New York City

Last week Michael and I, along with my parents, headed to New York City for vacation (without kids).  What a wonderful trip it was!  Michael and I have been to NYC several times before and this time decided we were going to do some things we had not done on our prior trips.  Be prepared....I have a lot of pictures to share with you!

The above three pictures were taken from a New York Water Taxi, which is a just like a taxi except it is a boat and travels along the Hudson.  It was a wonderful way to see the city's skyline.   

When in New York, you HAVE to get a hot dog....

and a pretzel.

We've obviously been to Rockefeller Center before but this time we did do something new....

we went to The Top of the Rock.  The 70th floor of Rockefeller Center has 360 degree panoramic views that are to die for!

We had to make a quick stop at the NBC Studio since we were right there.  We took this picture for Jack...it's the NBC logo filled with M&M's.  

We stayed at the famed Waldorf-Astoria in mid-town Manhattan.

Michael, Dad and Mom at the entrance.

The 9 foot tall Waldorf clock located in the lobby.  It was originally made for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and chimes every 15 minutes.

We got a great view of The Statue of Liberty from the New York Water Taxi.  We were planning on going out to Liberty Island but when we found out the Statue was closed for repairs we decided not to.

Mom, me and Dad (The Statue of Liberty is in the background)

One really neat thing we got to experience while in New York was the Shuttle Enterprise making her voyage down the Hudson River on her way to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.  The Enterprise had made its way to New York from Washington atop an airplane then was loaded on a barge and sailed straight through New York.  

Then while on the New York Water Taxi we were able to see them lower the Enterprise onto the Intrepid.  Talk about timing!!

The last time Michael and I were in New York was in July of 2001, almost exactly two months before 9/11.  We had taken tours of The World Trade Center and went to the Observatory Decks.

Our tickets from 7/18/01 at 10:37 a.m.

A picture taken of the Twin Towers that day.

Michael from our July 2001 trip, in the plaza of the World Trade Center in front of The Sphere sculpture, which was made as a symbol of world peace.

And here she sits today after the tragic events of 9/11 in a nearby park.

The replacement tower located at Ground Zero, The Freedom Tower.  Construction is well underway and the 104 story building will be 1,368 feet tall.

Another thing we did was go to the Brooklyn Bridge.  

We also took in a pizza at Grimaldi's...which many New Yorkers say is the best in town.

We enjoyed an oven fired pizza with homemade mozzarella, peperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, basil and tomatoes.  It was VERY good and worth the wait in the LONG line!

Transportation is always a fun thing to experience in NYC.

There's the always exciting taxi cab ride.

Michael sat in the front seat most of the time since there were four of us.  Does he look frightened to you (because he should have been)??

Then there is the even more exciting subway...which Michael and I got "mixed up" on several times.  One thing is for sure...you are guaranteed to see some very interesting people.

We traveled to China Town for the first time.

After walking at least 12 miles previous day (and no I am NOT exaggerating), our feet were hurting real bad.  Michael got the bright idea to get a foot "reflexology" massage while in China Town.  It was interesting to say the least.  I can't say I enjoyed it while it was happening, but it really did make my feet feel so much better.  Michael did not enjoy....

We saw all kinds of interesting things for sell.  Not really sure what they used these dried fish for, but I am glad I am not going to find out.

We took this picture inside one of the market stores there.  The lady in the store started yelling at us when we snapped this picture and told us to leave.  Makes me wonder exactly what some of this stuff is....

Mom and Dad after one of our many delicious dinners!

You can't go to New York without at least one stop at Times Square.

We also went to the Guggenheim Museum for the first time.  I was a little disappointed because nearly half of the building was closed due to them changing out exhibits. 

I had been to the Museum of Modern Art once before but Michael had not.  So we headed there after the Guggenheim.

Michael was determined to see Van Gogh's Starry Night.  There was one guard standing just to the right of the painting that was there just to guard this painting.

I was also thrilled to get to see some of the original furniture from many of the designers I learned about in design school.  

Daddy striking a pose in true Delmar form!

Mama wearing all black to fit in with the New Yorkers...ha!!

The trip was so much fun and a great break for Michael and me.  It was the first time we have been away from the children since Georgia Anne was 8 months old.  I've got to tell you I couldn't wait to get home to these sweet babies....

Georgia Anne and Kit got matching American Girl Place shirts that are exclusive to the New York store (and of course they are black).  

And the boys got matching I Heart NY shirts.

And finally I must thank MeMaw and Paw Paw for watching the kids while we were away.  We would not have been able to go had it not been for them!  Thanks so much!!