Spring Breaking - New York City - turn the dial UP!

Spring break was so much fun and so much stuff!!  I want to keep it all in the same blog and keep it as simple as I honestly tried to keep it

 - Here is Monday morning - 

As a special treat - the kids got to eat breakfast AND lunch while watching TV - 

I wrote them a schedule of chores for first - we had a 10:30 Fresh air fund appointment - more about that later, but Nick came up and told me at 10:30 they will go outside and get some 'fresh air' - totally the intention of the program!

Than Tuesday morning we woke up to a RAINY day - but Bob Maxim (our local weather man) told us it would stop by 1 - so we dragged our feet a bit and headed out by 10:30 hoping to make the 1pm security check in at the Statue of Liberty.

We parked the car - the skies showed signs of starting to part and the rain was slowing down

 we headed out - 

It was still kind of raining - but we were prepared - 

headed to the statue!

Loved the Ferry - it really gave such a view of the city.

The boys are happily at the end of the ferry

Making good use of our selfie stick - loved getting everyone together.   And Lady Liberty 

The boys did great, when we checked in, our ticket included a little walking tour head set - they each got one.  The story of the statue was told from the point of view of a falcon.  It spoke to the construction, the history, They loved it (and were in control)

A little view from the pedestal

We only climbed the pedestal (the other option is climbing up to the crown)  it proved to be just enough - my fear of heights and taking the kiddos up there would have been way too much for me.

Plenty high up

Being out there on a Tuesday afternoon (kind of rainy) really helped with the crowds too - it NYC so there are always crowds, but at least we did our best to keep it to a minimum.  So many foreigners on the ferry - loved that aspect of it.  Statue of Liberty is a true symbol of American and what we have become.

A little selfie stick using with Nick

Let me tuck this one in there - souvenir shopping - not what he selected (thankfully!)

 Nice impersonation  - snack and all

Next stop was the ferry to Ellis Island - loved looking back to what it must have looked like.  The surrounding buildings really haven't changed much, but they aren't used really.  During the tour we learned they were used as a hospital, housing etc.  

Here was the main processing building.

We did a little exploring (as much as the kiddos and I could handle) and headed back to Manhattan.  The thing about New York - is if Chris didn't keep us on a timeline, we would have never seen what we wanted to see.  Thank you Chris!

Skies are looking better!

ON the ferry back to Manhattan I kept imagining what its like to live in the city - I have 2 friends living there now - they each have a child and a dog living in an apartment and LOVE it - such a different life!

Not exactly the pose they were looking for when the statue was placed, but I will take it - and I will take those boys too

Onto 9/11 memorial.  walking through the city it is so hard to imagine 2 HUGE towers that are truly no longer there - imagine what that did the to city, the time, the chaos, the prayers, the people, the volunteers, the lives, everything will be forever different today

The memorial is so fitting, truly the opposite of what was there, bustling towers, luring or activity going up.  Now, names serene water and everything spilling down.

The one thing I wasn't expecting was this Oculus - its truly a striking structure in the city - its purpose is very different from what I imagine the other buildings to be - its over a metro stop and will soon host shops and a place to gather.

The Selfie stick became a bit of entertainment while waiting in line to possibly see the museum 

Everyone was getting involved

Gotta admit - he is a cutie (and yes, there were about 1,000 photos I needed to delete)

We opted not to go through the Museum although its free after 4 on Tuesday (who knew)  - the line was still long and not sure the kids would have made it.  Chris and I would like to go one day - but not today.

Just a closer look on the construction

We went around the street to St. Paul's church a place that housed many of the volunteers on shifts after the attack.  It was un touched and now a beautiful remembrance of the many days that followed.

Something about this classic building I had to snap a photo

after this photo we went to recover the car and repark it at the hotel - this operation took a rather LONG time - why, because its NYC - we made it to Ellen's Stardust Cafe by 6 (along with a few other folks) so while Chris waited in line, Nick and I scooted to Time Square real quick

Lots going on there - always - again, the coolest thing in my opinion was all the tourist snapping selfies - 

Back at the Diner - indulging in their milkshakes

since we weren't headed to a broadway show, Diane recommended this as a dinner stop - no reservations or pricey ticket needed and everyone in the diner was making their effort to get to broadway (The cafe is ON broadway - but they have aspirations of BIGGER) and in the meantime, they sing to us as they bring our food - the range of folks performing was huge - from 'Let is go' to 'Benny and the Jets' - as we left they were singing 'Living on a prayer'  I am always impressed by singers (because I can't!)

Nick had a few folks come by and sing directly to him - he was busy trying to eat the BIG burger! 

We did A LOT of walking and as if the kiddos weren't tired enough already, we walked them BACK to time square for a family shot.

Our hotel wasn't too far off of Time square and we were ALL very excited to get back there - with 2 queen beds, I read in-between Nick and Shane until they dozed off (yes, I dozed too!) while Drew and Dad slept in the other bed.  Cozy, and totally worked.

The next morning I had vision of enjoying central park with our breakfast to go - but it was chilly and we were hungry, so we walked across the street and scored an awesome breakfast

Shane proclaimed these as the best pancakes ever!  (he is swayed by the whipped cream)

 A trip to NYC can be all about timing so that is what makes me laugh about these photos - 

I LOVE the Today show and think Matt, Al, Savannah and Natalie are my morning friends.  I didn't have a HUGE desire to fight the crowds and be there while they were filming (thankfully) as this is what we walked up on - yup, they aclearly did a segment out here - but were done.

 We did get to peek in the windows to see Al Rocker doing the weather (often the best part of the Today Show) and honestly that was enough.  Can you see me in this shadowy photo - how to prove to myself I was there!

Now on another bit of timing, we were too late for the Today Show, yet too early for the Lego Store - all about timing 

There is PLENTY of construction going on in the city and honestly I was fascinated by it - how the heck do they keep a schedule?  where do they park?  Materials, concrete - now that is a schedule!

I am pretty sure when we rounded the corner and saw this, Chris knew we needed a selfie - I took a photo of the sweet Japanese tourist and she did the same for us.

Exactly where we should be - ALL DAY - central park rocks!

The topography was so impressive, rocks to climb on, hills, grass, we didn't do much else other than stroll

 And take photos of course - it was such a beautiful brisk day.

 Winner!  Love the city in the background!

 Plenty of Trump in NYC

 Avenue of America's

Time to leave the city so this is everyone's favorite party - souvenir shopping - honestly they did o.k.  Nick grabbed the world trade center tower, Shane the Empire state building (since we didn't get to see it) and Drew a sweet super hero photo for his room - that ironically Tate has the exact same one (it just got cooler!)

We are DONE!  Time to get the car - yes, that took the LONGEST.  we waited at our hotel for almost 45 minutes for Chris to grab it - Than the kids and head hit the GPS for WOODBRIDGE VA - while Chris took the train back home.   He said the train was perfect and very relaxing (wonder if that had anything to do with the fact that he didn't have kiddos with him)  love that he snapped a photo of the bridge - mostly because I get HUGE anxiety driving over the bridge, sweaty palms searching for someone to talk to - HATE IT - but I do it anyway as there are 2 big ones between here and VA

As much as I want to keep it in one blog, I just can't NYC was all touristy stuff - I felt like the finale fail just kept turning, parking, taxes (hotel and food were HUGE) it is EXPENSIVE to live in the city.  Nick proclaimed he was not interested in ever living there - time will tell buddy!

The story of 3 different mornings

3 Different boys being raised under the SAME roof - the same parents - and yet so wonderfully amazingly different.

7am - they all need to be up, so how does it start?

1 - I pop into Nick's room first (he is the oldest and seems to take the LONGEST to get ready - but if he were ready quickly, he can also be the most helpful and has been known to actually MAKE eggs) so I start there.  Sometimes he is already up, fluttering around looking for a little direction.  Sometimes he just needs that added push to get out of bed.

2 - I walk into Shane's room, slowly open the blinds, watch his little body curl back pulling the covers further over his head.  I REALLY want to crawl in there with him as he is tremendously cuddly.  I peel back the covers just a bit, he reaches one arm out and hugs my neck (something he has done since he was a baby when we would take him out of the crib).  He is VERY slow to get ready, but doesn't ind at all if I dress him real quick.  Than he methodically brushes his teeth and continues on with the morning (way more focused than the older one)

3 - Wonder why this guy is last?  Well, the biggest reason is he doesn't have to get on the 8pm bus - but in reality I would prefer to let him sleep - because now I get the shouting - keep my blinds shut - I want to pick my clothes out - only the green shirt.......  geesh, sometimes I walk out of there wanting to walk back into Shane's room - 

THERE IS SOMETHING to BIRTH ORDER!

LORD helps us next year.

Nashville April Fools we are 40 - What?!?!

We did it!  A year ago, we talked about turning 40 and how it would give us this wonderful reason to get together and do something to celebrate us - so we picked Nashville and planned it!  

Here I am at the airport in CT sporting my cowboy boots that were a gift from Chris on my 30th!  Still love them.

Ashley flew in from GA (driving first to an airport and staying the night)

Natalie drove from Put-in-bay OH

Farrah from DC and I from CT

we all arrived at the airport and relatively the same time

Felt SO good to be together (until I was sick - blah blah blah)  

This is the most instagrammed sign - so we had to snap a photo - plus we had the worlds greatest brussel sprout salad here - YUM!

That night we chose between 2 restaurants that Brian had booked for us - once Uber dropped us at our choice and I saw the white table clothes I wanted to bolt (not a high end dinner) the food was great, however it sounds like we all feel that 404 cafe is the one that got away - I was feeling like crap anyway and missed out on the late night bar time and headed to bed - wishing it would pass so I could ENJOY my time with these wonderful ladies!

In desperate need of freshening up! - at a DRY BAR - meaning blow dry your hair (they had champagne so not THAT dry)  the idea of NOT having to style our hair at all this weekend was a little bit of heaven - great call Farrah.

The eye lashes we all scored were a total treat!  Our stylist also styles the stars of course - because when you work in nashville that is totally normal!  (matter of fact she was flying on Saturday to Vegas were the country music awards were being held that Sunday night!) 

Love the after photo!

Now lets go get some tattoos!  This was such a popular place all appointments were book - matter of fact when the folks at the dry bar hear we were going here - they were surprised we could get it, well we couldn't, we had to wait at the doors until they opened and get on the wait list

Thanks to Ashley we got in!

This photo makes me laugh a bit, Brian called it a suicide pack gone wrong - I can say that right?

Love love love how they all turned out!  Our tattoo artist was a hoot and enjoyed being part of our conversation.  He did each one of us and it was the experience we paid for (since yes, the tattoos were pricey!)  But I will always remember THIS!

Now onto a juice bar - GREAT Idea - ginger shot was FABULOUS!  great call ashley - knock it out of me - 

The batman building was often our directional beacon as we walked through the city.  Snapped this one for the kiddos

Dinner on Friday rocked - I didn't snap a photo of them, but we sat right next to a family from Germany!  Natalie LOVED using her german and she still had it - they thought she was German!

Love these pretty ladies all dolled up

Wonderful dinner - wonderful wine - i could go home right now...but we didn't

Here is where the night gets late - we were in search of a 2 stepping bar - somewhere along the way, we met hockey coaches, wondered to 2 other bars (limited dancing but lots of music) scored a really crabby taxi driver (why we didn't take Uber is beyond me) ate REALLY hot pizza and finally told the late night half at 2am it was time to go home!  they were shocked it was that late an although their first response was - it doesn't close tis 3, we managed to wrap them up and take them home!!

Classy photo - I know!  I wore my cowboy boots ALL weekend (they were a gift from turning 30 when we lived in Austin!)

Now we are just snapping photo before our Uber driver shows up

Love this one

A mere 7 hours later - I am not sure if you can see the tears in our eyes - but we were laughing until our stomachs hurt trying to figure out this selfie stick - I am certain it was compounded by the fact we were a bit hungover and out tis 3am - this was breakfast and thankfully, someone was singing to us while we had bloody mary's in hand.  We linked up with Ashley's Aunt and husband here - The wonders of social media, a photo of her on FB had them responding saying they were hear too seeing lots of great shows - I love that they popped over for a quick hug!

Now to walk the streets of Nashville the DAYtime Right in the city - train station turned hotelJust about every bar had live music as well as its own flair - I have to admit that hockey stadium sure does stand out like a sore thumb - sure its unique but...  (its in the left hand side of the photo and street - kinda looks like a blue dome)

Yes, we walked through the Grand Ole Opry and

 

Ryman Auditorium - 

We didn't actually "Go through it' but instead soaked in the surroundings - you know i have never been a detail or museum person no matter what the subject - instead I purely just like to 'be' there. and we were!  

I loved imagining the legends who have truly changed their life here and have made this city what it is today

And this is where we ate Pizza last night - Ashley and I got asked by a million folks for a slice - our next business venture is a Pizza truck - RIGHT HERE!

We are getting pretty good at the selfie stick right?  About to head into a Honky Tonk bar!

Truth

Yes, this is the magic selfie stick you have been hearing about - while we were walking through the city we stumbled on a group celebrating 60 and trying to figure out their selfie stick - they were laughing about as hard as we had - we offered to take their photo so they could figure out the selfie stick later - 

So what does a Honkey Tonk bar sound like??

https://youtu.be/vAkTI57QUfE

Of course we had to do some cowboy boot trying on - sad to say, none were purchased - but they were all cool!

Greatest snack ever - tator-tot Nachos - pretty sure we should have had this at 10am this morning.  This was served to us by our waiter who looked like Jason Bateman, Micheal J Fox and a few others all in one (now I am regretting not snapping a photo of him)

I did manage to get one of the band

Such a pretty afternoon

With 4 girls on a trip together without kiddos and the rest of their family - allowed the time to get ready=LOTS of selfies!  I honestly couldn't decide which I liked better

Yes, I did snap a few of the scenery - but none could truly capture how beautiful the afternoon was.

We caught ourselves really loving the fake eye lashes and had to do a little close up of them.

They stayed on the whole time, but we were VERY careful in the face-washing department

More nashvilleness - 

Ready to get started?

Saturday night we had a fab dinner right on the corner people watching - we all just about ordered the same thing which was rather humorous - drinks and all - it was an early night as Ashley and Natalie had early alarms clocks to schedule.  

We enjoyed the evening being together - talking about lives, moves, what's to come and really just being thankful for the time we were truly in each other's presence.  These ladies are so real and so part of who I am - being with them no matter where we were was so wonderful.

I remember Ashley and Natalie tucked in while Farrah let me read some senseless trivia about being 40 and what our childhood experienced - 

So Sunday morning we hugged Ashley good by first - than Natalie and than Farrah and I caught an Uber to the airport and enjoyed a coffee in the lounge - (a perk of all the traveling Brian has had to do)  It was so quiet (having been loud all weekend, we were able to be quiet too)

Back to real life feeling full and fortunate for this time.

And than i read this on the plane and cried my eyes out - I couldn't even explain the book to Chris without bawling - its a good one.

It was a good weekend - love you ladies and thank you all for the time together - 

Boys

These smiles tell is all - they boys are the joys of our life and individuals in every way - 

anyone how ever thought birth order DOESN'T play a roll never raise 3 kiddos - 

Nick - a Dreamer - the world is his oyster - he was our first and we did everything for him (for maybe a bit too long - he is a bit scattered (you should see his room) his treasures hide in every nook and cranny no matter how hard I try to get him to stay organized.  He is an observer and sees how we feel from just watching - his behavior is often reflected.  A true kind heart.

Shane - A hard worker - he is incentive motivated - his homework packet comes home and he can put it off all week or knock it out - he knocks it out - he tries hard, he gets frustrated, he wishes he was older - he wishes someone would sit next to him on the bus - he is SUCH a SWEET kid - I love the way he says 'momma' unless he has said it 100 times and I wish he would stop!  he smile says - Yes, I love you - and I know you know love me!

Drew - Now look at THAT smile - he understand incentives but most of the time could give a crap.  He asks for something so many times he knows you may eventually give in and just give it to him - He is SUPER cute - thankfully and loves us a million, trillion 100 million - but boy does he think he can get away with stuff.  

Chris - the taker of this photo on a friday afternoon when I escaped to Nashville with Girls -  Here is his foursome and boy is he the best dad = He wouldn't have minded a girl in the mix either - but we have 3 boys and he owns it better than me.  he plays on their level, he encourages their growth and he tries to keep them focused.  he puts family first especially in this change of pace - he is doing it for all the right reasons as they need him everyday!