On a sunny Saturday in March we went to Mount Vernon with our dear friends the Nelsons. As George Washington plays prominently into Catherine's pantheon of heroes, we were well-versed in knowledge of the great man. Catherine even changed her shoes to don her beloved "George Washington boots" to Mount Vernon. We toured the mansion house, had races on the green, explored the overlook of the Potomac, toured the education center and the museum. We saw two great movies on Washington, one chronicling his Revolutionary War campaigns, in 4D (the seats shook when cannons were fired and snow fell during the Christmas Night surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton!), and the other on Washington's legacy. The kids particularly enjoyed the short films on spying during the war and George Washington's great faith in God. Elise loved riding in the backpack, Caroline collected facts on Washington and Nicholas loved the sheep, rams and horses that we saw on the grounds. We had a great time with our friends and left Mount Vernon with a greater admiration of the humble, inspired, brilliant, kind, visionary man who sacrificed so much to win the war and set America on the path of democracy.
We had a great Halloween this year! Caroline continued her tradition of impersonating a strong woman, Cleopatra this year. Catherine got to portray one of her heroines, Pocahontas. Nicholas, in a year-long fireman/train mode made the choice between the two and was a fireman. Elise was a reluctant cat. We had a great time at Mrs. Jacobs' Kindergarten Halloween Party. The Lucias (Tom, Judy, Matt, Ethan & Katie) were in town over Halloween weekend and held down the fort at home while we all went trick-or-treating!
