Monticello for the win!

What a gorgeous Fall day!

During Thanksgiving weekend, we had a fantastic outing!  We got a group together and spent the day in Monticello where Thomas Jefferson lived.  It was a 2 hour drive to Charlottesville.  With the way Waze brought us, we got very familiar with lots of back roads, but no traffic!

In total, we had 6 adults and 8 kids (ages 8 to 12 years old).   Our families have been close friends for the last 9 years; our kids have grown up together and have much in common.  All of us are obsessed with the music from "Hamilton".   Getting to see Thomas Jefferson's house and put into context what life was like back in the day of our Founding Fathers was a history lesson these kids were eager to learn.  There is nothing like bringing to life the songs we sing 'non-stop'.  :)

We got a tour guide named Carrie who was perfect for our group.   She was amazing in relating to our kids and didn't mind in the least, the endless amount of questions thrown her way.  I am not sure who was more excited, Carrie or our kids when it became apparent that our kids knew something about Thomas Jefferson's history because of "Hamilton" and paying attention at school.  At one point we were in one of Jefferson's rooms where he entertained guests and there were portraits up on the walls.  Carrie pointed to one painting and said, "Who's America's Favorite Fighting Frenchman?"  All the kids screamed excitedly in unison, "Lafayette!!!"   It was pretty funny and brought smiles all around our group, even those who were in our tour but not part of the 3 families.  There was another moment when she mentioned something in conversation about the use of guns and ships.  Our kids picked up on the reference and the next thing you know, all the kids, including Carrie were singing the song "Guns and Ships" from the Hamilton soundtrack.   

When the tour was over, a couple who had no kids came over to me and said, "Thank you being a part of our day.  Your kids made it so much fun for us. It was neat to see how into the tour they were."   Wow!  I, of course, replied thanks, but had to tell them we usually get the stink eye when the all the kids are together.  It was nice to actually hear a compliment.  

The kids were perfectly behaved and hung on every word Carrie had to say.  It was a great day spent and an educational one at that too!

Love this group of kids. A lot of energy and enthusiasm when these kiddos get together.