Hyde Park

The four of us loaded up the Corolla and headed north on Saturday.  Destination = Hyde Park, NY.  Of course we weren't going to drive straight there, we had a couple stops in mind. 

First up, West Point.  My paternal grandfather went there and my Dad has always wanted to check it out.  You aren't allowed on the campus without going as part of a tour, but we did spend a little time at the museum.

We took a beautiful scenic route.  My parents got to see the Hudson River Valley.

Next stop - Newburgh.  Washington's Headquarters.

I got a great kick out of my Dad's binocular contraption.  But I can't make fun.  He spotted a BALD EAGLE soaring up high while in our backyard! 

Ready to jump on a horse, hun?

We were getting hungry by this point and wouldn't you know we pass the Culinary Institute of America.  We pull in and check out the beautiful campus.  Of course all the meals are booked solid and the cafe is closed on Saturday.  Basically, we couldn't find one bite to eat at the CIA! Ha.

We then made it to FDR's home, the real reason for our trip.  We got our tickets (free for National Park's Week!) and had a little time to kill before meeting up with our tour guide.  My mom can hunt out a garden better than anyone else: 

It really felt like a secret garden.  I don't know if the weather was keeping others away, but it was nice to be there, just us.

(That house in the background is the administrative office, not FDR's home.)

And here is FDR's family home, Springwood.

FDR was able to access the 2nd floor by using an elevator with a pulley system.  He chose not to electrify the elevator because he was afraid of being trapped during a fire and burning to death (he'd seen his aunt do that while curling her hair!)

They owned a ton of acreage and had quite the view.

FDR and Eleanor are buried in a rose garden near the house.

After contracting polio, FDR practiced walking with crutches down this long driveway.

Some art from the Berlin Wall.

Just a couple miles down the road was the Vanderbilt Mansion.

It had a superior view of the Hudson River.

Making good use of my self timer.  :o)

This home is spectacular looking.  I'm glad I didn't see it before I saw FDR's home, otherwise I wouldn't have been too impressed.

We ate a nice dinner at the Hyde Park Brewery then made our way back home.  That night we had fun flipping back and forth between Shrek 2 and Walk the Line on TV.

On Sunday, we lounged around the house and went for a nice neighborhood walk.  We hit up the grocery and the nursery.  My parents "helped" me plant a few flowers.  They pretty much did it and I watched - thanks! 

We grilled out beef tenderloin, had baked potatoes, and sauteed green beans with slivered almonds.

And I made my first ever pineapple upside down cake for my mom.

And Scrabble!!

It's nice to know I'll be seeing my parents again in just a couple weeks in Nashville.  I'm so glad they came for a great visit!