I have no idea where he gets his sense of humor. Oh wait, I seem to remember his dad “holding” up the Leaning Tower of Pisa among other classic shots. When Dinosaurs Attack.
When Dinosaurs Attack
We took the train from Kelly’s house in New Hyde Park (on Long Island) and then jumped on the subway to head to the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Can anyone guess by this great mosaic where we got off?
All of the die-hard New Yorkers I am sure are yelling out “The American Museum of Natural History”. We were greeted by none other than Teddy Roosevelt. This is fitting as his father was one of the museum’s founders in 1869. This was also right about the time where I discovered that I had left my camera battery still safely charging at Kelly’s house. Thank you, Auntie, for remembering yours.
Let me say that this was the most fabulous museum I have EVER been to. My neck should have been on a swivel stick, there was so much to look at. Rex was there and ready for a game of catch. But in case dinosaur bones aren’t really your thing…
You could spend an entire day just admiring the architecture and design. While the first cornerstone of the museum was laid in 1874, the majority of the museum was completed in 1936 in the magnificent Beaux ~ Arts style.
Other than cleaning and repair, very little has changed in terms of the decor of the museum. There are beautiful touches everywhere. Just look at this coffered ceiling. The lighting is original.
My favorite section of the museum was the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life. The sea is truly a lovely tranquil place (SHARK!). To stand under a full-size model of a blue whale is a very humbling experience. I practically had to be taken out of the museum kicking and screaming, but we had other places to go.
Times Square
Start spreading the news, I think someone would make a really good actor. We were headed to the Minskoff Theater.
We saw “The Lion King on Broadway”. I LOVED the costumes. The giraffes were amazing. You thought they were giraffes~ not people on stilts hunched over. I am not ashamed to say that I cried during the “Circle of Life” number and loved these guys.
Minnesota
Somehow, I just found my Minnesota pictures. Ack! We went here first but I am so not moving the photo’s around. (Everyone is nodding their head in understanding, I am sure.) We stayed at the Pine Grove Motel. I loved the authentically vintage sign.
One would hope that the interior would have a “Mad Men” type of retro modern decor. Alas, that was not the case. But it was clean and sometimes that is enough.
After all, we weren’t there to hang out in a motel room. We were there to visit the current reigning Wii Bowling Champ~ our precious Great Grandma.
After a day of rain, we made our way to friend Judy’s house. I loved all of her flowers and the pretty window boxes.
Judy and her husband Rex live off the shores of Lake Pokegama (Po kay gah mah) and were gracious enough to take us out on their houseboat.
Along the shore were several elaborate docks, staircases, and homes.
Sweet Boy tried a bit of fishing.
Success! It was a red-eyed bass that we threw back into the water.
Upon our return to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area we met up with our very special friend Jill. Jill and I have been friends for over 12 years. We met while we were both living on the island of Crete. Jill moved back to the states a few years ago. This was her first time meeting Sweet Boy.
Next up, Philadelphia freedom and the Duchess of Decor visits the Jersey Shore.
Laura
Hehehehehehe ….yep, Times Square was waiting for you to arrive LG!! LOL!! That was classic!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the photos!!! Looks like such an amazing time! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
How fun! The museum pics were awesome! What a great place!
Totally understand not moving the pics around!
Thanks for sharing!
Great pictures. Sweet
Boy has the prettiest eyes. Keep on having fun.
I am so glad you had such a wonderful trip. Am I allowed to say?…I am so glad you're back. I missed you!
That museum looks amazing! Thanks for letting us know it's worth the effort to go there. Lisa~
First I want to say, “Your Sweet Boy BEAMS”… LOVE him to pieces(I'm the Mom of 3 grown boys so I have to smile ear to ear looking at his wonderful smiling face)… OK LOVED your trip and the fun of taking us with you… I TOO love museum and would like to camp out in them. There is NEVER enough time…
Hugs, Donna
Wow, what a great trip. I loved all the photos, especially the ones with trees and water, it looks decidedly cooler than hot AZ!
Love all the photos! I feel like I have had a mini-vacation this morning, motoring around on a houseboat and seeing Great Grandma Jingles…
Great pics Laura! When Elizabeth and I were in NYC in May, we did not have time to get to the museum, but maybe next time! We did, however, go to the Minskoff and see The Lion King and loved it too!
Your son is just darling!
MGM
OMG – I'm about 45 minutes {by car} from New Hyde Park! So glad you enjoyed your trip into “the city”.
I love the ceiling in that museum! Just a great place. I want a sign like that hotel one for my house. Would they notice if it was missing do you think?
Looks like you've had some awesome adventures! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Stopping by to say I liked your answer on Melanie's blog about dealing with various Houdinis (we had one). It goes byond restraining or resricting the child to shaping character (respecting the parent's voice).
While here I read this post. Very interesting! Sounds like a great visit, and I would certainly enjoy that museum.
And if you get a chance, please visit Family Fountain.
wb
Hi Laura!!! Just got home and got your postcard. You are so sweet! First, I must say Sweet Boy reminds me very much of his handsome father, Mr. Decor. It was fun to see all the places you've been. I love the Museum of Natural History!! When I stood under that same blue whale I never dreamed that one day I would actually see one – this summer! You deserve to have your initials up in Times Square. I used to have one of those phones, and never made the connection. I loved seeing Grandma Jingles, how special, after hearing about her so much. I am totally jealous of your Lion King experience. That is the one show I am determined to see – I have heard so much about the costumes.
This has gotten long. Glad you are home safe and sound and I hate that we passed each other all summer.
Holland??? Ann W
Oh I cried during the opening scene of “The Lion King” too. It was breath-taking. Made me want to fly to Africa right that very second. One day I will.
I love love love the picture of Sweet Boy fishing. That right there is what life is all about.
As a(n) (upstate) New Yorker, I am proud and happy that you enjoyed your visit to the Museum & Times Square!
Wow, who tipped of New Your that you were arriving? Hee Hee! What an amazing time you had, memories to fill a life time. Your sweet boy sure is growing fast, and so handsome. Thanks for sharing the tour.
Laura,
I was born in NY and spent much time there as a child, since all my relatives were there. I also worked in Manhattan. So glad you and Sweet Boy had such a memorable time.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Loved reading about your adventures and seeing all of the great photos. Your sweet boy is just that – he's so adorable. Makes me wish I had a son, but I'm glad for our daughters. 🙂
Blessings always my friend,
Linda
Laura-You have been on a whirlwind tour! So much to do; so little time :0). I think you've got yourself a city boy! He seems to love it. Maybe they should hire him for PR work. I loved the Lion King too!
Thanks for the prayers & stopping by my blog! I enjoyed your post & the picture of the whale!!!! Beautiful!