PTA VI Day 5: Tuesday, July 29, 2014: Madame Tussauds, The Ford Theatre, Baltimore...

Today, again was a busy one.  We decided to head out to take in some DC sights, while Guy was working.  We did something, we have never considered before--a tour of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.  It is rather amazing how real some of the figures look, while others...didn't really make the grade.  You decide...

Noah and Bruce Springsteen?

A lot of political leaders.  Here are some of our favorites...

Noah and Abe Lincoln in the Ford Theatre

Noah and Leah with the President and First Lady

Leah's personal favorite...Katy Perry!

After visiting the Museum, we decided to take a quick tour of the Ford Theatre.  This is something, Leah really wanted to do, and something we had never done before.  I didn't realize that they actually did tours for FREE in the theatre.  It is so amazing to hear the history of the theatre and how President Lincoln was shot.  We were even able to take pictures in the theatre. 

This is where President Lincoln was sitting when he was shot.

As you can see the stage is very grand, beautiful and still used today.

After our tour of the city, we were able to catch a train, via Amtrak to Baltimore, Maryland, so we can knock yet another state and ballpark off of our family adventures list.

Heading to Baltimore...

Dad as always, knows the best way to make it to the train station with seconds to spare.  Lets just say, we ran into Union Station and arrived at our Train, 30 seconds before it was going to depart--Wow!  Then 30 minutes later, we arrived at one of the Great American Train Stations, Pennsylvania Station, in Baltimore Maryland.

We jumped into a cab and headed toward the harbor, as Harbor Place, Camden Fields, etc...were on our list.  We were reminded by the cab driver to stay close to the harbor as "the city isn't really safe."  Clearly the show The Wire, was telling the real story of Baltimore and the story that we didn't care to experience. We headed over to Little Italy for a quick bite, Noah had located a place online that had received rave reviews:  Isabella's Brick Oven.  We all liked it a lot!  Four thumbs up, but all agreed, Pizzeria Lola in Minneapolis has the best!  We then headed back to Harbor Place while Dad did some work, it wasn't as I remembered, a pretty rough crowd and apparently a lot of turn over of businesses.  While Leah begged to go through Ripley's Believe It or Not, I couldn't bring myself to do it.  The Wax museum was enough for one day.
 
We decided to stay close to the harbor as recommended by our cab driver.  We had tickets to the Oriole's game, so we headed toward Camden Field, and visited the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.  It was a really neat historical area, where we could walk all around.  I think everyone enjoyed the visit.

Dad, Noah and Leah outside of Historic Camden Field

Camden Field before the game...

Noah and Leah on the steps of Babe Ruth's Birthplace

Yes, this is a signed Babe Ruth Baseball-Leah wasn't able to buy it for Noah!

We were able to watch the Oriole's play the Angels, it was a great game, full of some of our favorite former Twins, i.e., Denard Span!

We had to leave before the end unfortunately, as our train would be leaving Baltimore and head backto DC without us.  It ended up going into extra innings with the Oriole's winning with a walk off homerun.  Noah did stay tuned during the train ride home, we all enjoyed our trip to Baltimore, but decided we likely wouldn't be back for a while.  Tired and weary we headed back to our hotel to catch some zzz's to see what day 6 would bring.

Souvenir Tally:
Guy:  1 (He finally bought a hat!)
Penny:  0
Noah: 3  (He always buys a hat from the fields he visits.)
Leah:10

PTA VI Day 4: Monday, July 28, 2014: Spy Museum, National Archives, Air and Space Museum, Museum of Crime and Punishment, etc...

Ok, I know it already sounds like a lot, but honestly all of these places were within walking distance for us.  Guy joined us for a visit to the International Spy Museum, but then he had some meetings to participate in, so we met up with him later.  Noah was pretty excited for this museum, as they had a James Bond exhibit that shared many of the tricks that James Bond used in his movies. 

Noah and James Bond's famous car!

Leah really enjoyed the museum as well, in fact, here is a picture of here being tricked by a pretend shark from some footage from one of the James Bond films.

Leah:  "so why should I touch the glass?"

Leah:  "OH MY GOD...the shark..."  

 We had to remind Leah it was just the movies!  After our visit, we went on our own way, while Guy headed to work.  Needless to say, the kids were hungry.  I was a bit suspicious, if they really were, as we were right next to the Shake Shack, and they kept seeing it and wanted to try it.  So we stopped in for a quick bite, again, good choice!  It was quick, cheap and delicious! 

We decided to head back toward the Mall and check out some of the Museums.  I figured, that a quick visit to the National Archives was in order-you can never see the Constitution too many times, right?!  Besides, after the movie National Treasure, they were very interested in seeing the building again. We then headed back across the mall to the Air and Space Museum.  It is such a thrill to walk across the Mall and imagine all of the history that has transpired on the mall.  The view is really spectacular. 

Noah and Leah on the steps of the National Archives

The Air and Space Museum had not changed much since we were last there, but it is always a thrill to visit.  It was perhaps one of the most active Museums! 

Notice:  Leah's "souvenir" her Minecraft Washington DC T-Shirt.  Many people have stopped her and asked where she got it.  She is like a souvenir model!

After touring the Museum and catching an Imax movie about the Hidden Universe.  It was really interesting for all of us.  We hope to go back to catch another movie or two.  Finally, we caught back up with Guy at the Museum of Crime and Punishment.  This was also a pretty cool museum, I think the fact that we were visiting at the end of the day, made it that much better! No crowds, and we could go along at our own pace.  We were certain, Uncle Dan and Luke would have really liked this one! Here are some pictures of criminals we saw along the way...

Noah and Leah participating in a line-up!

Leah made sure Dad got the same experience, curious why he looks like he has done this before?  (Look closely in the reflection, you can see Leah watching intently!)

We wrapped up the visit with some real Police exercises.  Noah did ok, in the car simulator, after he figured out where the gas petal was!  (Scary to think he could be driving in less then a year).  Then Leah drove all over the place, and even though the lights were on and sirens blaring, she stopped for all of the red lights.  Certainly a real law abiding citizen.  Now, Guy on the other hand clearly demonstrated he could take down criminals with lethal shots and not even use up all of this bullets!  Wow...!

Guy taking down the criminal! Scary how he looks so serious.  (Can you tell he came right from a meeting!)

We wrapped up the night with a great dinner and fun dessert!  We had Lobster and Crab Rolls at Luke's Lobster.  It was EXCELLENT!  4 thumbs up and we would all recommend!  Then ironically, right around the corner was a specialty cupcake shop, Red Velvet.  We sampled the:  Red Velvet, Peanut Butter Cup and Devils Food, they were all amazing.  We are fans of the Cupcake Wars show on the Food Network, so we like to try fun places like this.  All in all, great day!  A lot of ground covered, 12,000 steps to be exact.  Looking forward to some new adventures tomorrow as well.

Souvenir Tally:
Guy:  0 (However, still looking for a hat for Guy.  He left home, without one.)
Penny:  0
Noah:  2
Leah:  8

PTA VI Day 3: Sunday, July 27, 2014: National Zoo and Georgetown

Ok, here is my 2nd attempt at sharing what happened on day 3 of our adventure...ironically, it didn't run as smoothly as we had hoped.  Our day started after a long wait for our double decker bus, then a short ride to Union Station and another long wait.  Needless to say, some members of our family decided a cab would get us there sooner.  While they were likely right, Noah remarked that the cab ride was rather "jerky", safe to say we were grateful to finally arrive at the National Zoo!

Noah and Leah at the entrance to the National Zoo

Noah, Guy and Leah on the grounds of the National Zoo

Cutest Daddy Panda having a little lunch!

We lucked out and immediately found the most important exhibit, The Pandas!  Wow, were they a sight, it was like we were part of the paparazzi trying to sneak a glimpse of a celebrity and their youngster!  Certain that Adele or Jennifer Garner would have had something to say to all of the noisy fans trying to get a glimpse of the Zoo Celebrities and their little one!  However, we did stick around and sneak some shots of the famous bears and their youngster.  They were rather cute! 

Despite it being a hot day, we decided we were going to check out some of the other animals.  Leah found a new favorite animal that is at risk of becoming endangered, a Golden Lion Tamarin.  In fact, she thought we should get one.  Ok, they were cute, but certain Rigby couldn't handle the new pet.

Leah's new favorite-Golden Lion Tamarin

We also met a rather friendly Lion that was attempting to get everyone attention, then once he realized we were all watching, he laid down and gave all of us a great photo opportunity!

Clearly King of the Zoo!

We were wiped out after our day at the zoo, so we lucked out and caught our bus ride back to Georgetown.  During the bus ride, we were able to catch a glimpse of the National Catheral and the most narrow house in DC, it is 9 feet wide!  It was darling, but seriously can't imagine living in something that size.

Most narrow home in DC--9 feet wide!

The National Cathedral

This was our first visit to Georgetown and we really enjoyed our short visit. We decided to grab dinner at Clydes.  We all gave it 4 Thumbs up!  Then we headed back to our hotel to rest our weary feet and gear up for the next adventure!

Souvenir Tally:
Guy: 0
Penny:0
Noah:  1
Leah:  7 (including a very cute stuffed Panda!)

PTA VI Day 2: Saturday, July 26, 2014: Union Station, U.S. Capital, Jefferson Memorial, Chinatown

We fortunately were able to sleep in today, while Dad did a little work in the morning.  We decided to splurge and get the 48 hour ON/OFF Double Decker Bus Tour. (Leah really wanted to ride on one!)  We hopped on one and took it took Union Station, one of the oldest and largest Train Stations in the United States. Home to Amtrak too!  So, we had to check it out! 

What an amazing and historical building.

View from our bus of Union Station

We then walked over to the U.S. Capital Visitor's Center.  (While we visited there before, it was a rather stressful visit, as Guy had lost his wedding ring in the Capital Visitor's Center, for a brief period of time.  Happy to report, he did find it in our backpack.) 

US Capital

Guy, Noah and Leah near the steps of the US Capital

We had a wonderful tour guide and really enjoyed visiting the rotunda, the original senate chambers and viewing the many unique statutes that rest in the U.S. Capital Building. Did you know...each state provides the U.S. Capital with two statutes of individuals that they would like to represent the state?  No, they need not be political figures or leaders! However, often they are, Maria Sanford and Henry Mower Rice represent Minnesota. Leah was so inspired by her visit, she had to secure a souvenir to remember the visit.

Inside the Rotunda of the US Capital

After visiting the U.S. Capital Building, we jumped back on our Double Decker Bus and continued the tour over to the Jefferson Memorial. 

It is a beautiful monument, that is certainly very grand in real life.  It was clear that while Jefferson is the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, he really did believe that our foundational documents should be living documents.  If you really read some of his speeches, you can see how he really wanted education to be accessible and available to EVERYONE!  Leah was so inspired, she convinced her Dad to purchase a book for her in the gift shop, "Mary America."  She assured Dad, she would read it by the end of the trip and report back to him.

Jefferson Memorial

After visiting the Memorial and taking the Park Ranger Tour, we were pretty wiped out, so decided to jump back on the bus and head back toward our hotel and grab a bite to eat.  We are staying near Chinatown, so we figured we would try and grab some Chinese food.  We didn't have to go far, we fell for the "Food Network" logo and visited:  Jackey Cafe.  The fried rice was good, but that was about it.  Thumbs down by most of us.  Good news, we made it back to the hotel! Tired and weary...only to have Guy head to the M Lounge (nice lounge for business travelers, with everything they would ever need and then some) to do a little more work. 

Souvenir Tally:
Guy:  0
Penny:  0
Noah:  0
Leah:  4

PTA VI Day 1: Friday, July 25, 2014: Washington DC

Phew...we made it--barely!  We had a 7:10 am flight, after a late night at the Twins game with Noah's Baseball Team.  Needless to say, we did the impossible, got everyone and nearly everything we needed to the airport with plenty of time to spare.  So far, Noah had to purchase a powercord for his phone, Guy had to pick up a couple of casual shirts (he packed for work, but didn't get things together for hanging with family), Leah had all of her essentials, including, but not limited to three stuffed animals, her favorite fuzzy blanket (full sized) sunglasses and her flip flops.  (What else does a girl need?)

We are staying at the Marriott Marquis in Downtown DC.  It is a brand new hotel that Guy has stayed at, it is really nice and certainly perfect for the business traveler.  The only irony when we checked in is that there are 100's of US Junior National Girls Basketball Players staying here, as they are playing in the US Junior National Championship Tournament in the Convention Center right next door.  No Mpls Lakers players spotted...and they seriously have taken over the hotel!

After we got our "bearings" we decided we wanted to grab a bite of some local DC fare and we scored an original that we all liked!  We visited Busboys and Poets for lunch!  Guy was able to meet us for a bite between his meetings.  It is a really neat restaurant, that is part bookstore, part restaurant, part stage, a place where you can take a "deliberate pause and feed your mind."  It was named after the Poet Langston Hughes, who was a Busboy at a local hotel, one night he wrote a number of poems and left them on some local restaurants tables, never intending to become famous, merely wanting to share his poems with others.  We all gave it a thumbs up!

While Dad was off working...we decided to head out to take in some sights.  We visited the National Portrait Gallery.  While we had visited here before, we have enjoyed their exhibits.  The highlights for us were:  "American Cool"  Amazing cool portraits of so many people that we knew, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Murray, Madonna....just to name a few.  Leah was disappointed, "no Disney?"  "He's clearly the coolest!"

Noah also correctly pointed out the most famous painting in their collection of George Washington, while Leah tried to study some of them.  (She is the real artist in our family). 

Leah pondering how she would have drawn George...

Noah pointing out that this is the MOST FAMOUS painting of George Washington.

My favorite quote from Leah came, when I was so excited to see the very new and iconic painting of all 4 women justices.  While I am taking a picture, she says...who are those nuns?  Ugh...at that point, I decided another visit to the Supreme Court was in order!

New Painting that was completed in 2012 of the Women of the Supreme Court. 

Souvenir Tally:
Guy-0
Penny-0
Noah-0
Leah-2
(After day one, we decided this could be worthy of tracking...)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles VI (July 2014): Heading East...DC and?

Yes, it is true, we are heading East again.  We had a last minute change of plans, but we are very adaptable and know that there is so much to see around the U.S., so we decided we couldn't turn down an opportunity to visit our nations capital.  Ok...for full disclosure, Guy had some work to do in Washington, D.C. with Amtrak (which happens to be the inspiration for our original Planes, Trains and Automobiles Adventure), so we decided to join up with Guy as he wraps up his work. 

We are bringing back our original blog and I am hopeful the kids could add some of their original captions to some of our pictures.  We hope you enjoy!

2013 Southwest Pics

Here is a link to some of our pics...

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 10 (San Diego & Los Angeles, California) LAST DAY!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 9 (San Diego, California)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 8 (San Diego, California)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 7 (Orange County, California)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 6 (Orange County, California)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 5 (Nevada)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 4 (Nevada)

We had to drive a number of miles today, but the kids were happy riding along, watching movies and checking out the landscape.  They couldn't believe all of the Catus that were all over.  So much of the landscape that we did pass that was habitable, looked like a shanty town.  It really shows how people don't need much to call it a home!  We were low on gas and had to make a stop in a very small town that looked straight out of a movie set! 

We finally made it to the Hoover Dam.  I was a mere 106 degrees, so no one was real excited to get out of the car, but we did it! 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V - Day 3 (Arizona)

Today, we pack up and leave the stunning estate that we have called home the last two nights and begin driving to the Grand Canyon.  This was a very exciting day for all of us!  We packed into our rental car and began our real "Road Trip."  About an hour into our trip, we discovered that our rental car didn't like to exceed 40 mph in the mountains.  It didn't take us long to figure our that this car wasn't going to cut it for us.  So, while Guy sputtered along, I spoke with the rental car company.  They tried to convince me that that we weren't shifting properly.  When I assured them that we were, and Guy had given them his official greeting on the phone.  They finally, decided there was something wrong with the car, and they would have a car brought to us.  So, unfortunately, we spent much of the daylight hours, in a little Mexican Restaurant on the side of the road in a little small town in Arizona.  (This was stressful, as we were to be in the Grand Canyon by noon!)

After about two hours, our new car arrived.  Ironically, it was identical to the one we were handing over, but had about 60K on it, and only a 1/4 of a tank of gas.  Oh..also, the tow truck guy added that he was sure we would have the same problem, as these cars can't handle the mountains.  (Needless to say, that didn't sit well with the kids or us for that matter).  We then started back on our journey to the Grand Canyon

We arrived, finally and WOW!  "It was breathtaking!"  (Quote from Noah)  Amazing and everything else you can imagine.  Once, we arrived we totally felt ripped off!  The car issue really stole valuable time from us.  So, we were out to make the most of what we had left.  We hiked along the south rim and visited the visitor's center, picked up our Junior Park Ranger books (the kids LOVE doing this). 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V- Day 2 (Arizona)

Wow...Guy really started the trip out on a high note!  He recommended the Arizona Biltmore.  The property was stunning and very historical.  Frank Lloyd Wright had designed much of the property and the Wrigley Family had really done a great job maintaining the integrity of the original design.  There was so much for everyone.  Despite the warm air...we woke to a forecast of 108 degrees, the kids LOVED the pool, the grounds were endless with activities and the golf was enjoyable, despite the heat. 

When selecting a dinner destination, we decided to go with a recommendation from one of Guy's clients, we drove to Scottsdale (afterall, we weren't going to hang outside it was sweltering).  We had dinner at the Spotted Donkey.  We all LOVED it!  Yes, it was Mexican, and most of you may know, it isn't Guy's favorite, but the kids and I love it.  Everyone enjoyed their meal!  We would also recommend the Spotted Donkey. 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles V (Cierzan's explore the Southwest) 2013

After much thought and consideration, it was a consensus:  "lets explore the Southwest!"  With a map of the US in hand, the kids decided they wanted to see the Grand Canyon, Vegas, Disneyland and some baseball!  Despite our warning that the weather would be shockingly hot, they wanted to do it.  So, we departed Minneapolis International Airport destined for Phoenix, Arizona where we would start the driving leg of our annual adventure. 

Guy being the true travel guru, had many great lodging and travel tricks up his sleeve that have made the trip very exciting for everyone.  We hope everyone learns a bit more about the Southwest as you review our blog of our annual journey.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - IV Day 8

Well...it certainly has been an adventure. This is the final chapter of the 4th Edition of Planes, Trains and Automobiles for the Cierzan's! We are heading west, back to Minneapolis tonight! However, we certainly made the best of our last day in our Nations Capital.

Our morning started out by meeting with our "first" official babysitter: Megan Hupp. She left us some time ago and headed east. She is actually going to be working on the campaign with Vice President Biden's staff. She has been working in Watergate with the Atlantic Press (???) for sometime. Doesn't sound like she'll be moving home anytime soon. It was nice to catch up. While we were at breakfast, Dad caught up with a client as well for breakfast.

We regrouped, checked-out and headed to the Smithsonian of American Art. The kids wanted to to catch the new exhibit: "The Art of Video Games." This was a cool exhibit and one that I would recommend. Then we headed over to Arlington Cemetery by way of the Metro. What a great experience. We really lucked out, as the Prime Minister of Kosovo was presenting a wreath to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, so we got to see an extra special ceremony. (In addition to the changing of the guard). Afterward we headed back into the DC area and caught a bite at Legal Seafood. (Yummy fish and chips, according to Leah! Guy and I especially liked the crab cake.) Finally, despite the fact that we couldn't see it all and needed to head home, we thought the kids couldn't come home without seeing the WWII Memorial. It was a quick cab ride away. They thought it was pretty cool. In the end they had lots of questions and wanted to know exactly how many of our relatives served during the various war memorials that we visited. They wanted to know if they "really had to fight." Guy and I did our best to answer the questions, but of course, rely on family to help enlighten the kids about our families history and roles that they played in many of the historical events that we learned about on this trip. In the end...the kids highlight, the visit of The White House and definitely want to go back, as there was so much more to see.

We'll have to see what they come up with for PTA(Planes, Trains and Automobiles) V! Thanks for sharing in our adventure, we hope to inspire others to take similar journey's with their family.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - IV Day 7

It is true, our adventure is wrapping up. We have come to the end of our final full day. We still have been able to keep up our marathon pace. Today, like most days we got a slow start. The kids like to sleep in...AND eat breakfast. We have learned one thing about Washington DC, they don't have a lot of places to grab breakfast, if you want something more than a pastry and coffee. So we wander around for about an hour before everyone finds someplace they would eat.

After breakfast, we headed over to The White House Visitors Center. This is a really neat museum as well, the kids also finished the Park Ranger program and were sworn in as Junior Presidential Park Rangers and received their official badges. After that, we headed over to see the United States Supreme Court, that was an amazing special treat for me (Penny). I so love visiting this building, it is an amazing place with such history and honor. We also had a wonderful historical overview in the actual courtroom, it was really fun to experience this with the kids.

After taking some final pictures on the steps of the Supreme Court (note: there is a picture just like the one I took of Noah and Leah; of me standing on the steps too)! I also shared the story with the kids that some of the Justices had written me letters (that I have saved-somewhere) when my former assistant accidentally sent them my form letter asking them if they wanted to judge a "mock trial" competition. Imagine my surprise when I received formal notes declining the invitation!

We headed back to the Mall and visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The kids really enjoyed this museum as well, it had something for everyone, fast space crafts, commercial jet liners and cool flight technologies. They couldn't believe that some of this stuff was REAL! Finally, on our way back to our hotel, we were able to sneak into the National Archives. The kids had the opportunity to see up close, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It still gives me the chills to see the "real" documents. The kids of course wanted to know where they go at night, because according to the movie National Treasure, they go underground and get covered. (The kids LOVED those movies!) Leah also said, she wanted to sign the Bill of Rights, "I will sign in cursive." Scary to think if it was really open--she probably would. Afterward, she visited the gift shop and purchased her own stuffed dog "Bo." The stuffed dog looks just like the Obama's dog. Scary, we are not ready for another new dog.

Dinner... we opted for something easy-Pizza. Everyone would like it. We ended up finding a really yummy pizza joint near our hotel. District of Pi Pizzeria was delicious. We all enjoyed our final dinner in DC and headed back to catch some ZZZ's!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - IV Day 6

Well, today was a big day! Lots of very important appointments! Our first stop was to the Hart Senate Building, where Senator Franken's office was kind enough to fit us in on one of his Congressional Tours. The surprise for us was that there was a fire alarm about 4 minutes after we entered the building. So, we had to walk over to the Capital. The tour guide was great and it was packed as expected in the Capital. The kids really enjoyed the tour. Leah especially liked the Woman's Suffrage Statute that is "unfinished" in the Rotunda. It is awaiting the election of the first female President before it can be finished. Noah enjoyed learning about the history of the building. We also were able to sit in the House Gallery. That was a special treat...so now they know what it is really like where the President gives the State of the Union Speech.

After the tour, we took a quick trip over to the Senate Building on the Senate Tram and had a quick bite in the cafeteria. Then we were off to our next big appointment! We had a tour scheduled of the White House, which we have learned is a very "hard ticket to come by." It was a great tour and the kids REALLY enjoyed it. Leah even took a quick break to rest on a bench under a window in the green room. (The Secret Service Agent quickly requested she move along, you know how dangerous 7 year olds can be!) She also asked to use their bathroom, but was told she would have to wait until she was outside. I am sure she wanted an exclusive for her bathroom diary that I am sure she keeps. We couldn't take any pictures inside, but it was lovely and the Obama's seem to really enjoy using the space and inviting people to enjoy it as well.

Then we needed a little rest, so Guy took us up to one of his favorite bars, P.O.V. on top of the W hotel. It was a spectacular view overlooking the White House, and the Mall. A stop we would highly recommend. (However, Leah thought that the Strawberry Lemonade was GROSS, because they made it fresh. Go figure!)

Then we had a little bit of energy left so thought we should visit one more Smithsonian. We headed over to the Smithsonian of Natural History. We caught a glimpse of the Hope Diamond and Leah found a big birthstone "just like hers." We also saw some great artifacts from the Chilean Minors Recuse effort. What a great day, but we are exhausted!