Monticello

My mom came for a visit and wanted to go see Monticello.  Tj, the kids and I went almost 2 years ago when we first moved here.  Needless to say, they weren't very happy to go back.  I finished teaching BodyPump in the morning and hurried home for a quick shower.  We packed a picnic lunch and headed to Charlottsville, about a 2 1/2 hour drive.  We got there and ate our little picnic lunch in the car - unfortunately, there were no tables or chairs anywhere.  We got there around 1pm, and our tour of the house wasn't until 4:20pm.  We headed up to the mountain top to explore.  It was flag day and there was a lot of activities happening.  Bristol didn't do so well on this excursion.  It was a little rough with her.  I didn't even get to go on the house tour this time because she was screaming and wouldn't stop.  She was just so tired, and couldn't fall asleep.  At least I'd already done the house tour!  And, the important thing is that my mom had a good time and enjoyed the trip.

 Bristol and grandma playing games

 Tyler writing with a quill pen.

 I LOVE the garden here!

 It was the 200th year anniversary of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner today.  At 4pm EST, places all over the Country stopped and sang all 4 verses of the song.  Everyone gathered on the big lawn and sang (except us - we stayed in the shade!).

 Oh look, another one of Brena's selfies!

After grandma and the kids toured the house, we hit the road and headed home.  It was a perfect day trip!