Learning With George--And Sleet...Don't Forget the Sleet!

 

Why does it always have to snow on the weekend!?! It is sunny and amazing during the week days but the weekends are COLD! Our trip was full of biting wind, cold rain, hail, and sleet!

With only a few weeks left of being in Washington, DC, we decided we need to start seeing all we can with the kids before we go. One of the places Lady Hiva wanted to see what Mount Vernon, the birthplace of George Washington's home. Lady Hiva had remembered it from when she visited during high school. I remember going every summer when I was out here at my grandparent's home. It was fun to take the Muggles while they are older and can start to understand things. 

It is amazing to see how well they have preserved and rebuilt the entire grounds. I do not think on past trips that I have appreciated the effort that has taken over the years. It was nearly gone when a group of women decided to save it--both the US Government and the State of Virginia refused to buy it. That group of women formed an association, raised money and are still governing the estate today. What amazing women they are. 

Walking through Mount Vernon not only gives a chance to discuss the history of our nation and how the founding fathers like Washington made our lives what they are today, it also is a chance to discuss some social issues that we still struggle with as a nation. One of those is racism and slavery. 

This is not a new conversation in our home. We have been deliberate about discussing race with both children for years. Being mix race we know it is not and IF they will feel the impact of a nation built on a history of racism, but WHEN. WE want them to have the tools and language to confront those situations and help to make the world a better place. But seeing slaves stories, their graves, their homes all makes it real. As the kids ask questions we are able to talk, discover, and sit with the emotions of a heavy reality. I am thankful for these conversations and the ability to make the world better. 

One of our favorite parts of the whole trip was seeing a pair of Bald Eagles preparing a nest. We saw the bird ahead of us and noticed how big it was, then I realized it was a Bald Eagle. How cool to see the Nation's bird at the Nation's first president's home! We stood under them watching them do their work for quite awhile. 

It was interesting to hear all the other birds nearby singing to protect themselves and their territory from the larger, more aggressive raptor. At one point we were shocked to hear how loud the massive beating wings were. You could hear the strength and power. AMAZING!