Arlington

If you can't see the above video click Here
I am reporting to Mount Vernon tomorrow for training and orientation.  Super excited.  So, we decided to take a trip to Arlington National Cemetery today, which is about a 10 minute drive from our house.  My parents gave me their Arlington Pass that gets into the cemetery to visit my Grandpa and Grandma's grave.  To say the least, this place humbles you.  Originally Robert E. Lee lived here, but his house and land were confiscated after the Civil War and turned into this cemetery as a punishment.  You cannot leave this place ungrateful for those who died on our behalf.  The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers was amazing.  This is a place guarded by the Army and houses the remains of soldiers they cannot identify, as the monument states, "but known to God".  We spent four hours driving and walking around the Cemetery.  Yes, it is that big and amazing.  Incredible day today.  Clear, 71 degrees, and awesome views.  Special props goes to my daughter today as we played the "Quiet" game at the Cemetery.  What other two year old stays quiet or whispers during the ceremonies throughout the day?  We were both amazed.  After the Cemetery, we ate lunch (thanks honey), drove into Washington DC and saw all of the sites (no pictures, as we were driving and looking at directions, and the little girl was sleeping).  D.C. is an awesome city.  Everywhere you look, there is history.  Saw the White House today up close for the first time (from the car) and it's really cool.  Then drove to Mount Vernon just to see how I get there, so I know how!  Enjoy the video of the day!!!!

We Made It!

We are officially here!  After a long day of traveling we are in Alexandria, Virginia at our place!
Some initial thoughts!
1.  Our flight was awesome.  We were going 650 mph at 37,000 feet.  Incredible
2.  I love traveling with my wife and daughter.  They are total jewels.
3.  The "moon" buggies at Dulles Airport are super cool.  I'm sad they are fazing them out!
4.  When you travel at 2:00 am there is nobody at the airport, at baggage claim, car rental agency, and roads.  Then again it is 2:00 am.
5.  We didn't get to bed till 3:00 am and my daughter said about the whole experience:  "I'm so excited!"
6.  Virginia is really that beautiful.  As we were traveling to Costco today we looked up and were staring at the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, and the Pentagon.  I was like really?  Incredible.  There are dense, dense forests and the people are great.
7.  Went to my first two-story grocery store today.  I asked where the Olive Oil was and the nice worker said, "on aisle 5 on the second floor."  I looked at Anna and we said, "Wow, a second floor."
8.  Met our neighbors today on both sides.  Very pleasant people.  Both have two-year-olds
9.  The House is amazing.  Super cool.  My wife has always wanted to live in an "Old" house.

Tomorrow, we head to church and then to Arlington National Cementary to see the Custis Mansion, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Various monuments, and to lay flowers at my Grandpa's Grave stone.  My grandpa was a WWII Iwo Jima Marine.  Should be a great day.  Here is a link to Arlington N.P. and how it relates to George Washington and the Robert E. Lee family.
Arlington http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/

What's on the Agenda?

The agenda for the upcoming sabbatical is full.  The vast majority of the time will be spent at Mount Vernon serving and learning in various capacities.  The opportunities are absolutely endless.  However, there are incredible sites within 3 hours every direction to explore.  I'm sure we will find other things to do, that I can't fathom at this point.  On the list thus far are as follows:  An extensive exploration of Washington D.C, Antietam, Harper's Ferry, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Ferry Farm, Manassas, Jamestown, Yorktown, Alexandria, Williamsburg, Gettysburg, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.  If you have traveled in any of these areas, I'd love to get your thoughts on "Must" place to go, see, eat, play, etc.!

Twitter & George Washington

                                                 Would George Washington use Twitter?
                                                 Would his name be @thegeneral?
Okay, in all seriousness.  The answer in my opinion is an absolute no.  George valued silence from his own lips.  However, without a doubt George Washington would definitely have followed numerous people mining the information for his own uses.  During the American Revolution George Washington was a Spy Master.  His spy networks spanned the colonies.  They used invisible ink, drop-off locations, etc.  Without the valuable intel they gathered, the Continential Army would have been destroyed early in the war.
With all this being said, my Sabbatical approaches quickly.  Twenty-one days from the post.  In order to be in touch with my students, and family and friends, I've created a Twitter account.  My name is @GWmountvernon
I plan on only answering questions, and not doing random tweets.   I don't plan on tweeting "walking the trails at Mount Vernon right now.  Amazing."  Stuff like that.  However, if you have questions or comments I'd love to see them and I'll respond as soon as I can.  The more you tweet, the more I know about you, and one day I can use it all against you when  you run for elected office!!:)