I heart NY

Chris had a UNEDA conference to attend in New York City so the kids and I tagged along to check it out. Let me start by saying New York City blows my mind!!!! What an amazing city for so many reasons: food, people, culture, coolness factor of 1 million, food, energy, history, shopping, views, food, art and I'm sure I'm leaving out many things but we were only there for a few days. 

The UNEDA conference was held at the Marriot Marquis right in Time Square. We had an amazing view! Connor was completely blown away and loved the view so much that he fell asleep laying on the floor the 1st night just starring out the window.

I took lots and lots of pictures. I warn you they are over edited. I just downloaded the camera plus app and it's been a lot of fun. You've been warned.

The following group of photos were taken from a sunset cruise around Manhattan.  

This was a "work" event for Chris but with out the kids I call it a date night :)

84 degree weather, a light breeze and clear skies. It was perfect! 

Amazing! I've seen some great views but there is something very special about New York City at night. 

I love that they made the Freedom Tower the tallest and brightest building in the city! Alright NYC!

Here is the skyline at the start of the tour. 

 YAY for date night in NYC.

Hello Lady liberty. 

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New York is everything everyone says it is: energizing, fast paced, scenic, EXPENSIVE, full of tourists, full of artists, great restaurants, never sleeps, shopping, Broadway and just dam exciting! 

I will say it loud and proud I love being a tourist. I love seeing new places, I love trying new foods and restaurants, I love sharing that with Chris and the kids. So coming to New York and for the 1st time since I was a kid was everything I dreamed it would be.

This is the view from the observation deck at Rockefeller Center. You get a great view of the city and the Empire State building. 

Connor tickling Jess.  Sometimes these 2 actually do get along.

Ahhhh Central Park just beautiful.

There were beautiful water features, lots of rocks for Connor to climb, plenty of grass areas for the kids to play and run. 

And yes we did take a touristy horse drawn carriage ride through the park.

So much fun! The kids love horses and it was a nice way to see the park and get a bit of info and trivia about the park and area. Plus it was on my life list... check.

Another fun stop was Chelsea Market: awesome tacos, lobster, beer, brownies, smoothies, thai food, tea, spices, sushi. You name it and it was there and it was delicious. My favorite was a lobster roll and an ice cold Brooklyn beer. The perfect lunch for a hot day.

  

 

This is my "I'm SUPER HAPPY to be in NYC" face and I wore that face all weekend!

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Not far from Chelsea Market is High Line Park. Train tracks that were turned into a park raised above the streets on the West side of Manhattan . . . pretty neat. 

 We had shaved ice and Popsicles from the People's Pop. The kids loved their pops but the "Mint Lemonade" shaved ice was so unique. A great flavor comb . . . maybe add some vodka and make it a cocktail. yummmmm

Jessica is SUCH a ham. Chris told her to smile and she started posing.  No we did not teach her to pose that way. Everyone walking by was laughing. She is hilarious! 

Jessy girl you are a character.

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Next up 9/11 Memorial, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Greenwich Village etc.

Random iphone pix

 Goofing around at breakfast at La Place.

 Watching snoopy for a few minutes while mom and dad enjoy a cappuccino.

Random giant bike on the side of the freeway.

Jessica tearing apart my kitchen.

 Finally some sun so we can enjoy the garden.

So happy these 2 were playing nicely. 

Jessy girl you are growing so fast!!! 

Breakfast date with mom while C is at school.

Rockin out with Olivia and Sebastian.

Looking snazzy dude.

So fancy.

 Family date night at Loetje.

California part 2: visiting the family in Sacramento

We spent the last part of our trip to California at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Sac.

Playing in the pool is always the activity of choice at Grandma's. 

Jessica loves her little raft. We will definitely be packing this on our summer holidays.

It was so nice of Annemarie and Will to make the trip down from Washington to join our visit. Here we are at the farmers market picking up fresh veggies for dinner and flowers for Grandma :)

We are loving our Never Give Up tote bag! You can get your own here http://thegsf.org/shop.

The cousins enjoying a pre-dinner artichoke.

Grandpa joined us on our trip to check out the California State Capitol.

The capitol building.

We were able to take Connor into the Senate Chamber and the Assembly Chamber. It was an informative and fun experience. Makes me excited to take him to Washington DC someday.

Fun and interesting and not too long.

 

Date Night!!!

Chris and I went on a date night while Grandma and Grandpa watched the kids. 

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa. There is nothing better than leaving your kids with the people who love them most in the world next to us of course! 

We went into Old town Sac for dinner and drinks.

The Firehouse restaurant had amazing food and excellent service!!!!!

Jessy is always posing for the camera! 

We had a nice visit with Uncle Bobby and Great Granddad. They look a bit mad but really they are not they just never smile in pictures.

Just a walk in the park with Grandpa.

Jessica copying Connor per usual.

America! Living abroad has made us more patriotic. We love AMERICA! 

Connor and Chris both love trains so the railroad museum was a must see stop!

Back at Grandma's the kids played and played: board games, basketball, bubbles etc.

 Let me introduce baby Samantha Stone.

 Beautiful baby Samantha and her beautiful mama Andrea.

 A very late story time with Grandma . . . these 2 were SO SO tired.

 Snuggles with Grandma.

 I absolutely love this picture of Andrew and baby Samantha.

Annemarie AKA the baby whispers.

Grandpa playing Yahtzee with C and Natalie.

Jessy modeling her new dress from Grandma. Thank you Grandma!

Daddy doing a super man into the tubes . . . yes he made it!

The cousins . . . not everyone was happy to have their picture taken but at least they are all in the pic!

My super sassy Jessy.

 A little basketball . . .

Daddy and his girl :)

It was such a nice visit. We are thankful we got to see Most of the family. We missed Gracie, Katie and Stephen. Hope to see you all really soon. XOXOX