New York City

We had an exciting, fun, and incredibly exhausting weekend in New York. We left Thursday night after work and the 4 hour trip turned into 6 1/2 hours when the D.C. traffic would not cooperate. We got to our apartment around midnight. Thanks to Scott's mom and her Delta Connections we had an awesome apartment on 2nd Avenue and 47th street right across the street from the United Nations building. Our bedroom had an awesome view of the city including the Chrysler Building. Here is a synopsis of the weekend's activities:
Day 1
Despite a very late night the boys were up by 6:30AM and we were out the door by 7:30. Unfortunately, nothing was open this early so we wandered around 5th Avenue in the rain until FAO Shwarz opened at 10AM. We spent at least 3 hours in FAO Shwarz. Atley custom built his very own hotwheels car and Nash rearranged the store by pulling toys off shelves and dropping them in different places. They played the big piano, just like Tom Hanks in "BIG." After three hours in FAO Shwarz it was time for a mommy store so we went to Tiffany's. Of course with the boys along we were only in Tiffany's for about 15 minutes. We checked out Trump
Tower and then we returned to the apartment ate lunch and took a nap. That night we walked around the United Nation's building where I found 20 British Pounds- equivalent to $36. Then we spent the rest of the night on Time's Square. Most of that time was again spent in a Toy Store. Toys R Us on Times Square is incredible. It has an enormous Ferris Wheel inside that we had a ton of fun on. After dinner we walked back home only getting lost once and meandering down a scary street with even scarier people. Scott's parents and sister flew in Friday night to join the party.

Day 2
Up early to attend a session at the Manhattan Temple. This was a great experience, a moment's peace from the noise and bustle of the city. A somewhat confusing subway ride back to the apartment for a quick bite and we were off again. We took the subway to the World Trade Center site, which was a pretty emotional experience. Next, shopping at Century 21-my opinion the world's largest TJ Max. We then walked up Wall Street and explored Trinity Church of National Treasure fame and burial site of Alexander Hamilton. Then, more walking to Battery Park to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, it was too cloudy to see her though. After spending at least an hour on the wrong subway trains we ended up in Chinatown. What a crazy place. The goal was to buy an expensive brand name purse at a really cheap price. This turned into a bit of a frightening experience. I go into a little open street store and a woman whispers in my ear that they have Gucci, Coach, and Chanel purses in the back. So, I naively follow her. She unlocks one door closes it behind us. She then unlocks another door and closes it behind us. Finally, behind door number three Bruce Lee is waiting with his stash of stolen purses. I suddenly find myself locked in a back room on some scary alley, with a guy who looks quite skilled in the art of Kung Fu. I survived and the most important thing is I got my Coach purse. We continued to peruse Chinatown looking at all the vendors and the strange fruits and vegetables on sale. Then we headed back to the apartment for dinner.
Day 3
The boys all went to Yankee stadium to see it once more before they tear it down. The girls spent the morning in the American Girl Doll Store, very fun-very cute. But, before that I had to exchange my pounds for dollars. So, we stopped at the Waldorf Astoria and I completely made a fool out of myself by pretending to be a guest registered under the name of Paul Smith. It is a very long story that I will not bore you with, but I eventually got my money. Next, onto Rockefeller Center and a taxi ride to Pier 83 to meet up with the guys and take a 3 hour boat tour around Manhattan Island. We were finally able to see the Statue of Liberty. The tour was great even though Nash threw-up right before we got on the boat. Taxi ride back to the apartment quick dinner and then we were back on the road for Washington. We got home around 11:30 Sunday night.