Lagmans: Road Trippin' Part 1 - Mt. Vernon, Alexandria, Silver Spring, Woodbridge

We made it to D.C. safely after driving through the night from Chicago. We began with an awe inspiring visit to Mt. Vernon, the estate of our first president. Then, we planned to see some monuments in D.C. but the kids fell asleep in the car while looking for parking so we headed to the hotel in Old Town Alexandria. After getting a well needed rest and shower we ventured into beautiful downtown Alexandria for some dinner and dessert. The next day we headed out early and drove up to Silver Spring, MD to visit Jenny and Guy. First we headed to the Ponder Hill Farm to see Jenny's horse, Haley. We've heard so much about her and she is a true beauty. Then, is was back to their place for lunch. For dinner, we headed down to Woodbridge, VA to Susan and Troy's house for dinner. Big day tomorrow. I can't believe we actually get to meet W.

The day we left we had planned to go to the Cubs game but it was crappy weather. Caden still wanted to suppor for his team. The good news is we still wen to the Wrigley and picked up Celeste's American Girl outfit they were giving away.

A brief history of Mt. Vernon

The entrance to Mt. Vernon

On George's porch that overlooks the Potomac River

The back of the mansion

Side view of the back

The front of the mansion

This is the neccessary. What is a necessary? Read below and you'll find out what makes it "necessary"

Ewwwwww!!

3 at once? Comfort and convenience. The magazine rack is to the right out of the picture.

The mansion and the separate kitchen to the right.

Info on the separate house just for washing. Cleanliness is next to godliness

Inside the washhouse

The scenic path on the way to Washington's tomb

Celeste taking a break

Looking inside the tomb. George is on the right and Martha is on the left

In front of the tomb. Most of the Washington's are buried in here but just Martha and George are in the front.

A wreath ceremony is performed twice a day

Side view

Most of the slaves that worked at Mt. Vernon were buried on the property and the majority of them were unmarked. There is a whole area dedicated to them

Heading down to the wharf

The wharf on the Potomac

Shot of the mansion from the bowling green

Posing in front of a bust of GW

The Lagman's don't go anywhere without doing some shopping. Christine found a cheap shoe and clothing store but me in the kids beat the heat by watching movies in the car.