellow butterfly! They hold out their arms to be held, and everyone wants to suggle them. They keep us on our toes, and though our house has been a little out of order while we’ve been trying to get on a routine, I know in a few years we will look back and wonder how we coped without them. We’ll be wondering how we managed with such a boring life!



P.S. More pictures coming soon! Due to the misplacing of our digital camera, we no longer have instant pictures, but are keeping the disposables rolling in the meantime. Thank-you for your patience!

Our First Visit!

Last weekend was the first of many roadtrips to Redding (six hours away) that we have scheduled to visit Jayni, (5) Jacob, (3) and Lillyann (2). You can only imagine the excitement and anticipation that we felt as we drove to meet these precious children for the first time. Mom needed weights on her feet to keep her down on earth! :-)