I have never regretted taking a trip. Not once. I truly cherish the unique experiences that travel allows, and those memories that can only be made in special settings. Our weekend in New York still makes me so happy to think about. I am incredibly grateful we had the opportunity to go, and that my in-laws were willing to watch the boys. We hadn't left those kids overnight in over two years, but knowing they were in good hands with people they love kept us from worrying. They had so much fun with their grandparents!
We left Ohio Wednesday afternoon, spent all of Thursday visiting Joey and Kim in Kentucky, then got up at 2:30 AM Friday to make our eeearly flight out of Nashville. This helped the bags under our eyes really "pop" that first day. But I never felt tired - it was so exciting to step out onto 42nd and 8th and really be there - this city I've seen so many times. We dropped off our bags at our tiny hotel room (which we actually loved, really cool place), and set off to see the sights.
View out our hotel window. The rooftop would be so cool in the right weather.
Started our walk through Times Square.
I am currently obsessed with Jimmy Fallon. He is so humble and hilarious. Wish we could have seen a taping of The Tonight Show - the wait extends for months right now.
Had lunch at the Shake Shack and I seriously think it was the best burger I've ever had! When Andrew was in New York for this conference last year, he tried to go twice, but it was packed and the line was out the door. We had to split a bar stool, but miraculously were able to order with no wait at all. One of many small blessings I want to remember about this trip.
Next stop, Central Park - where Spring is still unsprung. Grass or no grass, still so amazing to see it...the place is HUGE!
Home Alone 2 rocks
Columbus Circle
Trump Hotel and Tower. The dumpiest room available is $900 a night. I hate that we didn't bring any stolen credit cards!
Here is a photo gallery to oogle. I mean, can you even imagine?
And then the Manhattan temple springs up out nowhere.
Julliard
The Met
The Plaza Hotel - another Home Alone 2 moment
The front steps where Kevin hops into the limo. So yes, we love Home Alone and referenced it a million times while we were there.
Inside the lobby - so beautiful!
They we walked across the street to FAO Schwartz. Their candy floor was nuts.
Statue of Liberty made entirely of Legos.
Then we strolled down 5th Avenue...
Stopped off at Rockefeller Plaza and visited the Today Show set. Did I mention how cool it is to see things in person you see on TV all the time? Maybe that sounds dumb - you wouldn't think seeing something famous would affect you much. But when I made eye contact with Elizabeth Vargas on the street, I was so caught off guard I just sort of gaped. What if she had been Jimmy Fallon?! I can't even...
So as we headed back to our hotel, I was SHOCKED to realize seeing all of these sights had only taken us two hours. Time warp? Knowing we couldn't really buy anything? Keeping up with Andrew's notorious speed walking? Whatever the cause, we were able to rest a bit, then walked over to the Javitz Center see the International Vision Expo - the real reason for our visit.
I was amazed by how elaborate some of these displays were. Everything glittered - even the walkways were covered in plush white carpet. Samples and freebies at every turn. Every designer and large company had an area, and there was live music and free champagne. I scored a Diet Coke and some M&Ms. Andrew scored an iPad.
That night we fulfilled my long-time dream of seeing a Broadway show. Definitely the pinnacle of the trip for me, and maybe my life. Just kidding. But really...we saw Newsies, and I was on cloud nine the entire time. The talent was so spectacular...I am giddy just thinking about it. Andrew loved it too.
The next day Andrew had official business to attend to, so I SLEPT IN (a thousand thanks, Joey and Kim!), then explored the city on my own for a while. The rain that so kindly held off for us the day before decided it was done doing favors. But I was geared up, and had a good time just walking around and seeing places that had made my list, but not Andrew's. I think being a mom with little people to always look after has made alone time feel extra exhilarating. Sometimes getting in the car to go somewhere by myself gives me a total rush; so you can imagine what this day felt like.
I was too scared to get any closer
Dylan's Candy Bar - this is their flagship store, and it has three levels and every sweet imaginable.
I wished Asher was with me and at the same moment felt very relieved he was not.
No "Asher" or "Preston" bars...think the names will be ever be popular enough to keep them from being disappointed every time?
So this was kind of cool - celebrities fill these boxes with their favorite candies and then autograph them. Kelly Ripa likes red Swedish Fish, and Cindy Crawford is a caramels girl.
Sprinkles Cupcakes was next...I've always wanted to try them!
This is the free one I got for waiting in the rain a few minutes. One of the best things I've ever tasted, hands down.
Bought a strawberry and milk chocolate iced vanilla for Andrew and I to share later.
[Can you imagine what this paper bag looked like after traveling an hour in the rain with me? I was clutching the soaked and tattered piece of trash to my chest like a homeless woman by the time I arrived at our hotel.]
Trying New York style pizza for the first time. It was amazing. Super light, crisp and flavorful. I am crying big, gluttonous tears now knowing it is so hopelessly out of reach.
THAT NIGHT.....we had a fun, dress up party to go to at the Paramount Hotel. It was a fantastic night to be indoors, because the forecast looked like this:
On our walk over - these city lights at night just dazzle you, don't they? Sometimes as you walk, you get a big waft of sewage, which snaps you back to reality. Thankfully the sights of the city photograph much better than the smells, and quickly help you forgive the unpleasant.
It was a blast to finally meet all of Andrew's friends and colleagues he's told me so much about! They were a really fun group from all over the country, and it was so nice to stand around talking and laughing while being served drinks and appetizers. The fact I had a Carter's diaper bag on my shoulder masquerading as a purse kept me grounded, lest I feel too fancy.
Our trip lasted only 48 hours (even though reading this has taken 47 - sorry), but they were some of the very best we've ever had together. So grateful I chose this sweet man to share my adventures with! Until next time, NYC!
