When we arrived to Monticello visitor center we watched a short video about Thomas Jefferson and his life. We took a small bus to the home for a tour of the main grounds. The views of this property are amazing. Jefferson was the founder and architect of his home. It was insaine to find out that it took him 40 years to complete his house. The kids were excited with several items in the home. One of which was the weathervane on top of the house was connected to a compas underneath the porch. Then once inside there was a wall clock with balls connected to some iron balls as time ticked the balls would drop. He had the days of the week labeled on the wall. I couldn't take pictures to show you, as it was not allowed. The labeling ended on Saturday because there wasn't enough room for it to fall. Jefferson had his carpenter cut a hole in the floor for Sunday. Then finally the had the original Jefferson painting on loan and displayed on the property. While we were in one of the rooms our tour guide said "hey guys you can now say that you have been in the nickel". Wasn't until hours later did the kids figure out why she said that. In case you didn't get that either the back side of the nickel us currency is Jeffersons house.
The kids just can't stop talking about the views. Many had never seen outside of Louisiana and were awe struck. Then the heat set in and all the kids were needing a break. But it was amazing all the things this one man did while he was here on earth. He is the father of meteorology, wrote the Declaration of Independence, fother of the University of Virginia, rebuilt library of congress with his collection of books, wrote the religious statue for Virgina and many more things.
Right now it's 4pm and we are takig the windy roads to Washington. More beautiful landscapes. The kids are still talking about being in the nickle. Lol
After 2 1/2hrs we arrived at our hotel. Upon leaving for supper we found out we are in Alexandria VA not Washington DC. We found out that this area is like Alexandria/Pineville are respectively separated by a river. There is a HUGE biking trail all along the river banks near Regan Airport. We could see a lot of the monuments peaking up through the city scape with beautiful lighting. We ate supper at the Hard Rock Cafe. Everyone mostly ate a cheeseburger.
We made it back to the hotel around 9:00. The kids scattered about the hotel. They were a little more rambunctious than last night. They went swim at the pool, where they were greeted with another scout group from New Mexico. Then they all ran up and started trading patches. We had a hall party in front of our room. The kids all sprawled out on the floor visiting. One of the leaders came to meet us and gave the leaders a pin. She also asked us to look for her wallet at all the places we were going to. She had taken her wallet out for for one of the bag searches and is not sure where she left it.
It is now after 11. We have one kid that found out that his key can open up multiple doors. So thank goodness he was just messing with some other boys. So Vince goes and checks on those boys that were trying to sleep and fuss at the other one with the key. Mind you these sleeping boys are directly to the left of our room. While this is happening we were unaware that right across the hall from our door is the girls. Kaia is upset that they are in trouble. Lyla is crying her eyes out. Kaia confesses to Vince that they had been also messing with the sleeping boys and passing notes under their door. They thought that Vince had found out and was getting ready to punish the girls. At this moment all the girls are balling because they ratted themselves out. It's now 1 am and I think we are in bed.
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