My mom is always up for an adventure, so in keeping with our Christmas theme of "Christmas Wonder, Christmas Surprise" I found affordable hotel accommodations in Alexandria for her first trip to the DC area.
First stop, Mount Vernon, home to George and Martha Washington. My mom has looked forward to visiting this historic home she was in the fourth grade! Lifelong dream accomplished. There are so many things to love and remember about this home and the surrounding farms.
Practicality and Work
The exterior isn't made of stone, it's made of pine (since there was an abundance of that in the surrounding woods), cut and beveled and then textured with sand to look like stone blocks.
Hospitality.
Not only did the Washingtons raise their children and grandchildren here, Martha hosted some 660 overnight guests in one year alone in her ten-bedroom home. There were beds everywhere!
Peace.
George Washington ordered that dove weathervane to his specifications. Though a military genius and strong leader, he loved and looked forward to his peaceful retreat to his home overlooking the Potomac.
(Not a bad view from the piazza on the rear side of the house.)
Order and beauty.
I confess I always struggle to reconcile my understanding of slavery's evils with my admiration for the organization of the gardens, farms, and industry of these colonial farms.
We checked into our sweet hotel suite. I think we could have spent all three days there watching cartoons on our beds and the kids wouldn't have complained.
Thursday night we saw the monuments in starlight. This is one of my favorite things in DC. The monuments are especially quiet in the absence of the crowds, of course.
After venturing in on the Metro on Friday morning we explored a couple Smithsonians. Though my abominable photography doesn't capture a tenth of what we saw it adequately captures what I was working with.
We went to the Washington DC temple that night to see the lights, the life-size nativity, and enjoy the Visitor Center. I'm glad we didn't skip that opportunity.
I don't have so much to say about visiting Arlington National Cemetary. I was surprised by the immensity (the rows and rows and rows and rows of headstones), and the kids impressed me with their best behavior yet led by J.
(At the grave of John F. Kennedy)
(At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier)
It was a real treat to visit Arlington House, home to General Robert E. Lee. That tragedy of the Civil War tugs at my heart when I'm in places like this. Someday we'll go back with the restoration is complete.
(Looking out over the cemetary at the Pentagon)
What a gift to have a so many places to ponder the sacrifices that have been made.
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1 comment:
What a FABULOUS trip! I am so jealous - DC is such an amazing place to visit. There is SO much to see! I bet your Mom loved every minute. She looks great, btw :) Glad you had a nice 3 day adventure!
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