Stay-cation - continued

On August 20, day two of the Carlson stay-cation, we all headed into to New York City to visit one of our favorite places - the Metropolitan Museum of Art. At the bus stop, we had a small scare. Right as the bus drove up, Detective Daddy discovered that Andrew had stashed all his pocket-knives and other sharp boy scout gear in an outer pocket of his backpack. A quick dash back to the car and a thankfully long line of passengers to board enabled Andrew to stow his weapons in a much wiser location, before the bus

departed for New York. A close call! Although Sheryl was disappointed that her favorite painting, "George Washington Crossing the Delaware," was in restoration, the day was on the whole a success. We toured the revamped American Wing. Actually, we moved backwards through the displays, because the Carlsons can

never tour anything properly, cannot take a hint from the masses of other visitors walking "backwards" through the exhibits, and refuse to notice signs stating what to do. Since it was a lovely day, we caravanned out of the museum to the adjacent Central Park, where we ate lunch and tried to nap - a prevailing fashion on city parks it seems!

For day number three, Miss Ronda treated all of us to a Sight and Sound production "In the Beginning." Sight and Sound is a Mennonite, highly professional theater located in Lancaster, PA that performs stories fleshed out from biblical accounts. The play "In the Beginning" chronicled from Creation to the death of Adam. We were impressed by the tasteful managing of some difficult portions of this story as well as the pointed emphasis upon the themes of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ introduced all the way back in the beginning.
Some of the pictures are from our lunch/dinner at Good an' Plenty, a country-style restaurant which serves amazing food.
"Man makes his plans, but God directs his steps." We had planned to spend our weekend visiting Boston's Liberty Trail. However, during the intensive time together,

we had been able observe increasing seizure activity in Andrew. On Saturday morning, Andrew had a very obvious seizure, which my parents and Andrew's doctor judged serious enough to demand immediate attention. Andrew was admitted to the Morristown's children's hospital to undergo tests and close observation. Although this was not the plan we had hoped for, the time in the hospital was still an extended opportunity for family time of which we took advantage. We are very thankful for that God is in control and that His timing is always perfect. Further, we are thankful for the excellent care Andrew received at the hospital, and the swift diagnosis by a doctor who specializes with pediatric seizures.

Carlsons Meet Teddy Roosevelt (kind of)

The temperature was a warm 82 degrees in the President's home located on Long Island, Sagamore Hill. Sagamore Hill - the location of unparalleled fun and games, the Summer White House of America for seven years - was the only house President Theodore Roosevelt, his wife, Edith, and his six children ever truly consider home. Although Oyster Bay, Long Island, was often used as a summer resort for wealthy New Yorkers, Roosevelt chose it as the location for his permanent residence. As one steps onto the porch, they encounter what Roosevelt felt was essential for his country seat, from where three bodies of water were visible (before all the trees grew). During his presidency, Roosevelt received many dignitaries, ambassadors, diplomats, boy scouts, and guests on that very porch. Inside are many of Roosevelt's original pieces of furniture, animal rugs, and wall hangings. The largest room of the house contains many of relics from Teddy and Kermit's hunting trips in Africa and South America. Framing the entrance curve two massive elephant tusks. On the desk sits a ink pot carved our of a rhinosorous hoof, and directly below it, an elephant hoof has been efficiently converted into a trash can. All throughout the house are gifts from foreign diplomats and monarchs. The entire house is so accurate that one almost expects to be greeted by quiet Edith in the parlor, run into Roosevelt coming out of his library, or have some boiling hot concoctions dropped on your head by mischeivous Quinten or Archie.
The Carlsons commenced their stay-cation by driving out to Long Island to visit Sagamore Hill National Park and Teddy's beautiful house. Also in the park is Teddy's son's house, Old Orchard, which has been converted into a small museum with relics of the family and the President. Behind the museum is a path through some woods towards Cold Spring Harbour, where the kids took off their socks and shoes to wade in the water.
After lunch, we drove down the road to the family grave yard, where we located the graves or memorial stones for each of the immediate Roosevelts, except Alice. Roosevelts were buried where they fell, and so many of those memorialized are actually buried elsewhere, because they were serving in the military. However, Teddy Roosevelt, the man of action, died in bed, and so we were privileged to see his actual grave in the small, shaded graveyard.
We returned home late, having enjoyed great family time and an educational while relaxing day of fun.