When family members live a distance away it's always fun to get together for quality time. Our daughter came for a visit the past few days that thrilled us. She lives in New England. Her son lives with us while he's attending college and it's particularly nice for both of them to visit in person. It's also nice for her Mama and Daddy.
We sometimes have busy visits and I must say this was one of them. Our middle grandson turned fifteen this past week so we all celebrated with him.
We had beautiful weather on Sunday, so we took a long walk on our Heritage Trail.
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| Samuel and his Mom |
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| Rappahannock River |
On Monday we decided to visit Monticello. We all love history in our family and our daughter requested we go visit the home of Thomas Jefferson again. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at Michie Tavern and then drove up the mountain to take the tour of the home of our third president, the author of The Declaration of Independence, Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and the father of The University of Virginia.
Monticello enjoys a lovely view of the valley and into the Blue Ridge mountains.
It was threatening rain but we carried our insurance umbrellas to assure it would stay dry.
The gardens have been planted with vegetables as well as flowers.
Photographs are not allowed inside of Monticello, but the Mulberry Row area can be photographed. These were the slave quarters. The real workers that made Monticello the place it was.
We knew snow was predicted for us during the week, so we wisely visited Monticello before the turn of weather.
We received four inches of heavy lovely snow on the first full day of Spring. This is quite late for us!
Because of the snowstorm our daughter's train was cancelled for her trip home. I can't say we were unhappy about her having to stay another day.
I was happy to be able to pick the daffodils that were lying on the ground today. I really meant to pick them before the snow fell. Most all of our snow has melted and maybe Spring really is on its way.
So much fun to visit with your daughter and grandson. Always wanted to visit Washingtons home. I took a liking to those type of things to do since I worked at the Hermitage, Home of Pres. Andrew Jackson when I was a teen. Love that sort of stuff. Great SNOW pics. We seem to be over that...I hope!
ReplyDeletePam, our snow is now gone and hopefully Spring will make more of an entrance. Have a great weekend. ♥
DeleteTime spent with family is the best. Your daffodils are beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteTime spent with family is most precious. Thank you for visiting my little corner. ♥
DeleteBeautiful pictures.. When the spring will come? :(
ReplyDeleteHopefully it's on its way, Krishna! ♥
DeleteI'm happy for you that your daughter and grandson visited and what a neat place to visit! My daughter lives 3,000 miles away and it's been a year and a half since she's come to visit. :-( Love your daffodil bouquet. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, 3,000 miles is a long distance! I hope you get to visit your daughter soon. I have more daffodils that will be blooming soon. I hope Spring is coming to your corner. ♥
DeleteI wonder why many some museums do not allow photographs.. I assume it is because they want folk to visit in person rather than see a thousand images online...but I think it's strange. Glad you got a vase of Tete a Tete's! I think those little pips have started unfurling in my garden, I've spied a few of them.... thanks again for that.
ReplyDeleteJeri, honestly it would have been quite difficult to photograph (if allowed) in Monticello because of the crowded tours of at least 20 folks at a time going into the rooms.
DeleteI'm glad to hear your lily of the valley pips are emerging. When I was in the garden today, I didn't see any of mine coming up yet! Happy gardening! ♥
It's always nice to get EXTRA time with our family! Our snow is slowly melting. I wouldn't be surprised if the daffodils will bloom sometime next week here. Yay!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was working outside yesterday I spotted a couple clumps of snow under some shrubbery. It will be wonderful for you Cathy when those daffodils bloom. I love bringing them inside. Happy Palm Sunday! ♥
DeleteHappy family time together like this is so precious, and is something money cannot buy. Belated Happy Birthday to your Grandson.
ReplyDeleteMay Holy Week be blessed for you and your family.
~~~Waving~~~from Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Family times seem to pass quickly as we always have so much to catch up. Being in person with family is so precious indeed as I know you understand. I'm thinking of you on this Palm Sunday and wishing you love and peace, my friend. xoxo ♥
DeleteOh ggod grief! Enough snow! Though, as you say, it did come with the blessing of having a longer visit with your daughter. Guess it all worked out. Monticello looks like such a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteVee, old man winter certainly has worn out his welcome. Today is bright and sunny, but quite cold. Monticello is so lovely. The heart of Jefferson is all around. ♥
DeleteHow wonderful that you got to visit with your daughter, Martha Ellen. That's a cute picture of her and Samuel. And I really liked the tour of Monticello. Your snow pictures are fantastic, and I always wonder how those sweet birds survive these cold Winter months.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I wonder the same thing about all the critters that live through the winter under harsh conditions. God's creatures big and small are amazing! Have a nice week. ♥
DeleteOh I think spring is coming, it's just taking her sweet ole time about it! Lovely visit with family and beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm counting on Spring coming! Today was quite chilly, but glorious sunshine. Have a great week, Sandra. ♥
DeleteIt does seem like there were always blooms and then another snow when we lived full time in NC. Love the places you visited with your family. It's nice to learn more about the history of our nation and be reminded of all of the good things we enjoy because of our freedom. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane for visiting today. Our sunshine is streaming through our windows today, even though it's quite chilly. Have a nice week. ♥
DeleteLovely photos. Family visits are always fun, but can be tiresome sometimes...LOL Treasure those times. Cute photo. It's so great to share those wonderful photos. There is so much history. have a great and happy Easter. Do try the butter molds. The lams are so sweet!
ReplyDeleteIt can be tiring, but memorable as well, Linda. I enjoyed seeing your molds especially the little lambs. ♥
DeleteThe gardens at Monticello planted already? How do they keep them growing with the snow I wonder? So good you had a visit with your daughter. I know you had a wonderful time and stayed busy with the traveling and good food at Michie Tavern. Enjoyed your post and happy Tuesday to you.
ReplyDeletebetsy
That south facing lower garden at Monticello gets plenty of warmth from the sun, Betsy. I do believe that they cover their plantings. It had been quite a while since our last visit and I'm so glad our daughter wanted to go there. Even more, we were happy she visited. Happy Tuesday to you as well! ♥
DeleteTime with family is always precious.. You share wonderful photos of your travels... and I can bet that Monticello was an interesting place ... It’s such a pleasure to tour and learn the history .... and ... Isn’t it fabulous to see a the daffodils... I always enjoy your travels..Thank You for sharing...Have a Happy Easter !!!
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree, Zaa. I hope you have a wonderful Easter as well. The daffodils are smiling reminders that Spring is coming and I know we are both happy about that! ♥
DeleteMonticello is such a beautiful place, rich with history and culture. I love that your family enjoys visiting historical sites together. We have been to Monticello a couple of times, but never in the spring. I am sure that the gardens will be lovely soon. Oh, the photo of your daughter and grandson with their joyful smiles is priceless!
ReplyDeleteI think I said this before, but I am having a hard time believing that your middle grandson can be fifteen!
(I am late to visit this time. My parents have been having some health struggles and my time has been scarce.)
Oh Cheryl, I'm so sorry to hear about health issues with your parents. I do pray that they will be resolved soon, my friend.
DeleteOur daughter and grandson are two of a kind and really miss each other. We always love reconnecting with her when she visits.
I'm so glad you have been to Monticello. It's a very special spot for sure.
Do take care and again I will be praying for your parents. ♥
Time spent with family is so precious ...
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your photographs here, thank you for sharing them.
I think your daffodils look so cheerful and welcoming.
All the best Jan
It's always nice to see some color in the garden after winter leaves, isn't it? Thank you for visiting, my friend. ♥
DeleteIt's always a treat to read about your family gatherings, Martha Ellen! You always plan the perfect blend of fun, relaxed time together and interesting, historical places to visit. Each hour you spend together is a blessing for all! It has been such fun to watch your grandsons grow into fine young men right before our eyes. (An extra special treat for those of us who are not grandparents!) Wishing you and your family a lovely Easter celebration! Sending warm hugs, my friend! ♡
ReplyDeleteDearest Dawn, it's so true that the grands are growing up so quickly. All three of them are taller than Grayden and I! This year has been particularly a year of growth for the two youngest. None of the clothes that were bought at the beginning of the school year fits them now.
DeleteFamily visits are our most precious times to us. It's nice that we have so many historical sites nearby that are easy to visit in one day and share with family when they come.
I hope you and John have a blessed Easter, dear one. ♥
I used to live in Manassas, Va when my Dad was in the Navy and working at the Pentagon. Loved all of the historical places to visit. Monticello was one of my favorites. Thank you for this lovely trip down memory lane. Must return for a visit one day soon.So glad you had such a lovely visit with family.
ReplyDeleteBelinda, I'm so glad your family visited historical sites when you lived here. There is much to see within close proximity. Thank you for your sweet comment and visit. Happy weekend! ♥
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