~NYC: Memorial Day~

Everyone was so exhausted from the busy and exciting days in the city that we took Sunday off, going to church, taking walks around Erin's neighborhood and eating good food.  On monday, Memorial Day, we kicked things back up a notch and headed over to see two of NYC main tourist attractions: Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty!  First stop, Ellis Island, where we learned all about the process our ancestors went through as they came across the ocean and arrived in America.  It was fascinating.

Then we hopped right back on the ferry and headed over to the see Lady Liberty.  It was neat to learn about the oxidation process, and wonder what she may have looked like those first few years after she was built, still all copper colored and shiny.  The kids were really excited because we read TONS about the Statue of Liberty before our trip.  

Though the grounds were crowded and the sun was blazing down hard, we couldn't help jump out in the sun for some pictures with this American icon, and symbol of freedom to so many.  Perfectly fitting for Memorial Day, don't you think?

We explored the rest of the grounds and had a grand ole time before jumping back on the ferry.  Did you know that The Statue of Liberty is technically in New Jersey waters?  You can get to the two islands from both sides, the NYC side and the New Jersey side.  We took the Jersey side and were very glad as we saw the loooooong lines to ride the ferry back to NYC. 

We eventually got back in our car and went directly over to the big city, where Ryan dropped us off and went to find a parking spot.  We saw the home of the New York Ballet Company, along with the beautiful fountain in the square.

I've seen this square in so many movies.  We couldn't help but take the opportunity to dance around and remember my little girl dream of becoming a professional dancer.  

The kids were very hot and tired, but we still had lots we wanted to see and pictures to take.  I especially wanted to get a family picture in front of the NYC LDS Temple.  It was time for more Gilato.  Afterward everyone was a little bit happier.

Then we were off to Central Park and the Bethesda Fountain.  That park is soooo big and beautiful.  I feel like we only saw a little corner of what it had to offer, but we sure had a good time.  After lots of rock climbing and pictures we decided to get the kids portraits drawn by a street vendor.   We managed to not get a single picture of the drawing process because it took so many people and so much energy to get the kids to hold still long enough for their portraits. Those drawings are now hanging in my basement and I love them.

All that playtime at Central Park made us pretty hungry so we were off to drop our portraits at the car and jump on the subway to head to dinner in Union Square.  I loved walking through the more residential areas of the city to our van.  The building and stoops are beautiful and sometimes reminded me of something straight off of Sesame Street.

When it was time to eat I asked the kids "Do you want chocolate for dinner?"  They jumped up and down with a resounding "YES!" We went to Max Brenner: Chocolate By the Bald Man.  I've been hearing about this restaurant for years from my sister.  It was a must on my list of places to see/eat at while visiting NYC.  Everything has chocolate in it someway.  The waffle fries are powdered with cocoa powder.  I think Nick got the fish tacos and loved them, while I got a three cheese and spinach crepe that sent my head spinning.  Then, of course, we got dessert and opted for the fondue sampler platter.  It was amazing and I would go there again in a heartbeat!

We made our way back through the city to the subway and on to find our car for the ride home, where everyone promptly fell asleep except our trusty driver, Ryan.  We crashed at Erin and Ryan's place, happily exhausted from another adventure filled day.