Wherefore art thou?

Verily we all arriveth to partake of the shelter, libations, and viands at the Star Inn in Sulgrave, George Washington's ancestral home.

Twas quiet and peaceful which we appreciated after the day at Oxford.  After a joyful repast, the boys lay back sated and happy reading a book dedicated to the history of their beloved Porshe.

Lanna spent the morning calculating our bill on their abacus.

The night passed in comfort and blissful slumber. Then to break our fast we feasted upon an olde english breakfast delighting in bacon, mushrooms, eggs, and beans.

Fortified by such a meal we then proceeded to William Shakespeare's ancestral home of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Beset by traffic, there was much gnashing of teeth until the Peugeot made port and then we sallied forth to explore.

Fortune smiled upon us and we quickly made entry to a splendid display of Shakespeare's impact upon history and the humble abode from whence he sprang.

The home itself was a handsome wood structure, large for its time with high ceilings.  We stopped to admire it and capture an image for posterity.

Inside we met a handful of energetic playactors recreating some of the aspects of 16th century life with William's father's work as a tanner, selling wares out a large window in their home.  Some childhood toys from that era were sampled but I lacked the skill to successfully make the tops spin much to the chagrin of my children.

We also saw the room from whence William entered the world and discussed the finer points of child rearing in the mid-1500's.

The potency of the first meal of the day was thence waning, so further sustenance was sought out.  Exploration of Stratford-upon-Avon yielded splendid views of bedecked city streets and older homes.

With our bellies filled yet again at a quaint Italian diner we moved onward to view the home of Shakespeare's daughter and her physician husband.  Twas an enjoyable home with tolerably good history.

Thenceforth to the Church of the Holy Trinity where Shakespeare takes his final rest after his eminently productive 52 years on earth.

Prior to going inside, merry music could be heard echoing within the church and we found a rehearsal going on inside.  With Christmas Carols resounding, the boys discovered a chest filled with royal clothes to try on.  As they were thus engaged, we enjoyed both a musical and dramatic ensemble within the church.

Alas, given the clamor within the church, it was closed early and we were politely asked to leave.  As the door creaked close behind us with a mournful solemnity, we also realized the door to pay respects to Shakespeare's remains was also locked, and thus we forfeited the opportunity to do so.

With sad hearts we strolled through the graveyard of the church and came to stand next to the Avon, contemplating the life and legacy of Shakespeare.  And also to take pictures within the grounds.

With the waning afternoon sun providing ample light but meager warmth, we followed the Avon down towards the centre of the city.  

This industrious blue ribbon enhanced the city and provided a lovely home for scores of geese and swans.  

We found ourselves near the Royal Shakespeare Company Theater which welcomed us in heartily.  
https://www.rsc.org.uk

Their venue boasted a unique production of the Peter Pan story titled Wendy and Peter Pan.

The theater encouraged exploration which Joey and Sammy eagerly embraced.  They found themselves in a room surrounded by artistic representations of Peter Pan and another box with costumes.  

They quickly divested themselves of their plain garments while adorning fantastic costumes, running hither and yon.  Joey delighted as Peter Pan while Sammy menacingly crawled about with a metronomic ticking to mimic the crocodile.

This good thing, as all good things, came to an end as well.  

A jolly reunion with our car ensued and we proceeded back to the Star Inn for a hearty supper.

By day's end, there was much to be happy about.  Wreathed in smiles, Sammy retired for the night, awaiting the next's day's adventure.