NYC - Day 2

What a perfect, full, wonderful day.  Lots and lots of walking, but the kids took it (for the most part) like champs.

A little fun on the steps of the NYC library, on our way to...

Rockefeller Center.

The top of the Rock - thanks Tia for this recommendation.  A beautiful day with breathtaking views.  And with NBC studios based here, they do the whole experience well.

One side looking directly at the Empire State building, and on down to South Manhattan.

The other side overlooking Central Park.

Absolutely gorgeous.

So much to see and take in, and such a magical way to gaze upon the city.

Underneath Rockefeller Center is Tom Colicchio's (Top Chef) famous sandwich shop, which made for the perfect lunch stop.

We brought them up to the plaza area, where just a few hours earlier the 'today show' had been taping.

And where Bouchon Bakery is conveniently located.  I have to note that I enjoyed probably the best mocha of my life from this place.  Just a little hint of cinnamon, and some amazing cocoa.  

And one of Tia's co-workers/dear friend was sitting right behind us!  We had never met her before, but she recognized the boys from pictures.  How CRAZY is that!

Walking up 5th Avenue toward Central Park, the boys were very taken by this Louis Vuitton display.  Who wouldn't love golden dinosaur's eating purses?  We were quite the spectacle.

We got to see Tia's office!!!  Located on the Upper West Side...

conveniently close to Dylan's Candy Bar!

Three floors of wall to wall candy, our boys were in heaven.

A quick candy break in a cupcake booth upstairs.  

Every child's dream.

Will and Daddy went back to the hotel for naps (Daddy worked on his class).

While the rest of us explored Central Park.  First stop - climbing rocks.  Until is started to rain.

We ducked into a tunnel until it stopped.

Beautiful park/city views everywhere we walked.

The boys took turn taking pictures - Caden said this reminded him of Narnia ;).

The highlight - operating sailboats

Such sweet, picturesque moments.

And a perfect break once we found the shade.

This quite, serene scene was just what we needed before braving the metro at rush hour with 3 adults, 5 kids, and 2 strollers.  We couldn't smash onto the first train, so got to watch rats crawl over the tracks while we waited the 12 minutes for the next train to come.  

But eventually we got back to the hotel, and then made it to Little Italy where we met Tia for an incredibly delicious dinner.

With happy, fully tummies we took to the streets.

The ONLY picture of the two of us from our trip - note, do better next time ;).

Love both of these pictures.  The sun was quickly setting, so we decided to take a quick detour to..

Times Square!

How magical it was for our boys to see this at night.

We even found a few friends.

Such a fun family moment.

And one of the biggest highlights of the trip for these boys.

The taxi ride home was fast and furious - and the absolute perfect way to end our full day in NYC.

We slept well.  There was another full day awaiting us!

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!!