Mount Vernon

Wednesday, 11 April 2007

Wow, what can I say about today, other than it went in a direction that was totally unexpected. We were doing so well, and on the track to get out of the hotel room early in order to make it to Mount Vernon by noon. And that’s when our best laid plans derailed. First, one of the kids slept in, a lot. I had the curtains open to let in light, the TV on to provide out side stimulus, and sibling talking and playing on the same bed. Nothing got through. He simply continued to sleep!

With that bit of the morning thrown off, breakfast was scattered, showering and getting dressed didn’t go as planned, and we certainly didn’t get out the door very early. To top that off, when we got on the freeway, my GPS told me to go south, while the Google map told me to go north. So we went south. And hit snow, sleet, obnoxious drivers, and one heck of an accident. So instead of arriving at Mt. Vernon between 11am and noon, we got there around 4pm. What a drive. I’ll be ok if I never experience another drive like that!

Despite the tedious drive from the stand point of time, the rest of the drive was fairly rewarding. Once we got off the interstate, we were treated to some pretty amazing views. The colonial styles homes and farms were incredible to see. There is just such a different feel about them. The stately tall columns, the brick architecture, the arching windows, the sweeping velvety green grass. It was definitely worth the extra effort to get there.

Even though we arrived at Mt. Vernon terribly late, we still got to meet up with Kiela and her two oldest, and Paula and her two boys. It was a blast! We bought tickets and then headed out for a tour of George Washington’s house and the grounds. It was a wonderful experience, and I certainly wish we had more time there. At this point we headed back out to our cars, gave hugs all around, and headed out to our separate destinations.

It has been 13 days since we left home, and so far, it has been one incredible journey!