Monday in New York

Monday on our trip took us to New York City. We decided to avoid some traffic and left a little bit later than originally planned but it turned out great. Although, we did run into issues finding parking. Apparently the G20 leaders were meeting in New York at the same time that we were there. With those leaders came several streets being blocked off and we couldn't find any parking areas near where we wanted to be. At one point, driving around we found ourselves driving down one street lined with hundreds of Asian people waiting to hopefully see the leader from their country. Felt kinda weird - kinda like we were in a parade or something.

Finally we found parking and our walk around New York began. Conveniently for Lindsey we parked right down the street from the American Girl Place. Of course she wanted to go in. We hardly spent any time there since we had gone to an American Girl store the day before. But she did have the opportunity to point out some things that she liked.

This is the St. Patrick Cathedral. They were doing some repairs to it but Robert went in and said it was amazing.

Another cathedral. Lucky for Robert it was right across from the girls next stop - The Disney Store!

And the girls loved it (all four of us!). Look how happy Reagan is with this baby Tinker Bell doll.

Another highlight for Robert. The Apple Store. Very cool looking. Even the elevator was a glass box. The girls waited outside while the boys went in and looked around at this store.

After eating some lunch, we walked through Central Park. Robert and Lindsey found a great playground there and Lindsey loved this slide. She must have gone down in about 10 times all in a row. It was made of some kind of stone like granite or something. It was very smooth and quite fun.

Robert enjoying the slide with the girls.

We also found the carousel in Central Park. Lindsey and Barbara rode on it. But after riding the carousel at the fair last week, Lindsey didn't want to ride a horse that went up and down. They picked the sleigh to ride in instead. After the ride was over, Lindsey posed (with a silly face) on this horse.

We think this is the bridge in Central Park in the movie Enchanted. Lindsey loves this movie and was so excited to see some of the places where it was made. This is the bridge that Edward jumps from while looking for and singing to Giselle. Promptly after jumping, he is run over by bicycles. Lindsey thought it was hilarious. And was so happy to find this spot.

Lindsey's first experience with the subway. And what an experience it was.

Trying to figure out if we are in the right place to get the right train to get to the right destination.

On the subway. She thought it was fun.

We made it - this was the destination. The Statue of Liberty. Very cool to see again about about 25 years. And without the scaffolding around it.

While we were at Battery Park, we noticed signs that read "to the set" with arrows. We followed them wondering what kind of set we would see. And this is what it was...the filming of CSI. We stood and watched for a little while but then Reagan starting getting fussy so we had to move so her crying wouldn't be picked up on the recording. As we were walking away, I saw this great chance for a picture. Look, Gary Sinise (left) and Laurence Fishburne (right) were looking at me!

Part of the Twin Towers memorial. The sculpture was once in one of the lobby's, I think. It was damaged but still is mostly intact. There is also an eternal flame in front of the sculpture.

Not sure what building this is - I just noticed all the huge buildings with the church in front. I like how the roofs are staggered.

We made it to Times Square, finally. Mary Poppins was showing on Broadway. It would have been so fun and amazing to go to a show but we didn't have time to do that this time around. Lindsey would have loved it I'm sure.

Reagan was so happy to be out of the stroller for a bit. We went to eat dinner at the ESPN Zone in Times Square and she got to stretch her legs. So happy!

While we were at the Disney Store, Lindsey picked out a storybook. One that has about 20 different stories in it. She read it while we were walking around New York. I'm sure she missed over half of the sights because her nose was in the book. She also chose to read while we were waiting for our food at dinner. She is a reader and loves her books!

Me and Robert in Times Square. It was so fun. Lots of people, lights, and sounds. Another great place to people watch.

A huge indoor Ferris wheel in a huge ToysRUs at Times Square. Each passenger gondola was a different toy. We saw a Mr. Potato Head, Little People, The Mystery Machine, a Barbie car, and several others that I don't remember right now.

Next stop was the M&M store. This is a wall of chocolate. Yummy and the whole place smelled soooo good too. We made the mistake of leaving Lindsey with Manny and they decided to buy some M&M's. Over two pounds of M&M's. And guess what colors Lindsey picked?!?! Pink and purple, of course.

Love this picture of Reagan with the big M&M. She is looking at it trying to figure out where her dad had just put her.

On the way back to the car we passed by Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center. It was really neat to see where the ice skating rink goes but I have no idea how they do it. I tried to get something at the Dean & Deluca but they had already closed. I was kinda sad about that.

While I had gone to take the above picture, the girls were getting their last little bit of energy out before getting back into the car. We had another long car ride ahead of us and we were hoping that they would sleep the entire way.

And Lindsey didn't disappoint. She was asleep by the time we were out of New York City. Reagan, on the other hand, was beginning to not feel good and had a tough time sleeping in the car. That night at the house and the next couple of days were rough on her. More on that later.

I'm tired and this post took much longer than planned. Hope you hung in there with me on this and enjoyed your brief trip around NYC.