Washington D.C. Day Trip #1: Monticello

Who can travel to Washington D.C. on a grand home school field trip and not make a day trip out to the magnificent home of Thomas Jefferson?  Obviously not us.  It was a bit of a drive, but we talked about Thomas Jefferson the two hours down, and the kids actually really enjoyed the tour of Monticello.  I was able to schedule a private "Home School" tour, so they individualized it right to the kiddos and threw in a few fun facts for Nick and I too. 

As always, we could have used more time to wander the gardens and grounds before it got dark, not to mention more time to visit the nearby home of another founding father--James Monroe.  Somehow, it just wasn't meant to be on this trip. 

A trip to the gift shop was meant to be though, and while there I purchased a very special souvenir.  For those who are familiar with Monticello, there used to be two huge Tulip Poplar trees standing on either side of the house.  The trees were planted by Thomas Jefferson himself, and were some of his favorite on the property.  In 2008, one of the age old trees became diseased and had to be taken down.  In 2011, the second tree followed suit.  The diseased parts of the trees were destroyed, but any parts of the trees that could be spared were sent to local artisans to be turned into whatever work of art they felt inspired to make.  I picked out one of these masterpieces--a small wooden vase.  It is beautiful and meaningful.  It will soon sit on a small round table in my library with a single quill resting inside of it.  Next to it, on an old fashioned wooden tray, will be a replica of each of the important American founding documents, (I've been collecting them on this trip) not the least of which is the Declaration of Independence.  I have a picture of the Founding Fathers signing the constitution that will hang over the mantel in the library, and pictures of Washington and Lincoln--Washington praying in Valley Forge, and Lincoln reading scriptures in his tent at the Battle of Antietam--which will be on either side of the constitution portrait.  It seems only appropriate the Jefferson should be represented in the room somewhere too--and what is more fitting and proper than representing him with a natural specimen of his own creation and the power of a single pen, resting in the vessel!  Can we say awesome!  American history is awesome!!