Monticello and Blacksburg Lasleys

Well, we had another fun filled weekend.  We left Friday after Kyle got home and headed to Charlottesville, VA to a hotel.  We wanted to get to Monticello early the next morning.  Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson.  Kyle had been there in 2008 when he was out east for a family wedding.  He went in the Fall after I had left on my mission and before he left.  He had saved post cards from Monticello and had periodically sent them to be over the course of the two years, so it was really fun to finally see the beautiful Monticello.  And it really was amazing.  We had seen Mt. Vernon a few weeks ago, and had enjoyed it, but Kyle had maintained that he like Monticello better, and I have to say I agree with him.  The architecture was very impressive.  Jefferson had a lot of French influence and his home is very functional but also gorgeous.  Here's a few pictures.

Waiting to start our visit with a video about Jefferson.  At this point we hadn't seen the house and Kyle is holding a nickle which has Monticello on it.

This is in the basement of Monticello.  Jefferson designed a pulley system to bring his wines up to the main floor.

Monticello!

This is a green house that sits off of Jefferson's study. It was pretty, but best of all, offered a very cool, breezy place to relax.

Monticello sits on top of a little mountain.  The views were spectacular.

Kyle next to his friend, Thomas Jefferson!

At one point we were sitting on one of Jefferson's porches, eating a snack and relaxing with the view. We were talking about our lives in college and reflecting on where we are now after being married for almost 4 years.  Kyle spontaneously got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.  It was beautiful and precious.  Kyle will probably kill me for posting about it, but it is a sweet memory I never want to forget.  And of course, I said yes!

After our fun filled day at Monticello, we headed farther south to visit Sam, Amber, Ked and Tyn.  It was so fun to hang out with them, though we didn't get to stay as long as we would have liked.  The boys are adorable and loved Kyle.  This always happens to Kyle.  Even here, with the three girls, he has a way of rallying them up and getting everyone screaming and laughing.  Well, Tyn and Ked were no exception.  :)  I wish I had gotten pictures but sadly I did not.  We'll have to get another visit to get some pictures taken!