Ah, Virginia. Birthplace of eight US Presidents — more than any other state. Virginia is also home to the Pentagon, the early settlement of Jamestown, and the colonial town of Williamsburg. Lots of history going on in this place. And if that weren’t enough, for the past 15 years, this state has been home to our family — although both kids were actually born in Washington, DC. We didn’t think of it at the time, but now I believe that, after being born in our nation’s capitol, our kids were truly destined for the 50/50 tour. They really don’t see it that way. At all.

Anyway, considering that we spend an awful lot of time in Virginia (when we’re not on the road with the 50/50 tour, of course) you’d think that we’d have an abundance of great photos of this beautiful state. You’d think. And you’d be wrong. I guess the problem is that we spend most, if not all, of our time racing around to the kids’ schools, sports events, the grocery store, the dry cleaners, and often, to the neighboring jurisdictions of Washington, DC and Maryland. Ok, and the other problem is that I just did not listen to Tom, and his wise advice above. I figured I could always take photos of Virginia and add them and some clever text to this blog later. But the end happened before later happened. Which means that, in yet another fascinating twist of 50/50 fate and irony, you’ll read the least about the state we know the most.

We did do a little bit of 50/50 touring in Virginia. Bill and I enjoyed a wonderful candlelight tour of Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s home, just before Christmas. It was spectacular, but way too dark for photos, unfortunately. And, we visited Williamsburg to “live” some history in the recreated buildings and streets, and to sample some delectable Virginia ham. We’ve also tasted peanut soup in Williamsburg, which is, um, thick.

At least we spent the night outside of our house in Virginia. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park. Not really a historical site, but with wild water slides and temps in the mid-70s, it helps you forget all about cold wintertime!

So, with apologies to the Commonwealth of Virginia (how many of you knew that Virginia was not a state?), we move on. Believe me, Virginia is a great place to live. I just don’t have any photos to prove it.

19. Virginia
Williamsburg