Mount Vernon

For President's Day this year, Ben and I thought it would be fun to go to Mount Vernon, George Washington's home. It's about 20 miles south of DC on the shore of the Potomac River. Since it was President's Day it was free (it's usually a $15 charge per person) but it was also PACKED with people. On a busy summer day they have about 6,000 visitors but on Monday they had 15,000. But we just braved the crowds and slight rain and had a great time. We got to see George and Martha's graves, a museum of family artifacts (including Washington's dentures), and a working plantation with animals. They even had a surprise birthday party in the afternoon and did a show with actors. It was really fun and I think we'll go back again when it isn't so crowded.

Ben and I with George and Martha

The memorable moment of the trip was our taxi ride to the plantation. One of the BYU students asked, "Now whose faces are on Mt. Vernon again?" I don't think we stopped laughing all day. She was so disappointed to find out we were just going to see an old house.

It has a beautiful view of the river

The front of the home