New York City Aug 2010

Last week we drove from McKinney to Houston on Wednesday evening to stay at a hotel near Hobby airport for our 7am flight to JFK in NYC. We looked quite the sight trying to get everything to the check-in counter. Between the 4 of us we had 4 suitcases, a stroller, a car seat, 2 backpacks, and a diaper bag. This was the first time we have flown with the kids without my mom, so it was a little tricky, but we managed. The plane ride there was great! Amy fell asleep as soon as we took off and took a 2 hour + nap. Mary put in her headphones and watched Nick the entire way. Once we arrived in NYC we took a cab to Mandy's office. We dropped off all of our stuff. The we walked to time square and saw the Naked Cowboy. He was preforming a marriage ceremony, so I couldn't get my picture with him. We ate at Junior's for lunch and it was delicious. For dessert, Mary had their world famous cheesecake and William and I split the cookie monster! Then we walked to 30 Rockefeller center to do the Top of the Rock. Mary was completely freaked out by the elevator ride and it took her awhile to get calmed down once we were at the top. Of course, Amy loved and was still climbing, even at the top. The we went back to Mandy's at the end of her work day. She drove us home and we enjoyed a dinner out at a local Brooklyn pizza joint...delicious pizza and meatballs. Friday morning it was time to go shopping. I knew I wanted to get a new pair of designer sunglasses. We shopped at Bloomingdale's and as soon as I walked in the salesman got me a classic pair of black Gucci with bamboo. They were gorgeous! I tried several other pairs on from other designers, but ended up going with the first pair. Then we headed up to the 9th floor to do some shopping for Mary. She found the perfect First Day of Kindergarten dress! She absolutely loves it. I found Amy a cute dress. Vincent got a NY Yankees Tshirt. Baby Maria (our soon to be neice) got a sweet outfit. And William, got, well, nothing! Poor thing!!! ;) Then we got some boxed lunches and headed to Central Park for a picnic and let the kids climb the boulder. Then we walked back to the car and headed home for the day. That evening we grilled chicken ka-bobs at home. Then we waited for the ice cream truck! The kids were so excited to pick a treat. Saturday morning we got up and headed to the Bronx Zoo. We only got to see parts of it because it is so big and we had to have William back to the city in time to go the game. We took him to Vince's work, at the Barnes and Nobles in Union Square. We got an afternoon snack at the starbuck's there. Vince and William headed out for the game and Mandy and I took the kids to Union Square Park. They had a blast playing. Then we took a stroll through the Farmer's Market. Then it was time to do some more shopping! This time it was for shoes!!! We went to the Geox store. Mary got 2 new pairs of shoes. A pair of everyday tennis shoes (and of course they light up!)and a cute pair of slip on shoes, pink with bling all over! I got a pair of brown loafers. Vincent got a pair of black tennis shoes (also light ups). Then we drove down to have dinner at a German restaurant. First we stopped off at a nearby shoe store and found Mary another pair of shoes. Then it was time to eat. It was deliious! As an appetizer we a weinersnitzel stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon! Then we headed home. Sunday morning we walked to church at 10. Then we got changed and headed to the USS Intrepid. We had a quick picnic lunch and then toured the aircraft carrier. Mary didn't get "in to it" until we were almost finished. After we looked at all of the ship it was time to take our cruise to see the statue of liberty. This was Mary's favorite part. Then we took William back to the city to have dinner with a neighbor from Pearland that he lived next to for over 20 years, who now lives in NYC. We went back home for dinner. Vince fixed his famous sauce, meatballs, sausage, and pasta. It was FANASTIC!! Finally, it was time for me to start packing up and getting ready for the next day. On Monday, we loaded the car and headed back to JFK for our 11am flight, which was delayed about 30 minutes. The return flight was good, too. Amy fell asleep shortly after eating lunch. Mary watch TV again. We arrived in Houston about 2pm. Then we drove back to McKinney, stopping in Corsicana for dinner. We arrived home just in time to give the girls their baths and put them to bed. We had a great time and so lucky to have a great place to stay when we visit.
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