New York: Part 4 Central Park

The evening of our first day, when we were all beat and tired and hot, we ended up in beautiful Central Park.

I cannot tell you the feelings it brings to my heart to have given my children this experience of traveling. Since our trip, whenever they see the park, or a show set in New York, they remember.

This trip was to celebrate our ten-year wedding anniversary that is coming up in December. Of course it would have been much cheaper, simpler, faster, to have gone by ourselves. But that is the thing, it was so much better taking our kids with us.

I love sharing my dreams:

Hot dogs and pretzels in Central Park.
(really stale hot dogs and pretzels.)







(She was the only smart one, she is only pretending to eat here. She spit is out immediately.)





Kids were enthralled with the rocks.











And the bridges.



It was a short stay that day in the park, I wanted to go back, the kids wanted to go back.

Hopefully one day we will.

New York: Part 3

My family arrived bright and early, courtesy of the red eye flight.

They came looking ragged and sleepy. Luckily we were able to sneak in a small nap for them at The Hilton before we had to attempt a check in at The Wingate. A little known secret if you haven't been to New York: good luck finding a hotel room to accommodate five people. So I lied. I blatantly lied that we only had 2 kids and spent my entire time in New York hiding that fact from the hotel.

Unluckily they wouldn't allow us to check in until 3. (Effers) So we dropped off our stuff at the hotel and went walking. The kids were in jammies, I hadn't thought ahead to change them, thinking they would let us check in early. I had changed Millz, but not the other kids, so off we went after breakfast/brunch at the RUDEST Burger King on the planet, then off to the largest Macy's on the planet. We got the kids some clothes and then we went walking...and walking...and walking. (Please ignore the black film line on my scans, I didn't notice it until uploading, as I edit on a black background...that is changing right now.):

Still exhausted. Sweet thing.



Joth lost a tooth in NYC! It was amazing the Tooth Fairy found him SO far away from home.







Uhm, most definitely my most favorite photo at the moment.

We ended up at FAO Schwarz, the famous toy store (or infamous if you are not going to buy your kids a thing...i.e. me), and finished up with a walk on the 'Big' piano. That was rad. I loved that movie when I was a kid. We would watch it over and over and over while staying at my aunt's house. It was fun for us adults and super fun for the kids.

Making a belt out of a plastic bag. We are stellar parents in case you were wondering.







Probably my favorite view our entire trip. Love looking at these tiny, squishy feet.

Stay tuned for more New York minutes later this week.

New York: Part 2

A little photo I like to call, "Red Eye"

This was day one in New York, and they were EXHAUSTED.

More New York fun all week long.

New York: Part 1

It is no surprise that the first place I went while in NYC was Ground Zero. St. Paul's Chapel, and the 9/11 Memorial Museum to be exact.

While, a beautiful place, I couldn't help feeling off. I am not sure if it was because there were SO many people there, and it was a church after all, and all of the noise? Or if it was because this spot of ground was where so many people died. I am not sure, I just expected it to be a peaceful place. Quiet, solemn.

When I got home and got my film scans back. The feeling of peace and solemnity finally came. It was as if I needed to capture those feelings inside myself to actually feel them. Which I think I did using my lens.

Hope you enjoy:

hearts

Sometimes, there are no words. Sometimes a photo can really say a thousand words.

This week has been a roller coaster. One full of many tears and sorrows, one full of happy news and excitement. Lost a dear friend this week, found out many friends are expecting, both biologically and adoptive-ly (I am certain that is NOT a word.)

Needless to say, my heart is full.

Full of hope.

Full of gratitude.

Full of love.

What has your week been like?