Joy in front of Robert Livingston's home, Clermont, which was rebuilt in 1777 after the British burned it in retribution for the Sr. Robert Livingston's patriotic affiliation . The Jr. Livingston was one of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration. He also was the man who negotiated the Louisianna Purchase and with Robert Fulton invented the Steamboat (the first one named after his home, "Clermont") Busy Man!

He was an extremely influential man from a family that made significant contibutions to American History. (Google him, you'll learn a lot!)

And here we are about to tour the Vanderbilt Mansion (I should say one of the Vanderbilt Mansions, since the family had a real penchant for building them.) It is the smallest one, but is extremely impressive (the servant's quarters were even very lovely.)

That's quite the back porch!

Joy and Kelly with the twins Willa and Luke in front of the Croton Dam, which creates a reservoir from which much of NYC's drinking water comes. It's a beautiful piece of Architecture in a lovely setting (and fall in New York is spectacular!)

Joy enjoying one of the most delightful parts of the visit . . .Willa! The kids now have 4 cousins on my side of the family!!