While we were at the Colonial Michilimackinac site we found out it was kids day. A pretty sweet turn of events because they had different things for the kids to do while we were there.
It also was a gorgeous day out & I was really glad the next day that we had gone then because the next day it rained the rest of the time we had in Mackinaw City. Plus, my kids are on a HUGE colonial kick. Mr. J is probably the MOST interested in learning more about how people during these days lived.
Yet, while we were there the kids were drafted by order of King George. My daughter claimed exemption for being too much a princess to fight.
The older boys, however, jumped in the mix. I’m sure an Irish relative right now has rolled over in their grave or is planning on paying us visit.
Of course my boys though were more like an Abbott & Costello movie or maybe the movie Stripes. Given they fell far behind & caused the crowd to laugh at their silliness.
I mean really these two were made for a comedy routine. And really the costumes they were wearing were made for comedy.
After the draft, Mike’s parents & sister arrived. We all agreed it was time to put the kids to work. Given the failure of being able to do proper formation or even participation (Mamacita the princess!!). Perhaps making some baps would do the trick.
I mean we worked up an appetite watching all that revelry!
These were the last of the baps. The women that day said they had made literally dozens upon dozens of these throughout the day working with the kids who’d come through.
After we had our fill of baps. We needed to have some candles to see after dark. I’ve never been more grateful for electricity than when I think of dark nights on the frontier. I’m terrified just to walk from my room to the bathroom WITH the nightlight ON! I’d have died back then of an over active imagination.
We also got to see the men fire their weapons. I’m glad the boys were spared hard service.
Then when all was said & done it was time to leave. It was a really good day & we truly learned a lot from the folks who work there. They shared with us a lot of information on what life was like, we also got to see realistic recreations of life in the various homes & settings around the fort. It was also a great example of how learning isn’t hindered by four walls & can be a lot of fun. But I’ll still pass on living a true colonial life.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
My husband is from Michigan and we have enjoyed many a lovely day on Mackinaw Island! The Grand Hotel, the ‘taxi’s', the colonial buildings… what a great time for your family!
The Island is really beyond beautiful. We just looked at it from the City. I would LOVE to live there, it’s a pretty isolated area outside of tourist season but it is just beautiful.
Awesome! I lovelovelove places like this!
It was pretty awesome & confirmed how amazing interest led learning can be since the kids are really BIG into learning about all things Michigan & colonial right now it was perfect.