8000 acres is a big farm even by today's standards, but in the 1700's is was
A tremendous endeavor. George Washington's original estate encompassed over 8000 acres and now about 600 acres are preserved by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and are open to the public. We visited the estate Tuesday morning and were able to walk through our first Presidents gardens and through his home. The view from the back portico of the home was a highlight for many of us. A beautifully preserved view of the Potomac River valley as George and Martha Washington would have seen it makes you want to just sit down and stay for ever. This is one place you will want to ask about!
When we started this trip there were several that were adamant that they were not going to eat anything "weird" or any seafood, but we did have some converts. Calamari is now on the "must have" list rather than the "gross" list for most...not all. Believe it or not, but the Fish Market was their favorite place to eat! I was so set on having them try seafood I even let them order market price crab legs if they so desired!
We then traveled to Arlington Cemetery. We had the opportunity to see the Kennedy grave sites, JFK, Bobby and Edward. We watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, saw the memorials to those lost in a the two tragic space shuttle disasters and revered at the many men and women whose lives are commemorated in stone here. Audey Murphy, one of the most decorated soldiers of all time, Is buried in Arlington...did you know your kids don't know who he is! The cemetery left an impression on all of them.
Our final stop for the day was at the US Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima). We watch the US Marine Drum and Bugle Corp perform and march in front of the memorial and then witnessed an impressive presentation of skill and discipline as the silent drill team twirled and marched with their 10 lb rifles, complete with bayonets attached. It was complete precision with no audible or visual commands. I heard a lot of " wows!" form the kids.
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