Monticello & Charlottesville

A week ago we decided to drive two hours down to visit Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello. The day got off to a rocky start when Henry decided he wanted to eat when the shuttle bus was boarding. We managed to get the three of us and all of our gear onto the bus amid the loud grunts and cries of Henry. I would say this was our hardest adventure with Henry, but it was still very beautiful to see. As Zach could tell you, I don't do well in the heat and humidity, especially while nursing Henry! We picnicked on a cute bench by the South pavilion. When it came time for our tour of the home, once again Henry decided he was hungry! The house seemed really small until we discovered the dependency wings housing the kitchen and stables. That was really cool to see. I would love to one day have a home with alcove beds. Zach loved the entrance hall with all the fossils, maps and Indian artifacts. The gardens were very beautiful- they reminded us of my mom. We found a darling book for Henry in the museum shop about the founding fathers.

After Monticello we ventured over to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. This campus was amazing, and we got in to see the Rotunda (which was designed by Thomas Jefferson) just before it closed. I actually had to knock on the door and beg the woman there to let us go up to take a look.















We got the inside scoop on Charlottesville from my friend, Natalie Timmers. After seeing UVA, we shopped along the downtown mall, a street open to pedestrians only with awesome shops and restaurants. We had dinner at The Nook where I enjoyed an extra delicious strawberry milkshake. Here's Natalie below with Henry.