Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon Christmas

Gingerbread Mount Vernon

chocolate demonstration

Tom the pardoned turkey

We went to Mount Vernon today.  I love going there and have wanted to visit at Christmas time since we moved here.  Surprisingly it's difficult to find a free Saturday but we did it today!  Yeah.  It was a really good family day.  We started out the morning by going to tithing settlement.  We got to visit with many friends while we waited our turn, then had a good visit with the Bishop. 

As soon as we were done we headed off to Mt Vernon.  I thought it would be super cold out but really it was quite nice, cold but nice and sunny.    When we were there last month with Anna we saw a fleet of gingerbread bakers working on a replica of the mansion and grounds.  Today we got to see the finished product and it was just beautiful and amazing.  We stood there for a long time taking in all the details and really marvelling at the skilled craftsmanship.  Now I am ready to make a gingerbread house of our own :)

When GW was living there he enjoyed exotic animals and once paid quite a sum ($1.25) to bring a camel on the grounds for his guests and grandchildren to enjoy.  Every December there is a Christmas camel on the farm and he was a delight.  Friendly and sweet, he gave kisses and charmed the visitors.  We so enjoyed meeting him.

There was also a wonderful chocolate demonstration, the presidentially pardoned turkey, all the regular animals, the winter garden and a real high light, the 3rd floor was open for touring and the whole place was decorated for Christmas. 

We had a really fun time.  Ethan liked rolling down the lawn- over and over again.  Lu liked it all.  H didn't say but was happy and cheerful all day so I think she liked it all too.  My favorite was Aladdin and the gingerbread house and Mr. liked the mansion tour.

our kids rolling on the lawn

Aladdin the Christmas camel