Mount Vernon Day Five and Washington DC

For the new Mr. Davis' Day Four Mount Vernon tour click here

For the Photo slideshow of the girls trip to DC click here

Okay, listen, I know that you are not reading this blog because you are interested in what I'm doing at Mount Vernon.  You humor me with my "George Washington this.." and "George Washington that.." speeches all to just get glimpses of my girls.  I'm totally fine with that.  I'm way more into my girls than George Washington too.  Don't get me wrong.  This sabbatical is a trip of a lifetime and I LOVE being at Mount Vernon, but just like GW, my girls are way more important.

Today, we as a family, did different things.  I spent the day at Mount Vernon.  My girls spent the day in Washington DC.  That's why we have two offerings above.  My wife will be doing a guest spot blog today below telling you all about her day!  So exciting!!!

My day:

My day began by dropping off the girls in DC.  I tried to send them off at a metro station, but after circling the Pentagon Parking lot a few times we just couldn't find it.  So I realized...wait, if I just drive 5 more minutes I'm in DC.  Super cool.  Then, I drove to work and it is a gorgeous drive.  Wow.  I met with my bosses today.  I was taken on a golf cart around the estate to see some stuff that I hadn't been able to yet.  Impressive.  Mount Vernon is 500 acres.  I saw the CEO/President's house of Mount Vernon.  Also, the MVLA (Mt. Vernon Ladies Association) quarters houses when they are visiting.  We picked up an archaeologist on the journey and that was super cool as she was studying furniture.

The meeting went great.  We just strategized what the rest of the month will look like.

Here is some of the stuff I'll be doing:

1.  Working Colonial Days (dress in period pieces) on the Pioneer Farm

2.  Being the attendant to Lady Washington (a historical re-enactor) and I'll be in period pieces again

3.  Be a greeter in the Orientation Center.  I'll be welcoming guests from around the country and world and answering questions about the estate or about "The General".  What an honor.

4.  I'll be meeting with various people around the estate to discuss The General

5.  I was asked today to possibly make a documentary about a worker at the Estate who grew up in Mount Vernon, VA and works there now.  She is well into her 90's.  

6.  More to come!

You will see my adventure today.  I had a blast.  I spent most of the day listening to Lady Washington talk with the guests at Mount Vernon.  IT WAS AMAZING!!!!  I'll post some of the video I took on another blog.

After another full day at MV, I drove up to get the girls in DC.  Once there however, I found parking!!! Cool! So we decided to explore around.  We went to the National Archives and saw the Original Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.  It was heavily guarded.  More security than airports.  Everyone had guns.  I listened to one of the guards describing what would happen if someone tried to destroy these documents.  Let's just say, they wouldn't survive.  The documents are huge and very faded.  You still can read John Hancock's signature though!  We then hopped in the car and headed to Arlington National Cemetery to look at the view. Glorious.   On the way we saw the President's helicopter coming in guarded by others and we had to stop for our first motorcade (I think it was the Vice President).  Very cool.   After a VERY full day, we are home!

Guest commentary: My wife!

Hello All!  Thanks to my husband for this amazing blog and documentation of our trip.  I want to give a shout out to my students in C-10!  Hey Bobcats!  Miss you guys.  After my hubby dropped his girls off, we made our way to the Lincoln Memorial.  After climbing a large set of stairs we feasted our eyes on an even larger Abraham Lincoln.  It was spectacular.  The detail in the sculpture was incredible and realizing what an incredible man he was to endure such hardship was inspiring in a new way beyond the books.  After leaving the LM we made our way through a lovely park called Constitution Gardens and stopped by the World War II Memorial.  This place was breath taking.  I again was in awe of the courage and bravery of our men and women to put themselves in life threatening situations all in the name of freedom.  Freedom definitely isn't free.  After that we crossed the street and strained our necks to see the top of the Washington Monument up close...surrounded by American flags it is another National Landmark of unique beauty and history.  From atop the grassy knoll at the WM you can look back and see the terrain from whence we came-fabulous!  Next stop, the White House!  It's one thing to see it in pictures, on TV, and in movies, it's another thing to see it in person and realize that's where the presidents have and do live.  The grounds are phenomenal and the building itself is a work of architectural art.  After touring all these famous sites, our precious one decided to fall asleep in her stroller.  So, I, of course, found a Caribou Coffee House, made my way to Lafayette Park, starred at the front door of the White House and ate lunch.  Our 2nd to last stop post nap was the National Museum of American History where we went straight for the "kid things."  We found Mr. Potato Head, Etch-A-Sketch, a doll house, Kermit the Frog, Dumbo, and trains-All Aboard.  Our last stop was for ice cream because little girl had deserved a treat for being such a trooper through the busy city day.  We enjoyed some Chocolate and Strawberry gelato until finally meeting up with our favorite guy where the adventures continued.  Our day together in D.C. was a gift.

Mount Vernon Day 4, Through the Eyes of a Child

For today's video click here
FYI:  Music in the video is from a Harpsicord.  Something that Nelly Washington played to entertain guests at Mount Vernon.  They often danced to this type of music in the Formal dining room.  This is a longer video today, but mostly video and not many pictures.  Enjoy.

One of the things that I've been thinking a lot about is, "How do I bring this all back for my students?"
Mount Vernon has done an impeccable job hitting on all of the learning styles.  There are tremendous visual displays, audio displays, things to smell, things to push.  In short, they hit all types of learning styles.  Now, I know, they have millions of dollars to do this, but what can I do in my classroom to hit all of my students learning styles?  Something, I will continue to ponder.  Maybe, I can get an 8th grade class trip fully funded to bring back every eighth grader at WCI to Mount Vernon?
Another thing that has really impressed me, is that Mount Vernon is really an experience for every age. Something that is tremendously hard to do.  They have told me on several occasions that the 8th grade boy is their target as they are the hardest to please.  I do believe that they have gone beyond that.  As I have been walking the estate the past four days, I have seen everything from infants to people that are in their nineties enjoying this place (they take "motorized carriages"  aka "golf carts"around).  It has intrigued me.  So today, I really made this a day for my daughter to really explore Mount Vernon and see this place through a little girls eyes.  Of course, Mount Vernon has thought of this.  George's adopted children and grandchildren were incredibly important to him.  He also "adopted" Marquis de Lafayette, the frenchman would helped us secure our independence from Great Britain.  There was never a time in George's life, once he married Martha, when there wasn't children at Mount Vernon.  Whether it was his own children or his grandkids, children's laughter and screaming must have filled this place.  Suprisingly, Mount Vernon is very kid friendly.  The museum is not, the house is somewhat, but every other place on the estate is definitely child friendly.  The wide expanses of grass, the animals everywhere, the interactive Education center, or the "Hands-on" history exhibit, all welcome children of every age.  We spent most of our day in the "Hands-on"history exhibit.  This is an interactive place for children all the way up to 6th grade.  It is wonderful.  From costumes to a giant Mount Vernon doll house, to Lincoln logs, to puzzles, to a stage.. the list goes on.  It is a great concept, teaching through fun hands-on activities.  It is next to the Teacher Library, which is tremendous.  My wife spent some time in there today getting resources and I plan on spending a good chunk of time in their tomorrow.  We played some more at the Mansion and I captured a cool moment of my daughter and wife walking down to the river together from the piazza of Mount Vernon.  We had lunch today at Mount Vernon Inn (Part of my orientation).  My manager said I should eat there to be able to tell the guests what to have.  The place is darling.  The waiters are in Colonial Costumes and you feel like you walk right into 1700.  I had Root Beer (a 200 year old recipe from the Library of Congress),  we split Peanut Soup (delicious) and we both had Meat and Potato Pye (that's how they spelled it).  It was so good.  We ended it with a slice of Cherry Pie and Bread pudding.  It was a great experience.  Since I work at Mount Vernon they gave us a 50% discount.  NICE!!!!
Now we are home and resting.  We will head out tonight to pick up a pumpkin for the house.  Tomorrow the girls are going to the city as I spend the day at Mount Vernon.  Tomorrow will be a blast for them and for me.  I'm meeting with my bosses to go over the rest of the month and where they want to plug me in.  Very exciting!
One funny story.  There are lots of school groups that come to Mount Vernon.  I've had to control my "teacher" self when I see them acting inappropriately.  Now, 99% are great kids, but 1% are tough to handle.  Today I was in the "Hands-on" center, enjoying my time when a 6th grade boy just came in and starting spinning the puzzle in circles as fast as he could.  The worker stepped out to get my wife some materials, so I stepped in.  I got my teacher voice going and said, "Hey Bro, stop it right now!"  He didn't know what to do.  Who was this big guy talking to me?  He stopped though.  The worker then came in and followed up.  He promptly left.  The worker said, "Thanks!"  Ah, classroom management!

Christ's Church & Mount Vernon Day 3

For today's video click Here
Where do the days go?  Today we drove to Old Town Alexandria to get a tour of Christ's Church.  The owner of the house we are staying in, is a docent there on Wednesday and he invited us down.  It was a phenomenal tour.  This church was constructed in 1773, before the American Revolution began.  It was the church of Washington after the war was over (Pohick was his original church) and was the church of Robert E. Lee.  Outside stands an old Elm tree.  Under this Elm tree George Washington said good-bye to his friends and headed off to become our first President.  Wow.. I can't believe I was standing in the exact place.  Also, under this tree Robert E. Lee was first approached and offered the position of Head Confederate commander in the Civil War.  The church itself was beautiful.  It is still a church and has a congregation of 2400 people every Sunday (four services).  We were allowed to sit in Robert E. Lee's pew.  Also, we were allowed to sit in George Washington's pew.  In George Washington's pew also sat, Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill Prime Minister of Great Britain.  I just sat there and marveled at this.
We then headed over to Mount Vernon again to continue our Orientation tours.  Unbelievable, I've been there three days now, and have not seen everything.  When we got there they took our pictures for the estate, which are way better than driver license photos.  After this, we walked down to the Pioneer farm in 87 degree 90% humidity weather.  It was gorgeous but hot.  I felt like I was walking in the movie "The Patriot" with all the trees surrounding us and the sounds all around.  It is just beautiful down there.  My daughter just loved the Heirloom animals we saw on the way.  These breeds are of the same stock that George Washington (or the "The General" as everyone calls him at Mount Vernon) had on his estate when we was alive.  We saw sheep and cows today.  We also found the "kitchen" garden along the way.  This garden was to provide food for the family.  A fun fact is that Martha Washington's favorite vegetable was the Artichoke. A favorite in our household as well.  The debate is always butter, mayo, or nothing as you eat this great vegetable.  If you love it as well, you are in great company.  If you don't, try it again and channel your inner Martha.  If you've never tried it, leave now and go get one.
We then did some more of the education center, and I wanted to get my daughter into some of the movies.  Her first movie theater experience was an American Revolution documentary.  Nice.  The snow was falling, the cannons were firing, and she loved it.  She was awesome.  Every time she heard a word she understood she whispered it to me.  "Virginia", "George Washington".  She then fell asleep and my wife and I spent a ton of time in the Museum.  Just amazing.  Where to begin?  Well, all I have to say, is that you have to come to this place.  In the museum, they had a recipe for Hoecakes (Some of my students have made and tried them) and we will be making those soon.
After a long day, we headed home, with a quick stop at the AT&T store to get a new Iphone as my Iphone home button stopped working.  They were great.  No, I did not get an Iphone 5 as I'm pretty frugal, so it was the Iphone 4S (it was cheaper).
I also, was asked to work "Colonial Day" at Mount Vernon estate, which I'm SUPER EXCITED about.  On October 19th, I'll get dressed up in Colonial garb (you get your wish Mr. Hoy), and I'll be located at the Pioneer Farm.  Students from all over Virginia will come and I'll be trained in one specific colonial aspect to instruct them on.  I'll be doing that all morning.  Sounds awesome!!!  The people at Mount Vernon as awesome.
Off to watch the Presidential debate.  I'm pretty excited about this stuff.  The only bummer is that it starts at 9 pm here to accommodate all you on the West Coast.  I'll be a bit tired tomorrow!!!

Mount Vernon Day 2

To see today's video click Here
Wow, what a day.  We had some really great, wild, Virginia weather today.  It was raining but super hot.  It was like living in a steam shower.  I really liked it.  I love saunas, so that was a great feeling all day.  Today, was the first day in Virginia where I was on my own.  My girls dropped me off at Mount Vernon (we only missed one turn!) and took off to do their daily stuff.  They went to Costco, Caribou coffee, the Library, and had a blast.  My day started at the office where I checked in, made a remark towards my boss that I'm catching him on hours at Mount Vernon (he has 12585 hours) I have 10.  He got a kick out of that.  Then I was on my own.  I first went to the Mansion again, and did the tour again.  Due to the fact that there are different tour guides in different parts of the house, the tours are slightly different, which I love.  It was a great tour again.  Then I spent around an hour talking with the Docents and just picking their brain.  These people are brilliant George Washington Scholars, and are so incredibly eager to share their knowledge. In the video, you will see two of them.  I then spent the rest of the day wandering The Donald E. Reynolds Education Center and the Museum.  I didn't even make it through all of it.  Yes, I read everything, but Mount Vernon has done an incredible job.  I wish all my students could be here.  They would eat it up.  I watched six different movies about George Washington.  On his faith, his love for Martha, the American Revolution, his life, etc.  I'm actually buying one of the movies so the history teachers at WCI can show it to the students.  In one theater, the seats moved when the cannon fired, red lights lit up, and when Valley Forge shows on the screen, snow starts falling in the theater.  Wow.  Two funny things happened today.  During one of the movies, a class of 8th graders came in.. They were super cool. They made me miss my students.  Second, Mount Vernon just purchased George Washington's personal copy of the Constitution (he has made notes to himself in it) for 9.8 million dollars.  Needless to say, the security around that exhibit is tight.  I was talking with one of the security guys, who I'm sure was carrying some type of weapon.  I asked him what he did before he did this job... He said, "I worked for the Government."  That was code for stopping asking.:)  Later on as I was looking at the exhibit. A man came in and was confused what the big deal was.  He didn't see the glass enclosure with the 9.8 million dollar book in it, and he just rested right on it.  The security guy moved towards the arm on the case guy and in a loud voice said, "SIR, REMOVE YOUR ARM FROM THE CASE!!!!!"  Man it was tense.  The guy pulled back and apologized profusely.  The Security guy handled it well.
After a full day, I was picked up by my girls and we headed to Old Town Alexandria, a place George Washington frequently visited.  We spent about two hours there, and had  blast walking up and down the brick sidewalks.  You can see a few pictures from this side venture.  Old Town Alexandria is like a 1700's Broadway Plaza, with shops and restaurants everywhere.  I bought a pair of Khaki Pants for my Mount Vernon uniform as I work a special event on Saturday night at the Mansion!!!  My wife got a red purse and My daughter was content playing hide and go seek throughout the city.   Another great day.

Mount Vernon Day 1

To See the  video today click Here
Day one of the Mount Vernon Sabbatical officially began today!  We got up early, had breakfast and headed out.  In my all knowing wisdom (snicker), I decided to try a new route to Mount Vernon.  How hard can it be?  Well, what was supposed to be a 20 minute drive turned into a 1 hour drive.  There was tons of construction, blocked routes, and missed turns.  Oh boy!  We were just laughing.  We arrived and checked in.  Mr. Noble was incredibly gracious and talked just liked he wrote.. which is hilarious.  Very nice man.  Former Naval Man, so he just has a great sense of humor.  He got us our passes, gave us a sheet to make sure we knew where to go, talked about George Washington a bit, and talked about how I could be involved this upcoming week.  This took a total of 45 minutes. The first couple of days, I'm on my own as far as learning.  They want me to become intimately familiar with Mount Vernon. We decided to do everything outside today as Thunderstorms are headed for Mount Vernon tomorrow.  So, we walked up the hill to get to the Mansion.  Incredible.  It really is just amazing.  We again had the perfect day.  Clear as the eye can see, 70 degrees, with a slight breeze.  The mansion tour was great.  They have docents in every room and you get a quick talk.  The rooms are so incredible.  There are no pictures of the rooms as there are no pictures allowed!!!  SORRY!  The first room was the formal dining room and you could just picture George Washington eating there with guests.  The Fireplace is original, the Mirrors are original, and nine of the chairs.  It is painted in a teal.  A very expensive paint back then.  Some great rooms. My favorite was the bedchamber.  His Master bed is still there, and his room is still the same as he and Martha had it.  I just sat there, staring at the bed thinking, "that's where he died."  Very strange feeling.  After reading numerous books on the man, to see the rooms was really interesting.  In each room I could see the stories play out.  We then walked around the estate for a long time.  Looked in numerous buildings, visited the grave, walked the roads, saw the Necessary (the bathroom) and spoke with people.  I love meeting people from all over this great country.  After four hours we called it quits, to come back and fight another day.  My daughter received a very small Mrs. Fields cookie for being super quiet in the Mansion and not touching anything!!! One of the funniest moments to me was as I was walking to the barn, I heard my daughter saying something again and again.  As I stopped I listened... "George Washington, George Washington, George Washington"  I thought only a History Teachers daughter would be saying that name at two years old.  Enjoy the very short video today (I forgot my camera card, so I used my wife's Iphone).

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/