A Day at the Museum of Natural History in NYC

Welcome to the Natural History Museum

Welcome to the Museum of Natural History © 2014 Bo Mackison

On our last day in New York City, after three days of fun and activity with family and baby showers and NY outings, Manda and I decided to spend the day – the entire day – at the American Museum of Natural History. We had a late flight out of La Guardia, and so we checked out of the hotel early and headed to the museum. Considering it was a cold and rainy day, the chance to leisurely visit the many attractions in one under-cover space was mighty appealing.

First stop is always the entrance hall, named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, and holding the remnants of one large cast dinosaur, one of only two Barosaurus specimens in the world, and the only one in an upright position.

Walkers

Walkers © 2014 Bo Mackison

More dinosaurs. Love the juxtaposition of the “walking” dinosaur with the human walkers.

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Origami Tree © 2014 Bo Mackison

An annual tradition, the Origami Holiday Tree marks the start of the holiday season at the Museum, as it has for more than 30 years.

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Origami on the Origami Tree © 2014 Bo Mackison

The tree is decorated with handmade origami models inspired by the 2006 movie Night at the Museum, filmed in these museum halls.

Dinosaurus Wreath

Dinosaurus Wreathus © 2014 Bo Mackison

As we left the museum after a full day of exploration, we had to stop and take a shot of the Holiday Dinosaur, complete with festive lights and a glittery wreath.

What a great time we had this past weekend. And even more exciting, the next time we visit the Big Apple — mid January, give or take a few days — I’ll be here to say hello to my newborn grandchild. (Big smile!)

 

Train Load of Good Cheer

under the Wisconsin Capitols Christmas Tree

under the Wisconsin Capitol's Christmas Tree

For as many years as I have been visiting the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin to see the Christmas Tree filling the rotunda, it has always had a certain simplicity about it which I love. The tree sparkles with lights. There are hundreds of hand crafted paper ornaments made by Wisconsin school children. And there has always been a model train circling the tree. Nothing fancy – this year a Wisconsin & Southern replica engine and a few cars are traveling ’round and ’round along a circular track – but it follows a rather nice tradition.

A Christmas Tradition

Capitol Christmas Tree

Capitol Holiday Tree

Holiday Tree in the rotunda of the State Capitol Building in downtown Madison, Wisconsin.