The Big Apple

This year we kicked off Summer with an incredibly fun trip to NYC and the beach!  We took way too many pictures, so to keep myself and anyone else from getting overwhelmed, I'm breaking these posts down into chunks.  The following chronicles our first day in NYC.  We got up early Sunday morning (Father's Day), and somehow managed to be on the road by 7:30am.  

Coming out of the Lincoln tunnel - we made it!!

First stop - a NYC hot dog stand (right next to where we parked).

We found Tia!!

A quick stop at her apartment before heading to meet up with the Choi's and check in at our hotel (just a five minute walk away!)

Little buddies beginning their big city adventure - they had no idea just how much walking was coming their way!

 Taking in Grand Central Station (right by our hotel)

Will was estatic to see real trains.

Tia's Place!!

Love this sweet pic.  Watching the train approach.

We made it to the Met!  Lame pictures, but both make me smile for different reasons.  Andrew was crazy excited to see real Egyptian artifacts after studying Egypt this year in school.  And then Will - come on, so funny.

Peeking into a temple.

Taking a little break - Tia found pennies for making wishes, Caden found a good ride.

REAL armor = amazing.

 On the rooftop - beautiful views fo the city!  I didn't remember the Met being so huge.  It was the perfect way to start our trip.

We grabbed shake shack to go, metro'd down to the Staten Island ferry, where our boys got their first view of...

The Statue of Liberty!  This was a magical moment for them. 

And the Staten Island ferry was the perfect (free!) way to see it, especially since the island is still closed due to hurricane Sandy restorations.

The views coming back toward the city were beautiful- and I didn't realize how much work they'd done on Freedom Tower (replacing the twin towers).

A quick peek at the Wall Street bull before heading back to he hotel for bed.  We had a full day waiting for us in the morning!

Another school year ends

It always happens so fast. 

Will on his last day of preschool with his wonderful teachers.  We have LOOOVED Concord St. Andrew's cooperative nursery school, and feel so sad that we won't have anyone there next year (all three will be at 4th School!).

Taking in the sweet courtyard one last time.

This year, we had something extra special to celebrate.  Grandma Dee Dee retired after 23 years of teaching at NCRC. 

Tia snuck into town for the surpise celebration.

Extra special morning cuddles.

 Cousins ready to sneak in for the surprise.

Her co-workers planned a beautiful lunch.  We were hiding in the building just off the patio - I was too caught up in the moment to take many pictures, but it was a wonderful, sweet celebration.

Happy day.

Dear Monie with all of her O'C greats.

 The next day I was off with Andrew's first grade class to..

beautiful Mt. Vernon.  I'm still a bit giddy that we have the opportunity to go to places like this for regular school field trips.

Enjoying the view from the back porch.

 Just a few days later we were saying goodbye to another school year.

Caden's final pre-K moments, with his sweet little class.

and his amazing teacher, Mrs. Roberts.

Andrew signing yearbooks. 

With his amazing teacher Mrs. Winkfield (who he LOOOOVED).

What better way to celebrate the end of a school year than an evening with friends at the pool?

We were blessed to get to have Melanie in town with us for a few days.

 Will loves this girl.

Celebratory ice cream (after a yummy pho dinner)

Andrew preforming with his class at the year-end "Celebration of Learning".

Tired boys - ready for summer.

Let the Summer Fun begin!!!  Pics of NYC and the beach to come soon!!