For Constitution Day, guests enjoy live music and hot air balloon rides on the lawn.

In honor of Constitution Day, Cole and I drove up to Orange, Va., to a celebration at James Madison home, Montpelier. Outside of town, down some twisty, unmarked roads, we found the estate surrounded by acres (more than 2,700) of lush open space.

Guests listen to the Navy band as their wait for the firework show.

To celebrate National Gymnastics Day, I did a handstand on the front lawn.

Cole and I hurried to the house, making it just in time for one of the last tours. For its time, the house was immense, but it was sad that many of the original items inside no longer lived with the house. James' wife, Dolly, and her son sold off many of housewares to finance her living after James died. Regardless, the team at the estate is working to return as many items as they can find.

Once we got the full house tour, we slipped out the back door to the garden.

The garden is surrounded by a brick wall and plenty of tall trees.

That's me, standing by the gate.

After having seen Thomas Jefferson's garden, you could tell right away, Madison enjoyed the aesthetics more than the harvest. Inside the gate, tall, trimmed bushes lined the sidewalk. To either way, brick paths led you to circle of flowers and giant, blooming pots. The trees were manicured, and stone lions sat watch at the steps.

A well-kept garden stands within the brick wall.

The main path led you down the hill to another gate.

These purple flowers were my favorite.

More purple flowers.

For some reason, this lions looks sad to be with all the pretty flowers.

Lots of different trees, including this differently looking one.

Spotted around the garden were large, stone pots.

Nice spot to read or rest in the garden.

Out of the garden we go.

After wandering around the whole property to see the garden, trails, cemetery and horse track, we found a spot on the stage to watch the fireworks.

To see more images for our day at the Father of the Constitution's house, check out my Constitution Day Celebration 2012 album.