The Great RV Trip Part IV

Well, after the baptism, it was time for the fourth and final leg of our great RV trip--East Coast style!  It was a few hour drive from Pennsylvania to New York City, but before we knew it we were pulling into Liberty State Park and preparing for the rest of our Fourth of July Celebration.  

First up was our Statue of Liberty Ferry Cruise and Pedestal Tour.  Then we grabbed a bite to eat and made our way back to the dock to catch our Fourth of July Harbor Cruise.  We paid a premium to get all ten of us onto the boat, but it was definitely worth every penny. Especially since once we were on board we found out that Nick's sister and her family had flown in and were also on board as a holiday surprise.  It made the day even that much better.

Really everything culminated in that night as we cruised around listening to patriotic music, singing and dancing and seeing the sites.  Indeed, there was something absolutely profound about listening to one of my favorite Fourth of July songs--the Neil Diamond classic "Coming to America"-- as we circled Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.  It was amazing!  Now I know I'm somewhat of a patriotic fool, that person who always cries when the soldiers march by in the Fourth of July parades, but what can I say!  I just love America.  I am so grateful for God's hand in forming this great country.  I believe in American exceptionalism!  I have a testimony of the destiny of this country just the same as I have a testimony of the prophet and the scriptures.  And watching the Fourth of July fireworks in historical locations makes this holiday that I love even better.  We've seen the Washington D.C. Capital Fourth.  We've seen the second rated show in the nation over the St. Louis Arch.  We've seen the fireworks over Mt. Rushmore. Now we can add New York Harbor to our list.  Some day we'll make it to Independence Hall for the traditional reading of the Declaration before the fireworks show, but for now we'll be content with our memories of the many great places we've already been.

Our next day in New York, and the final sight-seeing day of our trip, was also a day to remember.  We spent the morning exploring the city on foot.  We went to the Twin Towers Memorial, wandered onto Wall Street, and made a stop at Federal Hall where George Washington placed his hand on the Holy Bible and took the Oath of Office as America's first president. After we were tired out from walking, we took an afternoon nap, freshened up, and then hit the hard Rock Cafe for dinner.   Then it was off to an evening Broadway Show--Phantom of the Opera.  It had been years since Nick and I had seen the shown--the last time was probably in London!  It was also the kids first time to see anything on Broadway, other than the Rockettes that is.   We had been indoctrinating them with the music for weeks, and all our hard work paid off.  They simply loved the show, and they did a pretty good job of keeping up with what was going on.  In fact, as we were leaving the theater I turned to Spencer and asked what he thought of the show.  He thought for a moment and then suddenly burst into tears!  He was so moved by the Phantom's story that he couldn't control his emotions.  It was so sweet, and yet another moment of tenderness and glimpse into the inner soul of this little man that is so wise beyond his years.  I just love that boy!!  And I just love New York City.  What a fun way to end our day and wrap up what was yet another amazing Hoskins' Family Vacation.