Mount Vernon

Phil and the kids took me to Mount Vernon for Mother's Day and it was the most perfect day I could have imagined. It is absolutely gorgeous there - I don't know how Washington ever got anything done! Unfortunately, I left the memory chip out of my camera that day - oops! So no photos. However, my mom and sister were out a few weeks ago, so we went back and this time I got some pictures. We had record heat that day, so it was an abbreviated visit and I definitely had sweat stinging my eyes by the time we got back to the car, but we still got to see quite a bit.

Adam's favorite part is the sheep. Luckily there are many around Washington's estate, so Adam usually occupies himself by running around looking for them.

My sister and a VERY big tree. There are little plaques on many of the trees that say what year Washington himself planted the tree. Gives you an idea of how old they are.

Doesn't this look like a senior portrait?

A shot of the tree looking up. Again, I can't figure out when this one won't turn.

All the buildings and the grounds are so beautiful. This is the green house in the center and slave quarters off to each side.

Some of the gardens.

Usually the front of the mansion is absolutely stunning, and I was so disappointed that they were doing some maintenance work on it! They were giving it a new paint job. Don't worry, they keep it authentic - I'm not sure exactly how this is accomplished, but Washington used a method of painting that makes it look like stone from a distance, and the modern day painters are doing just that to accurately preserve the mansion's look.

View of the mansion from the backyard.

Views of the Potomac from Washington's backyard.

We also went to see Washington's burial site. There is much more to see, though, so we'll probably go back when it is cooler and when my dad is here as well.