Fall Break Part 5, Day 5 New York

 Being less than 2 hours from New York, we decided we needed to go see the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, and Times Square. We took the Staten Island ferry over to see Ground Zero and it passes right by the Statue of Liberty.  Aubree loves musicals so we tried to get tickets to "Hamilton" or "Wicked" but both were showing sold out on-line.  We also tried an area in Times Square but no luck.  I asked Jake if maybe we could walk over and check the box office; we were able to get the last 2 tickets to the show.  I think he and Aubree were both happy.  I always tease that the kids will remember their dad doing fun things with them but we best remind them, I am the one who stays back or secures the tickets (all smiles).  While they were at the production, the boys and I spent our time looking in stores.  Christopher was excited to custom make M&M's and Will purchased a light saber with his own money, against me trying to discourage it.  He did have to borrow some from us but I get to control his checks until the debt is satisfied.  I have never seen such a busy place as Times Square and even at 11:00pm, it was so very crowded.  

As much as I loved seeing the Statue of Liberty (and we saw Alexander Hamilton's grave which was neat because of the old cemetery), one of my favorite memories occurred in a watch store.  Will likes watches, we went in a watch store to browse. The had a "crack the code" where if you guessed the correct 4-digit combination that opened  the lock, you won the watch inside valued at $425. Each of the boys tried and then Jake tried, using our anniversary date and the door opened.  We heard excitement, so Aubree and I went over.  The employees were stating it had not been cracked in 2-3 years and Jake must be lucky, teasing he should buy a lottery ticket or something.  Jake responded, "I am lucky, I married her" and looked over at me.  He has a way of making me feel loved.  I am grateful for him.  Overall, we enjoyed sight-seeing in NY.

Fall Break Part 4, Day 4 Philadelphia

 Off to Philadelphia we go!  We stopped by Ft. McHenry for a bit and then had lunch in Baltimore.  That evening, Jake and I did a session in the Philadelphia temple with Aubree.  I felt a certain joy seated by her as we went through and then seeing her and her dad play around some after. It is a wonderful feeling to go to the temple with your children.  After the temple, we went back to the hotel, got the boys and walked to a philly sub shop for dinner.  We felt we needed a Philly cheese steak since they are known for that. In the end, we discovered that Will was obsessed and I think he ended up having 3-4 the couple days we were there.

Fall Break Part 3, Day 2-3 in D.C.

 We spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday exploring D.C., beginning at the Holocaust Museum, which is sobering.  I do not understand how anyone could deem another person as awful as the Jews were treated and labeled. My heart ached as we walked through, read, saw pictures, and looked at short videos.  I hope that I always treat people with dignity and respect. After the museum, we began walking to the national monuments. Will eventually convinced us to bike some, and we actually all enjoyed it. We biked to the Natural History Museum and then to dinner. The weather was perfect.  That evening we had dinner at a Thai restaurant that Jake had previously with his dad and brothers and wanted us to try, he liked it so much. 

Wednesday, our day began with a White House tour, followed by the Art museum, and ended with Arlington Cemetery. I enjoy hearing the stories shared and historical facts.  Who would have ever thought I would enjoy history like I do.

Fall Break Part 2, Day 1

 Monday morning, we left Knoxville and headed for the Washington, D.C. area where we would spend the next couple days exploring.  I really wanted to take the kids to the temple grounds, so that was our first stop before the hotel.  It was as beautiful as I remember. I love the stained glass. I love the peace that comes from just being on temple grounds.  We were dressed for traveling but still snapped some pictures, fortunately it was closed so we basically had the property to ourselves to admire.