Dubs in Virginia – Shirley plantation and horseback riding

On the James River sits the oldest plantation in Virginia History, The Shirley Plantation. A beautiful home rich with history and a direct link from the past, present and future. The upper levels of the home its self are still lived in by direct descendants of the Carter family blood line-going strong for 11 generations. But the lower level of the home is open for tours and filled with original furnishings, family portraits and beautiful architecture.

This was Quinn’s first ‘historical landmark’ tour and for being the wiggle worm that he is, he handled it swimmingly. No furniture was destroyed, no paintings knocked over and he even asked some of the best questions of the tour. Afterward, he proceeded to be our ‘tour guide’ for the rest of the grounds, particularly the garden. He showed us where all the best hiding spots were and took us through the secret passage into… the rest of the garden. Oh the awesome imagination of a four year old. What a beautiful thing it is.

Just down the road and around the corner from my Grandma’s farm is a cute little house surrounded by acres of lush open space, perfect for housing horses. Which is exactly what it is used for. Our cousin Anna very graciously offered her horse for a morning ride, and since Quinn has been giddy to get up on a horse ever since his Aunt Christy told him all about riding horses along the beach, we were anxious to get him in the saddle.

I tell you what, that right there is a nothing short of a proud Mama moment. He hoped right on top of that horse and took directions very well. Sitting up nice and straight and squeezing his butt cheeks to help keep himself in place. (Those were my directions, and I am not a horse rider, so who knows if they’re even right… but they seemed to do the trick.)

If Quinn has his way he’ll be back on that horse the next time we make a trip to Virginia. And hopefully we’ll be able to bring the whole family next time. *wink wink*

just love

//kelly

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Photo Credit – The Departure Diaries

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