As Christmas presents, Gloria asked for a beach trip and the boys wanted to join Dad on one of his work trips to NYC. We made it all happen in January. Gloria and Amy went for a weekend in mid-January to Laguna Beach south of LA. They stayed with our good friend Nicole and her daughter, Olivia, and had an amazing time enjoying the ocean, long walks and great food as well as time with dear friends. The next weekend was a great weekend for the boys to join Dad on a work trip. We came in on Thursday and were able to stay for the full weekend through Sunday.
First photos: Amy and Gloria in LA. They had an amazing time. Inside info: you might notice by the volume of photos who tends to take most photos in the family when we travel. :)
Gloria and Amy ready for head off for fun.
Landed!
Fun in the sun!
Such a great time with friends!
The next weekend, it was time for the boys' trip. Ready for take off!
We arrived, checked into our hotel and started our adventure with a trip to Grand Central Station.
In the basement is one of Chad's favorite places -- Grand Central Oyster Bar. These guys love Oysters, so we were all in a bit of heaven.
First NYC subway ride! Traveling like locals.
We spend our first afternoon at the Met.
We loved the Greek and Roman section of the Met, seeing pieces from 5000 years ago!
We also loved the Egyptian section.
Amazing! Temple from 2000 years ago that was moved here when a damn required it to be moved somewhere!
We spent a good amount of time in the American section of the Met.
Amazing to see the Washington Crossing the Delaware.
First look at Times Square!
That night, (still day 1), Chad had his work dinner. We arranged for the boys to go by themselves to see Book of Mormon on Broadway. They had an amazing time and it ended just as Chad's dinner ended, so we were able to meet up immediately after.
Before heading back to the hotel, no New York day is perfect without a slice of NY style pizza.
Day 2 started with a focus on the Financial District. We started at the Oculus.
We had a scheduled tour of the powerful 9/11 Memorial Museum. So very well done.
We arranged to go the both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Landed at Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty.
There she is!
A nice museum within the base of the museum.
The climb begins!
Climbing in the interior was extraordinary. You can really see the form of the whole statue.
We made it to the crown!
Oliver.
Luke.
This is the indent of her nose!
After Liberty Island we had a boat ride to Ellis Island.
The registration room where so many people were processed starting in the 1890s.
We have two new Junior Rangers!
Back in Manhattan, we saw the bull.
We also saw Wall Street.
And Federal Hall.
And the Freedom Tower.
We also made a final stop at the 9/11 site.
We headed back to Midtown for the evening.
First look at Rockefeller Plaze.
Chad's firm's NYC office is in Rockefeller Plaza, so we stopped in to enjoy the views.
We grabbed burgers before our evening show.
Another Broadway show?! Why not? We got to see Chicago on Broadway.
What a show!
Day Three started with a visit to the top of the Empire State Building.
Oliver.
Luke.
We headed to the East Village, had a great meal at the Essex Market (Thai inspired burgers) and then found this great records store.
We arranged a tour at the amazing Tenement Museum. We did a specific tour focused on Irish immigrants arriving in the mid 1800s, like many of our own ancestors, including Bridget Brennan, who we have been learning more about in our own research. The tours gave us insight into daily life for immigrants, living conditions and the lives they led.
Luke.
Next stop: Chinatown. The sights, sounds and smells were extraordinary!
Nearby, Little Italy.
Luke with gelato.
Oliver with a Cannoli.
Washington Square Park.
Luke.
Saturday night, there was a show at Lincoln Center that Luke was excited to see. So we got him a ticket. Oliver and I were more up for a dinner and convo across the street. The Lincoln Center broadcasts their shows live, so we joined in the lobby for the last half. It was the NY Philharmonic playing Rhapsody In Blue! It was amazing. Luke had a great time and so did we.
We followed the show with a late dinner in Koreatown. BBQ at a place I've long loved. It did not disappoint. These two love it.
On our last day, we attended mass at St. Patrick's.
We checkecd out the Lego Store on 5th Avenue.
We walked past the Plaza Hotel.
We enjoyed a nice walk through Central Park.
We made our way to the American Museum of Natural History -- the Night at the Museum museum!
Luke and Uncle Teddy.
Time to head back to Chicago. What a great trip!
