The Land of the Free

Even though we moved to the city after we were married, I have always wanted to sneak into some of the singles activities (with Matt, of course) because they sound FUN. Seems like the family wards don't organize activities where you get to GO and DO something in the city. So, I've been jealous of the fun activities the singles get to do. But, NOW, Matt is serving in the bishopric of one of the Singles Wards here, so we get to go to the activities if we want to! Yea! (Plus, we get the bonus of help in corralling the kiddies. Thanks, friends!) Yesterday was one of those days.

First we took the ferry out to Liberty Island to walk around and admire the Statue of Liberty.



Then we went over to Ellis Island to enjoy the great museum exhibits they have there. Really poignant and interesting. I feel so many emotions for those immigrants who came to America with so few items and so much hope. I want to know each person's story- where did they come from, why did they come here, and how did life turn out for them? Was it all they had hoped for? More? Less? I'd have to double check with my grandmother, but I don't believe my maternal family actually came through Ellis Island. I'm pretty sure they came to New York before Ellis Island's *hey day*. But they were among the Irish and German immigrants that built this city. And I'm proud to say that.



But I'm pretty sure the funnest part of the day for Lexi was terrorizing the seagulls and pigeons on the lawn at Ellis Island. That's Manhattan in the background, sadly, without the World Trade Center. We were painfully aware of how the area remains a target as we had to essentially go through the equivalent of airport security BEFORE boarding the ferry.