Mount Vernon!

Jay and Rob and I had been to Mount Vernon (and many other sites we revisited on this trip) once before, on a toure with the Nashville Children's Choir (they sang with the Centurymen), but the others never had. I remembered Washington's home as my favorite stop, and it was again.

We didn't do the museum before, so this was all new (some of it WAS rather new).

George and Martha greet you, with the grandchildren, whom they raised. Laura recently performed the "Mount Vernon Set" of four pieces for piano, by Alexander Reinagle, who came from England to teach Nellie Custis, Martha's young daughter. Sweet! or, Suite!

Timothy poses with Jacky.

This dollhouse is decorated and furnished to exactly match the house. It's amazing.

No pictures allowed in the real house, but his study was just like this!

Ah, there it is. Know what? Those two little windows above the doors? Fake fronts. Inside, it's just wall! (or portraits) We saw the first and second floors, but not the third. Laura and I were wondering if they would close it down for a few weeks so we could bring some friends and live there.

George Washington's backyard view: he commented "Mount Vernon is the most pleasantly situated plantation in all of Virginia."

Timothy checks out the kitchen.

Laura too, with her Mona Lisa smile.

Hey, somebody took Mama's picture! Outbuildings at Mount Vernon included the carriage house, the clerk's house, the smoke house, the paint cellar (G. W. wanted the house, roof, and fences to always have fresh paint, which was shipped from England, mixed with oil, and then stored in a cool place.), the wash house, and I don't know what all!

I want to sit on this porch and sip lemonade.

Guess what he's looking at.

Mama pig. She never opened her eyes, even when he snorted at her.

Just let me carry this umbrella.

The tomb. Martha's, too.

ok, now it's hot.

Washington is cool, but this place is hot!

Now here's something...

A real live blacksmith. G. W. had his own blacksmith.

I'll distract her by holding a photo shoot.

That's actually my hat.

So, in the museum, which was wonderful, there were these fascinating little miniatures...

Indians! George was a hero in the French and Indian War.

This is a phenomenal wax figure.

Washington at 26.

Taking the oath (after much persuasion). Check out the guy swearing him in--doesn't he look real!?

This window was so cool. First you see G.W. with a crown and robe on--"He could have been king..."

Then the king disappears, and General Washington appears, but I don't remember how it went...Thomas? anyone? anyone? Is this thing on?

I love the Pioneer Woman.