Monticello

Ruthie pondering the lovely view- orchard and beyond. 

The only things growing this time of year are herbs- including this beautiful rosemary.  We saw bees pollinating the blooms.  There was also some lovely French lavender, tansy, and thyme.  I really would love to come back in the spring to see everything coming to life!

This is the pond that was used for fish that had been caught down at the river.  They were kept here until time for dinner!

The weather was so mild, these tiny crocuses thought it must be Spring!  Go back to sleep little flowers!  It's not time yet!

 Jefferson's grave.  I loved the story I learned about Jefferson and his childhood friend Dabney.  Jefferson grew up down the hill from Monticello and he and his friend would play on the land and dream that one of them would build a house there when they grew up.  They also planned to be buried there one day, under a huge oak.  The oak is gone now, but the friends were buried in the same plot, a few feet from one another.  (Dabney actually married Jefferson's sister, thereby becoming family.)

"C'mon Mr. Jefferson!  Look at the camera!" 

Our visit to Monticello was so much fun and we learned so much.  It was Jay's favorite thing we've seen in Virgina so far.  Jefferson was so interesting and interested in so many things- all the newest inventions of his time, clocks, weathervanes, architecture, archaeology, exploration, literature, gardening, interior design, art, brewing and winemaking, not to mention philosophy and nation building!  I know he wasn't perfect, but he was a fascinating Founding Father, and we loved his home.  The kids really listened during the home tour (except Peter who slept through it) and we enjoyed discussing the things they learned or liked afterward.  It is so unique to get to experience all these historical places with them- Virginia is for learners!