Ruthie goes to Mt. Vernon

I entitled this Ruthie goes to Mt. Vernon because she was the star of the day. She was so excited to wear her new colonial dress and everyone wanted to take her picture or be in a picture with her. They all smiled and said, "I love your dress!" and Ruthie learned to say "thankyou" and answer a few questions for kind strangers. I liked all the attention not for the attention's sake, but for one, because I know she didn't wear the dress to get attention, she wore it because she loves it; and two, because it forced her out of her shyness and taught her to step out of her little "Ruthie zone" and speak to people. I was proud of her, and I think it was a good thing for her. She did get tired of all the attention, but maintained her politeness throughout.

This was my first solo excursion with all four kids, so it was a victory in that sense, and just fun to be out in the lovely springiness of this area. We packed a lunch, walked up our trail and had lunch, where we providentially met one of Ruthie's favorite creatures, a chestnut horse, ridden by a friendly US Park Police lady. It made Ruthie's day and she was very bold in petting King and getting her picture with him. Stay tuned for her big debut at Pony Camp this summer! She can't wait. Mt. Vernon, of course, "was robed in the loveliness of Spring," and we enjoyed the colorful garden and green lawn and baby sheep.

Ruthie and King.

Ruthie and her friend Patsy. ( I think this is actually Patsy's daughter Nellie, but we pretend she is Patsy.)

The boys will not pose for pictures anymore.

The beautiful, lush, wooded trail leading to Mt.Vernon.