Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History

A subway ride to Central Park was a fun adventure for the kids.  We played at a playground (which I got no pictures of) and walked through a tiny corner of central park.  

We then walked across the street to the American Museum of Natural History.  For me this museum was made famous in the movie "Night at the Museum"  It is a huge place and the building itself is quite an exhibit on its own.  We saw a planetarium show and visited a special exhibit about Oceans that was a lot of fun.

NYC Hotel and 9/11 Memorial

9/11 Memorial could be seen from our hotel.  The first picture was taken by Zach from the 20th floor of our hotel.  The others from at the memorial itself.

The next 3 pictures were also taken from our hotel rooms.  The blue one is World One building that was built after 9/11.

 Here we are lounging in our room while our laundry was being washed.  Fun times.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty has been something I have wanted to see, so it was top on the list when we were in NYC.  We caught the 9am ferry on Wednesday, May 29th to visit Lady Liberty.   

These were the views from the pedestal.  We were able to go inside the statue, but not up to the crown, the stairs just did not sound worth it.  

 A new museum opened 2 weeks before our trip so we were lucky to see the new show and exhibits.  It was a very nice museum.  We saw the original torch and a face that was formed the way the original was.

 Ellis Island was the next stop.  We enjoyed learning a little history and speaking with the Sister Missionaries who serve in the Family History Library on the island.    The picture with the puzzle is an intelligence test that some not many had to complete on Ellis Island.  With Dad's help we were able to complete it.  Way to go Flamms!

Here we are on the ferry back to NYC.

Boston Museum of Science and the USS Constitution

Tuesday, May 28th we visited The Museum of Science in Boston was a great hit with kids and adults.  I was having so much fun I did not take many pictures.  We enjoyed all sections about light, optical illusions, science park, and the Hall of Human Life.  

After the museum we visited the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship in the United State Navy.  We spent some time in the museum and then on board the ship.  It was raining so most of our time was spent below deck.

The Wharf and Whale Watching Tour

 The afternoon of Monday, May 27th was spent getting out to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary where we were able to observe whales.  The ride out was very rough and some of us (Kyle and I) were quite queasy, thank goodness the kids all took care of themselves or took naps.  Before the sickness hit we did have some fun in the wind and fixing Hyrum's hair with clips from the girls' hair.  Seeing the whales was fun, and the ride back was much smoother and therefore much more enjoyable.

 

Before and after our cruise we spent a little time on the wharf and at Columbus Park.  The kids had fun playing and running free.  I enjoyed the flowers.