Monticello

The first day of our trip we met Big C's Dad and family at Carter's Mountain Apple Orchard. This was the first time we've been apple picking since we lived in NY. There just aren't any orchards close to us. It is one of the things we miss most about fall in NY. We had a lot of fun picking apples, but it didn't feel like fall. It was in the 80's and very warm. Here are some pictures!

Then it was off to the hotel for some swimming and cable TV before hitting the sack. The next day we made it to Monticello. When I say we loved our visit to Monticello, that is an understatement! We had such an amazing time. It is one of the most beautiful places that we have visited. Seeing the history come alive in the boys eyes was the highlight of the trip for me.


Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take pictures in the house because that was our favorite part. When the tour guide showed us some maps and elk horns that were brought back by Lewis and Clark, C1's jaw dropped. He was so excited!

The little building was located in the middle of the garden's and Thomas Jefferson would go there just to read looking over the mountains.

The gardens were AMAZING!

They have a discovery room there for kids with replica's of the many things that Thomas Jefferson invented.

In the afternoon we went on a plantation tour. C2 and I were fascinated by that, but I guess J wasn't that interested!

At the conclusion of the trip we went to the gift shop of course. When the boys purchased their trinkets they were given $2 as change. They were very excited about that as you can see!

Thomas Jefferson was an amazing man on so many levels. I can't begin to go into all that he did and all that he loved here, but if you ever get a chance to go to Monticello or read up on his life and his passions, DO IT!