Day 9 - DC to NYC

We started the day with fresh blueberry pancakes at Uncle Norman's. Sara and Timothy helped pick the blueberries and Sara put them into each pancake.

We got away on time and made it to the DC Temple early. Aunt Karel stayed with the three little kids at the visitor center while the rest of us went to the baptistry. I baptized Jennifer, Alan and Tresa and Uncle Norman did the confirmations. We had a very good time. The kids and Aunt Karel had fun and as well and enjoyed a Joseph Smith movie.

We got into the van at 1:20pm and headed for NYC. It was a (relatively) short drive of 230 miles that took forever. We averaged about 45 mph with so many stops to pay tolls. But, we went through a couple of long, fun tunnels and over big bridges. The several blocks in Manhattan were very insteresting to drive. We got to our hotel and double parked, building a big pile of bags and coolers on the side walk. The maintainence man/bag helper managed to get the pile to the room in two loads. We have a tiny two room suite with three beds. It will be fine. Karl and Carmen, et al, are also in this hotel. (But should be paying more since they have a view of the Empire State Building from their room!)

Parking the van was an adventure. We found a garage about a block away that could handle it. It is on the third floor of a building and is not crisp and clean. When we arrived with the van, someone was having a loud argument with the management. We left the van (going back twice for items we had left behind. ) There was a very nice older man there with whom I had entertaining conversations with each visit. We found some dinner and then the cousins and spent the remaining evening moving in.

Sara has already declared that she doesn't want to live in the city, while Jennifer and Alan are intrigued by it. We will start exploring with a trip to church tomorrow.

I filled the van in New Jersey for $2.80 a gallon, so we are still doing well on gas prices.