Monticello

Several weeks ago Monticello, which is located just outside Charlottesville, VA, hosted Home Educators Day at a reduced rate.  We've never been.  The only draw back was, it is a little over 2 hours away and I had to tutor the next day.  After thinking about it for all of two seconds I decided no way. 

Then I felt guilty.  Why not be insane for a day and drive over four hours to take a 30 minute tour of a house.  But this isn't just any house.  It was home to our third President, Thomas Jefferson and author of the Declaration of Independence. 
After a relatively smooth drive, a bathroom stop at Sheetz (ooohhh yuck!) more coffee, slushies, and jerky (not for me) we finally arrive around 10:30.  I do have to say the drive was absolutely gorgeous. 

Here we are receiving instructions for the day from Lorri, one of our Classical Conversation Directors.  First item on the agenda was to watch a 20 minute film in the theater.  The film focused on Jefferson's achievements, ideas and influence on the country.   We left with a much better idea of his life and the activities of the people who lived and worked at Monticello. 

Next we headed to the Griffin Discovery Room, which is a hands-on activity room designed for children.  Children are able to touch and handle replicas of objects found in the actual house and around the plantation.

Rachel and her friend playing with a cipher wheel.  Decoded it should read "I love Eben Franckewitz".

Nicole playing with a polygraph.

I had no idea Monticello was situated on a mountaintop.  Hints the name, Monticello, which means "little mountain" in Italian.  Though this picture is not the best, the view is breath taking.  No matter where you were on the mountain you can see for miles. 

Jefferson's 1,000 ft. long and  80 ft wide garden terrace.  This fruit and vegetable garden served as a source of food for the plantation.

Today the food is used for tasting events on the grounds during Saturday and Sunday and then what is left is distributed to the employees of the plantation. 

Taking a break for lunch with Lorri and Diane and our children. 

Cleary, Jefferson wants nothing to do with Rachel.

I am thoroughly amazed this picture has no children in it, considering they were running around everywhere. I didn't even realize it until I got home. 

Students from both north and south Classical Conversations campuses.  

Thank you Lorri for organizing such a wonderful field trip.

I didn't sign up for this

I don't recall staining the deck as being part of the marital vows.  Dave made me do 98% of it, by hand, and with the smallest brush he could find.  Pure evil!

Someone, please rescue me!