Independence Day

Even though the temperature was hovering around 100 degrees, the Eckerts were debating whether or not to brave the heat and head to Staunton, VA to go to the Frontier Cultural Museum for the day. When we went to the website we realized that there was free admission that day, so we decided that after days of being housebound for most of the day due to the extreme temps, we were going to give it a go.

Andy figured if we go and it's just miserable, we can always leave and not feel like we have to stay to get our monies worth. So that was our mindset. We packed a cooler with tons of ice water and headed West. The kids did amazing and I even behaved myself! We had a really great time despite the heat.

All decked out in their patriotic attire.

Annabelle was enjoying walking around the West African village.
She looks right at home, doesn't she?

Daddy testing out an African bed, which he then decided would be suitable.
He's a tad bit crazy!

They had a bunch of festivities for the 4th, including a reading of
the Declaration of Independence and a gun salute.

We were thrilled to see they had an American old fashioned school house.
We're reading through the Little House on the Prairie series
and this looked just like the one in the books.
This couple told a story in the school. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

This was the blacksmith's shop. He was making nails that day.
Another highlight.

We came home, took naps, then went to a friends house for a cookout and then to the fireworks. Such a great way to spend celebrating the 4th.