Ames, Iowa

 Just arrived in Ames to visit some family friends 

 Family wearing our Iowa State t-shirt 

 Getting a pedicure treatment

 Me and James amazed by the US mail box 

 Watching the world go by 

Went to dinner at the Cheese Cake Factory, hoping to see Penny from 'The Big Bang Theory'

Me, father and my massive strawberry smoothie  

The lost days in Chicago

When we arrived in Chicago I was not very well so I'm sorry if I look really green. This is me at the top of Willis Tower the tallest building in Northern hemisphere after having been in the longest queue in the Northern hemisphere.

My mum persuaded me to go out on the ledge. I thought it was exciting but at the same time it made me queasy but that could just have been my current state of health.

I had to sit down in the shade and my mum looked after me in the Millennium Park. 

We had lots of fun in and around The Cloud Gate, taking photos of our distorted reflections in the sunshine.

Everywhere we looked there were lovely views. 

On our second day in Chicago we went to the Chicago Institute of Art. We were supposed to go the day before but I wasn't up to it. I was feeling slightly better today. This was the entrance is Millennium  Park. Not a cloud in the sky!

The sun was so bright, we had to wear shades.

Mum and I walked around together. We saw some paintings by some of our favourite painters.

Kandinsky 

Dali

No idea but I liked it!

You will be pleased to know that as I write this I'm feeling MUCH better!

Washington day 2

Today we got a taxi to the Capital building, then we walked around the National Air and Space Museum. For lunch we went to the Hard Rock Cafe and James and I bought our pin heads for our hats.

After lunch we split up and James and I went to the American History museum and ma and pa went to the National Gallery.

That was enough for one day, taxi!

Monuments, Memorials and Movie Sets

After breakfast, we walked to the White House in the sunshine.

We took lots of photos at the front then made our way to the back. We spoke to a White House employee who told us to hang around as Marine 1 would be landing soon to take the president away. We were so excited!

 After the excitement of seeing the helicopter, all the snipers on the roof and secret servicemen on their walkie-talkies hovering around we made our way to the monuments and memorials.

At about 3pm we decided we had had enough so we got a cab back to the hotel and passed out!

On the way to Washington DC

Yesterday was a stressful but exciting day because we were going by train to Washington DC.

The seats we got on the train were amazing, they had reclining chairs. We were sorted for the journey to DC. I just put my feet up and watched Sherlock Holmes. 

 

When we got to our destination we all had a little nap, went for a swim and then went to call on Obama! But he couldn't come out to play.

Chilling with my cousin in Philly

We had a very relaxing day yesterday, spending it with my cousin, Chris and of course his little dog Winston.

In the morning we had a great breakfast with make your own pancakes. Then we set off to see Chris by  calling a cab and off we went.

Just after we arrived and met the famous Winston, we went to a doggy park via the street where Sixth Sense  was filmed and stop off for a iced coffee on the way back.

We had a very chilled afternoon, drinking  PG Tips tea and watching films. 

For dinner we had fried chicken and waffles, it was really good, surprisingly. 

We said our goodbyes to Chris and Winston the got a cab and went back to our Holiday Inn.   

First day in Philly

Just before check out James and Dad went out for a walk, so when the time came, mum and I had to cart 4 suitcases etc down to the lobby by ourselves. We were not amused when they finally turned up 30 minutes later. The train to philadelphia was straight forward and we were met by Chris my cousin at the hotel.

We left our bags. Down the road from our hotel, were some fab shops to browse in.  Had a quick McDonalds and went off to see the sights.

We had a great meal at the hard rock. I bought a pin for my hat and a t.shirt.

Then we carried on sightseeing, right up to Rocky's steps. We walked for milessss!

Day 2: Seeing the sights of NYC

First stop was the subway, where we bought tickets for our adventure today. First destination was the Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center. As we came up to daylight, I was blown away by its beauty, the way the light reflected on the mirrored glass. We walked around the Memorial Visitors Center and then moved on the Battery Park.

At Battery Park we bought tickets and caught the Ferry to Liberty Island to see Lady Liberty. I was speechless at her beauty and the inspiration she brings to people. I couldn't believe I was seeing close up an icon I have known for years. However more unbelievable was the queue to get off the island!

Finally when back in Manhattan and after a burger lunch we took the subway again to Grand Central Station. We took the usual photos and I found a Swatch shop and bought myself a stylish watch. Need to keep an eye on it because my mum wants it! We took a few steps to the Chrysler building looked inside the lobby. It is a work of art.

After a break back at the hotel, where I rested my legs and fell into deep sleep, we took the subway again this time to Brooklyn and we walked back over the bridge. It was great but you took your life in your hands as the bikes whizzed by. Our last night in NYC, next stop Philadelphia tomorrow.