A Day at Mt. Vernon

It's difficult to choose just one highlight or offer my top recommendation when it comes to D.C. Everything is truly captivating and holds its own reasons to be a favored attraction.

If I could pinpoint one favorite, though, Mt. Vernon would be at the top of my list. Disclaimer: I may say this about everything we saw in D.C.! We were blessed to spend an entire day exploring the acreage our nation's first President called home. What a breathtaking experience.

I'll be honest with you, I didn't know a whole lot about George Washington's life prior to our trip. I'd never really delved into it. But walking from room to room in his home, reading about his personal life, seeing his burial place...it all made him so much more real. I was challenged to read about his daily disciplines, such as rising early to work in his study before the rest of the house awoke each day. I saw in him a man of deep character and integrity. I discovered that the Washingtons were extremely hospitable people, frequently hosting overnight guests. I was particularly moved by the love story he shared with his wife, Martha. I learned that following his death, Martha burned all the love letters written between them. She didn't want the rest of the world to somehow infringe on the private words of love the two of them shared.

One of the most poignant moments was stepping out to the backside of the house and overlooking the gorgeous Potomac River. My eyes beheld the very same view that our President so loved. It was plain to understand why Washington said, "No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this."

Dentistry at Mt. Vernon (performed on a willing victim)