Taking on Day 2 of The Big Apple

We are getting the hang of mass transit, hope the LRT really comes to the Twin Cities some day.  This day started with a Port Authority bus ride from New Jersey to Times Square, then it was on to the subway headed toward the ferry port.

 I love this picture!  We were putting the kids through the subway turnstile like cattle and the Metropass ran out of rides, so they were stuck on the other side until we went and put more money on the card. 

 We then took the ferry out to see the Statue of Liberty.  We decided not to do the tour, but it was super cool to see.  Beautiful views of the NY skyline also. 

After lunch we walked to the 9/11 museum.  They had a great 15 minute video that we watched that explained what happened in a clear way that wasn't overly graphic, so the kids could understand.  It is hard to imagine that they really have no idea what happened that tragic day.

                                                       The brand new One World Trade

 A statue that was left outside of one of the fire stations after 9/11 that was gradually covered with flags and patches and thoughts and prayers for the firefighters.

That evening we attempted to go on a night tour on the open topped bus, but it started to rain and was not much fun, so we bailed and headed to Times Square and M&M World instead!!  Much more fun!

The next day ended up as a mad dash from one end of NYC and back again, then to Brooklyn for Grimaldi's Pizza "under the bridge".  By FAR the BEST pizza we have ever had!

                                               Haven't seen pepperoni like since Shakey's!


 Then off to the Bronx to see Yankee Stadium.  We didn't have time to look around much, but Thomas was able to shop for a bit.

As with most of our trips, we have to add in time to visit a reality T.V. locations...no, we didn't go find any of the Real Housewives, (I tried), but to Hoboken, NJ to check out Carlo's Bake Shop from the show Cake Boss.  We bought way too many things(cannoli's, cupcakes, cookies, etc..) and it was ALL great!  The kids were excited to see the bakery, Mark and I were excited to eat the sugar!

  Last but not least it was off to Philadelphia.  It was later than we had hoped to be there, but it was fun to run the "Rocky" stairs, even in the dark.  "Aaadrian"!   It was a whirlwind, but we got it all in!