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Sunday, December 4, 2016

Our Trip to Mount Vernon

Greetings from the foothills! 

The highlight of our trip to Virginia in October was touring Mount Vernon, the home of President George Washington, our first President.  We were in line, facing the morning sun and awaiting our turn to enter the mansion when this picture was taken.  (All photos are courtesy of our youngest daughter.) 

Likenesses of the presidential family greeted everyone in the screening area.

These stained glass windows were amazing to see in person.  They are huge and depict the Declaration of Independence being read to General Washington so beautifully.

We were, understandably, not allowed to take pictures inside the mansion itself, but I will say the tour of our first president's home was wonderful.  On the veranda we got a fleeting glimpse of Mrs. Washington. ;)

A peek of through an arch on the portico overlooking the Potomac River. 

 The Tombs where Mr. Washington's remains still rest today.

His personal flag is at the front of the resting place.  It's a copy the one that was always born for him in battle and has thirteen stars.

The General's marble coffin with elaborate sculpting on the lid. 

Mrs. Washington's remains rest in marble a bit less decorative in the same tomb.

I think the family carriage is still quite handsome.

After seeing the mansion and stables there were other buildings to tour that contained wonderfully preserved items of historical note.  President Washington's teeth are still looking pretty good!   They are a mixture of human and cow teeth and elephant ivory.  The story that he had wooden teeth is just a myth, of course. 

Life-like figures showing the Presidential Oath of Office and other scenes were beautifully displayed.

I hope you enjoyed the photos.  We loved this trip!
Have a great week, Y'all!