Little mountain equals big fun

This morning my Z family hosted us for breakfast and more time together in Warrenton.  They live on a former holly farm that has beautiful views and walking paths, some that lead to a protected wetland area.  We had a really nice walk around the property looking for wildlife.  We spotted one turtle but were also rewarded with wild raspberries and lots of butterflies. 

I was so glad to have time with my aunt Joyce and uncle David and cousin Michelle.  We have always lived pretty far apart and visits don't come as often as we would like.  We had fun looking through old photos and laughing at old hair styles.  I am glad the kids have solidified more memories of my Hull side of the family.  I hope we have many more in the near future.

Michelle has gained some serious "cool cousin" points for gifting the kids with the most amazing toy called 20Q.  If you haven't seen this thing you should Google it for sure.  Essentially it is a little artificial intelligence computer that plays 20 questions with you and can actually identify the object you are thinking about in 20 questions.  We are all fascinated by it and each of the kids promises to make it the first item they share at school during show and tell.  Michelle, thanks for elevating my kid's status on the playground with this most amazing toy.

We said our goodbyes before noon which was hard because we also said goodbye to Grandma.  She will stay with the Z's for a few more days.  Without a doubt she will have fun but we have missed all of the grands this summer and it is sad to say goodbye again.

We logged a few more miles and are now outside of Charlottesville, VA.  We spent 4 hours this afternoon at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home.  Monticello is old Italian for "little mountain" and 4 out of 4 McLain children think Monticello is better than Mount Vernon.  So there you go!  It is pretty fabulous.  We LOVED the extensive gardens.  Watch out aunt Julie, Addie is already devising a plan for all she wants in her garden next spring and she is going to hold you to your word to come to Denver to help her.

The mansion is beautiful and has such really cool European influence.  Alcove beds are super fun.  Addie wants one of these too (not likely to happen).  My favorite items were the double facing clock at the front door that faces into the foyer and out to the front porch, the dumb waiter made just for wine to come up from the wine cellar and his 8 burner stove in his kitchen.  I also really liked the special little revolving door between his servants and the dinning room so the trays of food were spun through a special passage to the butler.  I would like one of those revolving doors and a butler. 

We all find it very interesting that at Jefferson's death he was in terrible debt.  Probably would equate to 2.5 million in today's dollars.  His entire estate had to be liquidated to cover his debt.  Also interesting that he opposed slavery and still owned hundreds of slaves and probably fathered 4 children with one of his slaves after Martha's death. 

The children are asleep and David is busy plotting our activities for tomorrow.  Hopefully a really fun new worship experience, some yummy food, and a nice visit with David's uncle Bruce in Winston-Salem, NC. 

Jll