After months of planning, Don, Ashley and I went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island this past weekend. While looking out on our snow covered lawn on January 9th I made reservations to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty on April 16th, a day that we thought would be the perfect Spring Day. As the day drew closer and the forecast called for cold rain, we hesitated about making the trip. As you can see in the above picture, we had Liberty Island almost to ourselves and the rain held until the ride home.
Don and I had both been to the Statue of Liberty a couple of times. Each time it was extremely crowded, and hot (well, it was summer) and our view at the top was rushed because the people immediately behind us also wanted to see. If this was your experience, it is time to go back.
Tickets now must be purchased months in advance: http://www.statuecruises.com/ferry-service/welcome.aspx
Every 20 minutes the Park Rangers send up a group of 10 people. We climbed all 200+ steps at our own pace. At the top were two Park Rangers telling us what we are seeing, and that swaying is normal. They also took our picture and let us take as much time as we wanted. About 20 minutes later we began the descent on the other side of the double-helix staircase.
We wandered around the museum in the pedestal and then boarded the boat to Ellis Island. Ashely and I had read lots of books about people coming through Ellis Island. We also watched their movie. Nothing compares, though, to seeing the place. It was quiet there, too.
The best part of the day was seeing Ashley's eyes sparkle with amazement at the entire experience. Each time she saw Lady Liberty that day she couldn't believe she actually climbed to the top of her.
She couldn't wait to see her classmates and tell them about her weekend.
If you do plan to go, order tickets soon because the Statue of Liberty will be closed starting in November for scheduled maintenance. Climbing to the crown was definitely the highlight of our trip.
As many of you know, the three of us in addition to performing, we enjoy sitting in the audience. The experience is even more fun when we know someone in the cast.
Recent shows include seeing Chris Kubat as Motel in "Fiddler on the Roof"
Hayden Clark in "South Pacific."
Kate Mochnacz in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
Tell us about the shows you are involved with and hopefully we can see you on stage, too.
As many of you know, with Ashley in school full-time, I have been looking for a part time job that would grant me a lot of flexibilty. Ideally, I wanted a position that would allow me to do something I enjoy and can use my brain to do.
Last December my sister, Rebecca, was offered a position as the editor for the Franklin Lakes Patch -- an online newsource dedicated to events happening in one town. As luck would have it, Lawrenceville was about to launch a similar product. She put me in touch with the editor, and I was hired in December to take pictures of all the schools and parks in Lawrenceville -- about 20 different locations.
Lawrenceville.Patch.com went live on December 28. It took a few weeks to figure out how I could fit into the Patch. In the middle of February the editor offered me the opportunity to write two columns a week -- one called Whiz Kids and the other In the Schools. Whiz Kids features a student living in Lawrenceville who is doing something a bit inspirational. Through this column I have met some amazing students.
In the Schools has sort of taken on a life of its own. I cover the smaller good will events that happen in schools, but are never covered by the local media. I have covered school plays, guest speakers, student-led programs -- basically anything and everything happening in our schools.
Following are links to some of my articles. In most cases, I have also taken the pictures thar are linked to the articles. Enjoy!
LMS Play: http://lawrenceville.patch.com/articles/lawrence-middle-school-presents-kilroy-was-here
Dr. Seuss Day: http://lawrenceville.patch.com/articles/viewfinder-lawrence-elementary-schools-celebrate-dr-seuss-birthday-national-read-across-america-week#photo-5120657
St. Baldrick's fundraiser: http://lawrenceville.patch.com/articles/over-100-people-shave-their-heads-for-st-baldricks
Whiz Kids: http://lawrenceville.patch.com/articles/adrian-glass-and-shannon-defillipo-whiz-kids
LIS Student Leadership Program: http://lawrenceville.patch.com/articles/lawrence-intermediate-school-unveils-student-leadership-program-designed-to-help-the-school-become-greener
Saturday night was opening night for Ashley's school production of "Annie." Ashley plays Orphan Kate, one of Annie's friends. She had a great time making new friends while singing and dancing to "It's a Hard Knock Life" and other famous tunes. It is a big commitment, but Ashley really thrives on stage.
After Saturday's show we went to local ice cream shop, The Purple Cow, for a celebration. All of Ashley's grandparents came to the show, along with theater friends: the Kubat and Levine families (plus Emily). It was great being able to visit with fellow actors and eat ice cream together.
The show continues again Friday night.
When I started this blog I had grandiose ideas of updating it on a weekly basis with lots of great pictures and stories. Well, the truth of the matter is, our lives are not that exciting.
Ashley has been busy with school and play practice (Annie -- April 2 and 8). In her spare time she reads lots of books.
Don is working and waiting for warmer, drier weather so he can ride his bicycle to work on a more regular basis. He did attend a statewide bicycle summit meeting this weekend.
I'm writing articles for Lawrenceville.Patch.com and trying to build my miles in anticipation of May 1st 10 mile Broad Street Run.
Not much worthy of a photograph. So, I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of the cats.
Charlie napping on Ashley's bed.
Ariel wondering what Ashley is reading.
Tonight is opening night for "George Washington Slept Here," a funny play about a man pursuing his dreams by purchasing a house sight unseen in Bucks County, PA and trying to turn it into a home with the help of his wife, his daughter and a crazy assortment of characters. The play runs February 10-16 in Newtown, PA at the Newtown Arts Company.
I play Hester (the maid) with a secret. This is only my second show. As with my other role, this has been a real learning experience. I hope you can come out and see it.
As this is our first year post homeschooling everything seems new, including snow days, school parties, homework. Last week Ashley's school celebrated Catholic Schools Week.
Catholic Schools Week is week-long celebration about what is right with Catholic Schools. What I didn't realize was that it was also a week when the parents were invited to spend a lot of time in the school.
Monday we were invited to spy on our kids in the classroom. Ashley's teacher had the students work in groups then put on a skit for us about the Wright Brothers.
Tuesday they played Bingo, plus it was crazy hat / sock day.
Wednesday an ice storm thwarted their fun.
Thursday we were invited to have lunch with our kids. That was a lot of fun! It was also a dress down day (a big deal when you normally wear a uniform) and they were served ice cream!
Friday was a half day in honor of Catholic Schools Week.
Did we have fun weeks like that in school when we were little?
