Exploring Monticello - Day Two

Thomas Jefferson is best remembered as the author of the Declaration of Independence and our third president. Monticello, his plantation near Charlottesville, Virginia, was the center of Jefferson's world. The word Monticello in Italian means "little mountain." Jefferson designed Monticello, and it took more than 40 years to build.



We enjoyed walking the grounds of the plantation and seeing all the beautiful flower, fruit and vegetable gardens.

While escaping the heat of the sun, the kids had fun playing in the shade and climbing the trees.

One of the neatest parts of the plantation were the work rooms under the house, called "dependencies" because Jefferson and his family depended upon what was done in these rooms, especially the kitchen. Notice the picture of Parker walking through the all-weather passageway that connects the dependencies to the main house. It was incredibly cool down there, like it was air conditioned! AHHH!
I don't know if you can read the sign, but it says that fish caught in the local rivers were kept alive in the pond until they were needed for meals. There were 2 little fish swimming around in the pond, and we had 4 more that wanted to join!!!!!! Waiting to tour the inside of the main house. Sorry no pictures allowed on the inside- but it was amazing! Do we look tired and hot, or what?!!!

If you're wondering what Carson is looking up at, it is a compass on the ceiling of the porch- pretty cool!!

After touring the house, we were given an option to take a bus or hike down the mountain. We chose to hike down and enjoy the view!




Yea!!!!! We made it to the bottom!!!!






On the slope of the Monticello mountain is Jefferson's gravesite and other members of his family are also buried here.

Thomas Jefferson died at Monticello, on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I thought that was pretty interesting!
What a day!!! Time to head back to the resort for some relaxation and dinner!












Parker taking grilling lessons from Uncle Stephen, the "master griller!!!!"



We all enjoyed our dinner out on the picnic tables! Thanks to Stephen, Parker, Carson and Kelly for the delicious meal!