Beginning the Season at Macy's!

Getting the family into the holiday spirit by checking out Macy's Thanksgiving and Christmas displays. According to Macy's Christmas spirit-o-meter, Katie is nice, Wife is merry, Elizabeth is jolly, and Husband is ho-hum.

Teaching the girls about Civic Duty

We performed our civic duty and voted.  No, the girls didn't vote, but the election worker pitied them for standing in line for an hour and gave them stickers.  To quote Elizabeth "Mommy, that line was longer than Disneyland!"  We had to teach them the importance of voting.  In fact, they have accompanied us in voting for every election since birth.  I remember the first time I wore Katie because she was just a baby.  If I recall correctly, she decided it was time to eat right about the time I was trying to fill in the ballot.  Good times!

BFFs- I have known this lady for over 20 years now!

NYC - Bombs in Chelsea

Thanks to everyone who reached out and asked if we are okay, and, yes, we're perfectly fine. About a mile from our apartment there was an explosion this evening. Thankfully, the only impact it has had on our family tonight is hearing the nonstop sirens on the streets below. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-new-york-city.html?_r=1

Interruption - First Day of School

We interrupt these vacation posts to announce a big day in our household.  Today was the first day of school.  Katie is entering 2nd grade and Elizabeth will be starting Pre-K. I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that these two are growing up so fast. Katie informed me that "second grade is a really big deal and very important." Elizabeth was excited to "meet new friends." I am excited to see where this year takes us!   

When asked how the first day of school went:

Katie:  "Perfect!  I love my class.  I love my teacher.  It was perfect!!!"

Elizabeth: "Great!  I made a lot of new friends.  Everyone was nice,  I cannot remember all their names but I will see them again tomorrow and ask them all again." 

Day 66 - Practicing to be the next Olympian!

Have I mentioned that the girls are really into the Olympics?    The love this little park because all they do is climb!  They are pretty good climbers!  Much to my dismay there is no fear of heights!  I am going to be sad when Hudson Yards opens and other people discover this little park.

Day 65 - Riding the Rabbit?

Elizabeth's teacher sent me this picture that was taken earlier last week.  On one of their last days the class went down to Chelsea to play at park with awesome sprinklers.  The day was made even better by stopping by Chelsea Piers and riding the carousel (twice!).  Elizabeth thought it was the "best day ever!" 

62- Broadway in Bryant Park

Today was our final Broadway in Bryant Park for the summer.  IT WAS HOT!!!!!  I mean really hot.  Real feel was over 100.  The humidity reminded me of Texas.... yeah.   It was pretty bad.  That wasn't going to stop us.  Today we saw Phantom, Cagney and Something Rotten.  Cagney was great.  So good that I actually want to go see it now.  Something Rotten is always entertaining. 

Day 61- Finding Neverland

A little late but a couple weeks ago Katie was blessed with an early birthday present.  Her Great Aunt and Great Uncle took her to see Finding Neverland for an early 7th birthday present.  It was a complete surprise.  She knew they were coming into the City because they were going to go see the show.  They came over to our place where we chatted and played Chutes and Ladders.  Then they told her that she was going to go with them to the show.  She was completely shocked and so excited.  She LOVED it!  She is slowly becoming quite the theater expert.   Thank you so much, Bob and Debbie for giving Katie such a great experience!

Day 57 - Brick Walls

I love brick walls.  NYC is full of amazing brick walls.  It isn't uncommon for me to have the girls stop so I can take a quick picture in front of them. 

Day 54 - Just Hanging Around

Day 53 - National Night Out Against Crime

Every summer we attend National Night Out Against Crime.  It is a great way to get to know the community, the city officials and say thank you to the men and women that keep us safe each day.  The girls love this event.  It is held at one of their favorite local parks and means they get free food!  Last year they had a bounce house.  I must admit I was thrilled when I learned there wouldn't be one of those this year.  The girls played with friends, ate pizza and then received these red tickets....  Why are red tickets so great?  Because you get to turn them in to an ice cream truck outside of the park and get a free ice cream!  Elizabeth insisted on chocolate ice cream with chocolate sprinkles in a bowl.  Katie opted for vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles on a cone.  These two are so different!

Day 51 - A decade down and a lifetime to go!

Last night husband and I celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary. We had the most amazing dinner at Club A Steakhouse. It was the best dinner I have ever had! We then went to see one of my favorite shows, Les Miserables.   It was a night to remember!

Day 50- Date Night!

Husband and I are on our way to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.  I cannot wait... Details to come

Day 47 - Heat Wave and #BroadwayinBryantPark

Despite the awful heat Katie and I spent our lunch time enjoying Broadway in Bryant Park.  This is our 6th year doing this and I think this is the hottest it has ever been. 

Day 45 - Cooling off!

I am so thankful we live across the street from such a great park.  Since we are still dealing with this awful heat wave the girls talked me into letting them go and play in the water.  They LOVE this water.  This is the sprinkler where Katie first learned to walk.  Memories.    (And now Cats is in my head). 

Day 35 - Macy's Big Piano?

Now that FAO Schwartz is gone from NYC, the Big Piano has moved to Macy's.  It is actually kind of sad.  At FAO the Big Piano was treated with such care.  Only a few kids were allowed at one time, shoes had to be removed, employees guarded it!  At Macy's it is essentially a walkway that anyone can walk on... with shoes...strollers etc.  It has only been at Macy's a month and it already looks so beat up. 

Day 34 - That's a Wrap!

It was a wonderful week at VBS.  Katie and Elizabeth had so much fun.  I was fortunate enough to volunteer all week and help out in many different areas.   Elizabeth's favorite part was the music.  Katie loved "making new friends."  I feel so blessed that they get to have these amazing experiences. 

Day 28 - AMNH

We went back to the American Museum of Natural History.  Our first stop was the Discovery Room.  The girls LOVED it!  They had fun searching for animals and bugs on a giant tree, seeing real hissing cockroaches (I stayed back for that one -yuck!), excavating fossils and putting together a crocodile skeleton.  It was another fun day at the museum!

Day 27 - Pizza Chicago Style

Yes.  We are New Yorkers and we LOVE the NY pie.  That being said, we are also fans of Chicago Deep Dish.    I know some New Yorkers may taunt us over this nugget of information but we must confess.  After the museum on Saturday, husband surprised us with lunch at Chicago Uno Pizzeria.  So good!