Several months ago we decided to take an honest-to-goodness vacation at the Christmas holiday, so we made reservations for a week at Colonial Williamsburg. On Tuesday we loaded the van and headed for Virginia. The drive was one beautiful snow scape after another, but the roads were clear. We checked into our hotel, a beautiful room in a newly refurbished Hampton Inn, and had a lovely dinner at a local restaurant. Then we headed to the Governor's Palace for a candlelit concert. Five musicians in period attire played period instruments, and a soprano sang several arias. It was a great start to our holiday.

This morning we got up when we felt like it, had a monster breakfast at Cracker Barrel, then headed to the restored area. If you've never been here, I highly recommend that you visit at least once in your life. There's something for everyone, whether you like architecture, history, horses, crafts, trades, guns, or just a relaxed atmosphere, it's all here.

In the photo below, we are standing in front of the Governor's Palace just prior to touring it. Later in the day we attended an "Irish Christmas" musical presentation which was also very excellent. You meet the nicest people at these activities, and it's good to see families with small children. The kids really seem to enjoy the whole experience, despite the absence of electronic diversions.

We'll keep taking pictures and try to post a little something each day. Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!