New York 2013

Kent and I went to New York the 1st week of December.  It just so happened that Brooke and Chance, our good friends were able to work out a business trip for Chance at the same time.  It couldn't have worked out better.  Brooke and I hung out during the days while our husbands worked and then we met up with them at night for dinner and some fun!   

We stayed at the Marriott Marquis right in times square.  Kent requested a room with a view.  He thought that was the coolest thing.  This was looking out our window.

The first night, we got there a few hours before Chance and Brooke, so we went with some guys from work to eat at the famous Lombardi's Pizza.  Here they are waiting for the Subway.

We waited for a good hour to get in. It was worth the wait. 

This picture makes me hungry for more

We took a quick stroll down to see the new Freedom Tower at ground zero. 

Then we headed back to times square to meet up with Brooke and Chance 

Pictures never do Times Square justice.  

But it sure is fun to try. 

The next morning we went to Central Park and rented bikes.  We rode around and watched some street dancers.  Riding bikes through central park has been on my bucket list.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  

The fountain from the movie Home Alone 

Then we headed back to see the Musical "ONCE"

It's by far my favorite Broadway show that I've seen yet. 

We wen't to China Town twice to shop.  We snagged some great deals and went in some dungeons to get some nice purses. 

This guy was playing all sorts of music in the subway station.  Brooke and I got pretty good at getting around NYC on the subway. 

There are characters galore all over the streets.  I think there are more and more each time I go. 

One of the days we took the fairy out to the Statue of Liberty.  I haven't done this since I was a pre-teen.

Lady Liberty is breathtaking. 

This was on the ferry boat we took out to the Statue of Liberty

We also went to Ellis Island and did an audio tour.  This was the view of the NYC skyline from Ellis Island

Brooke raved about the Felafel that she had on our trip to NYC the year before.  She's been thinking about it since, so of course we had to go.  We ended up eating there twice.  Felafels need to come to Utah. 

We saw the Broadway show Matilda.  It was awesome.  I would love to take my girls to it because they love the movie and the book. 

We went to Ground Zero to see the reflecting pools.  I was surprised how emotional it was.  It's a very sobering experience and there is such a reverence there. 

The Survivor Tree at Ground Zero

This is me standing at the reflection pools with the freedom tower behind me.  It's pretty spectacular.

Our last night there was the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree.  We walked down to see the tree in all it's glory. 

We passed Radio City Hall and I guess we thought it was picture worthy.   The streets are all decorated and lit up at Christmas time which makes it all the more magical and fun.

One night we went to a restaurant called Max Brenner for dessert.  It's a restaurant where everything is made with chocolate.  We all shared a crepe, fondue with milk chocolate, white chocolate and caramel and all kinds of yummy things to dip in it and lastly a chocolate pizza.  We were kind of sick by the end to say the least!  But it was so yummy and a fun experience. 

Coming home was nice.  It's always so much fun to get away for a vacation, but there's no place I'd rather be than home with my kiddos.  Home is where this Mom's heart is.

The kids were thrilled that we brought home New York Cheesecake from Carnegie Deli.  Which by the way we ate dessert there for 3 out of 5 of the nights. Luckily we sold Brooke and Chance on how good Carnegie cheesecake was and they loved it too.

We brought these cute hats home for the kids.

Until Next Time!  I'll miss you New York.