We had to make one stop on our way out of town. There's a great kids consignment shop in Newport News I had shopped. While there I noticed signs advertising a Memorial Day weekend sale. Military could get 20% off of everything. I was in desperate need of a big comfy stroller for Lily. We've mostly been making do with a light weight stroller and an umbrella stroller. Lily's not the best stroller rider, at all. That's been fine while Cayce's here because one of us can take her out and carry her once she starts getting fussy, but once Cayce leaves that's not going to be an option when I'm out shopping alone. The store had several strollers including some name brand Peg Peregos, while marked down significantly, I wasn't needing anything fancy. I was needing something big and comfortable. After all was said and done we walked out with a great Graco for less than $30. Lily loves it! She kicks back, puts her feet up on the tray, and just chills. A total 180 from previous stroller trips! *peace* So back to the story at hand.
We arrived in Charlottesville around lunch time, stopped at Michie Tavern and enjoyed a yummy lunch. Cayce had the BBQ, which tasted so good, and I had the fried chicken. I can't remember the last time I had fried chicken, but, omg, it was so good! Lily enjoyed green beans, beats, and all the rolls her tummy could fit. After a fun lunch we moseyed on up the hill to Monticello. When we set out for the day I had planned on us spending between $30 and $40 for our tickets. I knew they had a military discount, but I couldn't remember what it was. Tickets run $22 each. When we were getting our tickets Cayce asked if they had a military discount. Low and behold they did. A big one. FREE. They had started THAT DAY participating in the Blue Star Museums program which allows free entrance to various museums for military and immediate family. What a great surprise! Who doesn't love saving $44?? :-)
We rode the bus up to the house, and embarked on our tour. Lily put on quite the show. I felt terrible. She did not stop talking through out the entire tour despite repeated shushes by mommy and daddy. Cayce started to head out back with her, but one of the other couples told him she wasn't bothering anybody. She kept up the running commentary, and thankfully most everyone in our group made comments about how cute she was instead of how annoying she is. She's my baby so I love to hear her talk, but I certainly don't expect others to feel the same way. Once the tour was over we spent some time on the lawn playing.
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| What better place to learn to walk than at the home of one of America's greatest contributors to education? |
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| Mommy and Me |
We hit the gift shop on our way out. They've built up the area since the last time I was there, and their education area and gift shop were phenomenal. Super conducive to spending money. :-) I ended up buying some soap and strawberry butter. Cayce bought some private label Monticello beer. We ran into some of the fellow tour people, and they again said what a sweetheart she was. At this point Lily was getting restless, and ready to hit the road. Rain starting falling just before we left, and a sleepy worn out baby slept most of the way home. It was a great day, and great to get out of town for a while.
Sometime we've got to get to Williamsburg. I also want to go to Mt. Vernon, and we have friends who live in Annapolis. I can't wait to visit them there. Have I mentioned how much I love living in this area?? It's totally supportive of my nerdy tourist habit.
I have always wanted to visit there. Someday...
ReplyDeleteYay for you that you got in for free! Lily is as cute as ever, and you are looking GREAT!