2 things I learned on the fifth grade field trip!

Last week, I accompanied Jonathan and his class on an overnight field trip to Colonial Williamsburg.  It was a lot of fun. I actually knew what to expect because I had been once before when Emily was in the fifth grade!  We went on several tours and learned a lot about our countries history. We heard ghost stories and legends about spirits that still lingered and even learned to shoot a musket (pretend of course).

I also learned the origin of 2 commonly used phrases....I found them very interesting.
First...the phrase..."Put your best foot forward!"

Apparently it comes from a time when men were trying to impress the ladies.
You see....if you were of a certain class...then you knew how to dance the minuet. And if you were a good dancer, you would have had very impressive calf muscles. When the men would greet the ladies, they would stick out their best foot ...showing their huge calf muscle.
Did you know that? Funny, huh?

Second...the phrase... "The Powder Room".

The wig maker explained to all of us that in colonial times, must people wore wigs for style.
The wig was dusted with powders to make them appear darker or lighter. Some colors were considered more formal while others were more casual. The powder room was where you went to freshen up your wig when it started to lose it's color.
Maybe you already knew that. Interesting, huh?

And now a few more pics of our fifth grade adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I asked Jonathan what he liked best about the trip, he quickly replied...The hotel, the bus, and dinner at the Golden Corral."  I'm pretty sure the rest of the kids would agree!

Funny kids!

Enjoy your day!