Kelly & James in NYC

James and I went to NYC for his cousin's wedding.  We rode the train up Thursday morning and came home late Sunday night.  (The train is definitely the way to get to New York City!)

Thursday night, we took advantage of a free night at the swanky Waldorf Towers.  We know we're more than a little out of place when there is a dress code required in the lobby!  Our suite was about as large as any hotel room we've ever stayed in, which made it quite large for Manhattan.  

That night, we walked around Rockefeller Center and Times Square before meeting a college friend for drinks that night. 

The next morning, we took the subway downtown.  We were early for our time at the 9/11 Memorial, so we strolled through the Financial District and over to the Brooklyn Bridge.  We met up with Kathy and Tony for the Memorial.  

There is a large plaque on the side of the firehouse depicting some of the scenes from 9/11.   

 The Memorial itself is a somewhat surreal combination of the events from 9/11 and construction and the work-a-day world.

There are two pools in the footprints of the original buildings.   The falls on each side are 30 feet down, with another fall into the void in the middle.  The names of all those who died (in and around the towers and first responders, as well as those in DC and PA) are engraved around the pools.

We took time after visiting the Memorial itself to also go to the Tribute Center and to St. Paul's church, a tiny little church right next to the towers.  It remained standing and became a base for rescue teams in the aftermath.  

James and I found a tiny little creperie for lunch in the Financial District.  We also walked through the old Federal Building and past the NYSE.  We had a bit more time before the rehearsal dinner, so we bought tickets and went to Top of the Rock (the top floors of 30 Rock).

Looking uptown, at Central Park.

 

Looking downtown, at the Empire State Building with the Statue of Liberty as speck in the hazy distance:

The next morning, we started with fresh bagels at one of NYC's finest bagel shops (EssaBagel).  Yum!  We didn't have any particular plans, so we wandered up to and around Central Park for most of the morning and early afternoon before heading back to get ready for the wedding.

Towards the Upper East Side over the turtle pond:

 

In the turtle pond: 

James at the top of Belvedere Castle:

 

View from Belvedere Castle:

We finished off the day with a beautiful wedding ceremony and a reception at the Central Park Boathouse. 

 

A note for school...almost an original idea...

Every now and then, I have what I think is a brilliant idea.  Rudy wasn't feeling well this week; as I was writing the excuse note this morning, I commented that it would be nice to have a pre-filled note where I could just check off the right information.  Of course, someone has already thought of it.  And, of course, I didn't like any of the other ones that were out there, so I had to create my own.  As James said, it will be time well spent since our kids miss so much school while we're traveling!

First day of school

The summer was way too short this year and the first day of school came WAY too early!  The boys were both thrilled about their teachers this year, though, which made going back to school a tiny bit easier!

What say? Camp OmaPapa edition

From Rudy:

I didn't know my belly could sing.

When I think hard, my breath goes into my brain.

Visit to the mountain

Nana and Popsie spent a few weeks at a mountain resort just down the highway from us.  We all spent a long weekend at the house with them, and then the boys got a few extra bonus days!  

We took advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures at the top of the mountain with a few hikes. 

Some time to snuggle up and read with Popsie:

Games!  The weather didn't always cooperate, so there was plenty of time for games:  monopoly, card games, and more!

 James and I wandered over to the play area with the boys one afternoon and spent several hours playing shuffleboard and climbing on the rocks.

While James, Kathy, and Tony went golfing, the boys and I played more shuffleboard and also got in some time at the driving range: