NYC: Times Square, Central Park & Natural History Museum

We spent a whole week in New York City and still didn't get through our to-do list. This is part 1 for NYC - hopefully it will only take two posts.

Time Square

View of Time Square from our hotel window

What is the deal with all of the people in costume?

Of course we had to peek in on GMA!

M&M store is a total tourist trap but so much fun - this is just one of three banks of the candies.

Central Park

We got up super early one morning to be in the audience for Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series - we had no idea what a crazy madhouse it would be. Rumor had it that some girls spent two nights in line to get good spots. I guess we didn't realize how popular Selena Gomez is - especially with the pre-teens and younger.

As soon as we made it into the small arena, Tom took a sharp left towards the only bleachers. From here, we had a great view and were in a safe spot when the crowd surged forward - I don't know how all those little girls could see, let alone breathe in the crowd.

It was fascinating watching all that goes into taping a "live" concert - Selena was to sing four songs during the broadcast of GMA - this meant that we heard these songs several times as things kept going wrong.

Jessica's poster - but we were too far back for it to be seen on TV.

After the concert, we took a carriage ride around Central Park.

9/11 Memorial

They've done an impressive job - so emotional.

Museum of Natural History

This kid still loves dinosaurs - and this museum has an impressive collection!

Some large meteor - I don't remember the details but if you ask Henry about it, he'll enthusiastically tell you all about it.

There was a line to get a photo with this dude - thanks to "Night at the Museum"

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Boston, Quincy and Plymouth

Boston

We loved the history of Boston and the surrounding areas.

We walked the Freedom Trail that took us through many historical sites including this - the church steeple that displayed the signal lanterns for Paul Revere.

Site of the Boston Massacre

The Old Corner Bookstore (built in 1712) - cracks me up that it's now a Chipotle!

USS Constitution - aka Old Ironsides because its wooden sides are so thick that cannon balls would bounce off. We were able to tour three decks.

Kids had no idea why we needed to see this place.....

 

Quincy

View from our hotel in Quincy (pronounced "quinzy" by the locals).

The first presidential library for Presidents John Adams and John Quinzy Adams.

 

Plymouth

Plymouth Rock - it used to be bigger but people kept chipping pieces off of it.

Park named after one of the kids' ancestors who came over on the Mayflower.

 

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Niagara Falls

From the Canada Side

Thank you, Becky for suggesting we stay at the Hilton on the Canadian side of the Falls - it was worth the hassle of getting passports for the kids. Our room had floor to ceiling view of all three falls. the buildings in the photo are in New York.

View of the falls from our hotel room.

Gorgeous views but, oh man, was it hot and humid.

The Falls from the U.S. Side

The U.S. side of the falls is surrounded by a State park with walking paths leading to spectacular views looking over each of the falls - some of them quite wet. It was here that we could feel the power and size of each. Because of the heat wave during our visit, we got up really early - and almost had the views to ourselves for a bit. It was mesmerizing and in a couple spots we just sat and watched.

Our hotel is one of the buildings in the background.

The Storm

Being from California, we don't see much crazy weather. Our last evening, we were sitting in a restaurant when we noticed people on the street staring up at the sky. This is what we saw when we joined them. We made it back to our hotel minutes before a huge storm hit.

 

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Chicago

We loved Chicago. It has a great vibe: so much to see and do, such great food - and everywhere we went people were friendly.

The Bean

Tom caught our reflections in The Bean

Taking the L

Henry got a kick out of riding the trains - after we arrived at the hotel, we didn't return to van until we left Chicago.

Boat Tour

We took a boat tour on the river and lake

Chicago skyline from the boat.

Top of the Willis Tower

Checking out the view of the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower)

At the top there are four Skydecks that allow people to walk out past the building and see through to the street - it was pretty freaky the first time I did it.

Chicago Dogs

Chicago has the most amazing Chicago dogs. Jessica ordered a plain one and received a very odd look :)

Lego Store

Henry had a blast checking out the Lego store. This is the front window with the Chicago skyline in Legos.

 

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River Boat Tour on the Mississippi

This statue of Lewis and Clark is usually not under water - but the river is currently about 18 feet higher than normal.

 

 

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