Ellis Island

At the end of December Rachel finished a big school unit on Immigration.  It concluded with a little skit her class put on, followed by a heritage feast, with some pretty fantastic international dishes. 

 They learned a great deal about Ellis Island and one of the third grade mom's planned a trip there during Christmas break.  It ended up being just her and us because of the rain...but that never stopped us :)

We learned some fascinating things about this place

Rachel and her buddy Ana

Even though we saw the Statue every day for more than a year, it has not lost it's appeal.  I take as many pictures as if I were seeing it for the first time.  It is just stunning.

Another poem by Rachel:

I am your Freedom

I stand so tall,

Enlightening immigrants of all,

They want to be free,

For they have me.

by The Statue of Liberty

 We discovered an a great little secret to visiting the Statue.  Do it from New Jersey!  No crowds, no lines!!  We thought maybe the rain had something to do with it but the boats to New York were just as crowded as ever.  So maybe we'll have to do it again.