Philadelphia

Friday, May 31st was spent in Philadelphia.  We started at the U.S. Mint (we were not allowed to take photos) but it was interesting.  We then visited the Constitution Museum where we met those who helped form our nation.  We also were able to see a live performance called "Freedom Rising" which I enjoyed.  After the museum we went to Independence Hall and the building that housed the first Senate.  After lots of history we took a few hours to relax in the hotel pool and eating Philly Cheese-steak sandwiches.  We then walked to Liberty Bell and finished the evening playing at the park. 

The Constitution Museum 

 Independence Hall and the Senate building.

 Liberty Bell

 The Pool and the Park

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.