NYC - Day 1

May 7, 2017
Some may call us crazy, but I just couldn't resist being an hour from NYC and not visiting! We convinced Aunt Laurie to come with us to create a one-to-one ratio of adult to child. I would not suggest it any other way! The kids got to experience so many firsts that day. Laurie previously ran the NYC marathon, but really did not have a chance to 'see' the city. 

 Kids' first train ride! 

 Their first yellow taxi cab ride! If you are wondering why we didn't take Uber- there was a cycling race in the city which blocked off a lot of roads, so Uber was uber-expensive during the time we needed to get to our hotel.

 After we dropped off our luggage, we ventured out on foot to explore the sites....which with 5 year olds includes a lot of odds and ends like these little tables I would have totally walked by, but Evan thought they'd be a perfect location to just sit and chat!

Evan- at home in the city!

A highlight about NYC that the boys have seen from cartoons and movies was the Statue of Liberty. We'd been talking about it, and they were really looking forward to seeing it. With some advice from friends, we took the Staten Island Ferry which goes by the statue, instead of the ferry which stops on the island with the statue. Pros for this: it's free and you do not have to stand in line for hours.  

The Statue of Liberty did not disappoint, but the weather kind of did. It was cold and rainy during our boat ride, but nonetheless, we did get some pictures!

 While on Staten Island for our half-hour between boat rides, we clearly used it wisely by getting some ice cream. One thing about traveling with young kiddos---they need to be fed often! 

 After returning on the ferry, we explored Battery Park. 

 What do you do when you walk by a carousel? Clearly you need a ride when it looks this fun!

 The Charging Bull and Fearless Girl

World Trade Center Memorial. What a beautiful area. 

After visiting One World Trade Center, I realized how close we were to the Brooklyn Bridge...something else that was on our list. My travel clan were troopers!! Although we didn't walk the whole length of the bridge, we checked this one off our list. 

The boys' first subway ride! After a long day, my one travel mix-up was getting on an express subway that of course did not stop at the stop we needed! We were able to stop two stops before ours and that meant walking the rest of the way. We re-energized with some supper. Kylie disliked going into the carrier, but once she was in, she was happy!

A benefit of our extra walk was getting to see Times Square at night and that meant a visit to the M&M Store!

 Our day was not complete without a stop by Rockefeller Center which was near our hotel. It wasn't until we got home and Evan saw the people waving on the Today's Show that I realized he would have gotten up early to meet my friends Matt, Savanah, Hoda and Kathie Lee! Next time, Evan, next time!

 These may have been the most expensive M&Ms we have (and will have) ever purchased; however, they worked magic the next day as incentives!  

Cousin Lisa's Wedding!

May 6, 2017

The purpose of our big road trip was to attend my cousin Lisa and fiancé Andrew's wedding. My family from SD flew out to the Philadelphia area while we drove the 13+ hours and met them in New Jersey.

 The wedding was at Washington Crossing Inn. Washington Crossing was the place where in 1776 Washington's Army crossed the Delaware River. The colonial style Inn was built in 1817! What a beautiful backdrop for the wedding.

 Uncle Joel and Cousin Lisa!! Here comes the bride! This was about all I watched of the wedding:( Kylie was not fussy, she just wanted to get the party started and would not be quiet!

The good part about having to leave the wedding was that Kylie and I were the first to get to wish this couple "Congratulations!!"

 Siblings enjoying the reception!

 These two! Second cousins causing mischief.

Even though there were not many kids at the wedding, Lisa and Andrew did such a wonderful job of making the kids feel right at home with activity bags at the tables. Here are Ethan and Emma, second cousins to Kylie, Evan and Jaden.

Best Buds!

My sister and I with all of our cousins, Lisa and Eric!!

Philly Road Trip!

May 6, 2017
Once we arrived at our destination, we met my family for dinner. Nathan realized how close we were to Philadelphia and the famous Philly Cheesesteaks, so we planned a quick side trip Saturday morning to see the highlights in Philadelphia. If you know my family, we are very planned with our schedules. However, everyone took the spontaneous trip with stride! My dad and sister came along while Kylie stayed at the hotel with Grandma Pam.

Our timing was perfect. We were in the first group to enter the building with the Liberty Bell.

We then picked up our (free) timed tickets for a tour of Independence Hall. The park ranger gave a detailed tour of the history of the 1776 events including the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here is a picture of Grandpa Al, Jaden, and Evan in the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

As we walked to Elfreth's Alley, we were able to see Betsey Ross's home, the birthplace of the American Flag.  

 Elfreth's Alley is our nation's oldest residential street dating back to 1702. So amazing to walk through.

Of course, we saved the best for last: Philly Cheesesteaks! 

Nathan did a taste test with Pat's and Geno's. There were no leftovers, but he said he liked Geno's slightly better. 

Chocolate! Chocolate! We all scream for Chocolate!

May 5, 2017

Road trip! In early May, we packed in our van and drove to my cousin Lisa's wedding northwest of Philadelphia.

  On Thursday, we drove about 5 hours which left only 9 for Friday. While looking at our route, we made the last minute decision to drive a whole 10 miles out of the way to visit the Hershey, PA Chocolate Factory!

For those who have not been here before, you really could spend hours, if not all day, but we were able to do what we had planned in just over an hour. One of the attractions they have is a ride through a mock factory. You get to see how they process their chocolate candies. The animation throughout kept the kids' attention and I enjoyed the food science talk!

We couldn't leave without eating some chocolate, and what better option than hot fudge sundaes!