Memorial Day at Monticello

Uncharacteristically, the Hilton Family decided to take a day-trip to Monticello for Memorial Day. Too many times we let these one-day holidays slip by, but this day was different. About fourteen years ago, when Gregory was a baby (see how big he is now--that's him above right), we travelled to Charlottesville, VA to see Thomas Jefferson's famous home only to find out when we arrived that all the tours had been sold out for the day. Instead, we drove a few miles up the road to see James Monroe's home. Interesting, but NOT Monticello. Now, after all these years, we tried again, this time having bought our tour tickets online (not an option in 1996) so we knew the trip wouldn't be in vain. One of the enjoyable parts of the trip was the actual drive through the beautiful Virginia Piedmont region. Monticello is amazing, magnificent, and beautiful, and we learned a lot about our nation's third President. For instance, did you know that of all the myriad of things he accomplished in his life, the only three that he thought worthy enough to go on his tombstone were: author of the Declaration of Independence, author of Virginia's declaration on religious freedom, and father of the University of Virginia. No mention of being President of the United States for two terms.

Gregory chilling at the foot of a very old tree.

A view of Monticello from the West Lawn.

Some of the beautiful flowers on the walkway surrounding

the West Lawn.

A partial view of the vegetable garden on Mulberry Row.

Mr. Jefferson's view from the top of his little mountain.

Gregory and Jeffrey with Mr. Jefferson himself!