East Coast Vacation Part 5

The New York leg of our trip was rounded out with Matt's cousin, Lisa, her daughter, Claire, and Matt's Grandma (Granny) coming for the day on Friday and staying for Shabbat dinner.  We spent the evening outside in the warmth and Emma relished the last few moments in the hammock, which was her favorite spot all week.

Saturday morning we were off to shabbat service at Shuvah Yisrael where we saw tons of old friends, and I shed a few tears...almost as soon as we entered the building.  Then, we were off to Pennsylvania for Messiah Conference!

It was too short of a time in New York, much too short.  There are  lots and lots of things I would have loved to do, but until next time...

East Coast Vacation Part 4

On Thursday of our vacation out east we took Emma and Siri to Central Park on an "Enchanted" tour.  Matt was brilliant to bring along the movie on his iPad so that we could recount each scene from the movie as we came to the places in the park.  I was such an awesome day, though we had a couple of major meltdowns directly related to heat, lack of snacks (silly mom), and a skipped nap.  We planned on walking past the Central Park Zoo to see the clock because Emma loves the Penguins of Madagascar cartoon so we gave the girls a choice of picking out something to buy in the gift shop or taking a carriage ride.  They, of course, couldn't agree on a choice, so we caved, agreeing to buy small gifts from the shop (small, meaning inexpensive, was easier said than done), and taking a carriage ride.  Siri lost her privilege of buying something, but she was the one pulling for the carriage ride.  It was amazing, and I just felt at home again, being in the city.

All hot and exhausted we took the subway back to Queens where we had parked our car just down the block from our former apartment.  Nothing has changed.  I love it.  My old stompin' grounds.

Since we were a little late due to traffic and lengthly carriage rides we stopped several places on the way back to Westbury picking up things needed for the open house that we hosted at Matt's parents'.  We rounded out the day talking with friends from Shuvah Yisrael and Matt's cousin Tovah.

Great day.

East Coast Vacation Part 3

After our fantastic day at the Queens zoo had us all wiped out we just hung out at home (Matt's parents' house) and 3 of "my girls," formally from the Shuvah Youth Group came over to hang out with our kids.  Emma stepped right up and bossed them around.
Day 3 was spent soaking up the last few moments with Jake and Heather and Rachel.  It was SO awesome to see them and spend time with them, to chat, and reminisce, and talk about how much we took living close for granted those years ago.
In the evening we met up with a whole pile of our former youth group members at John's Pizzeria in Times Square for a refreshing evening of talking and laughing about all the crazy memories we share.  I am so proud of all of "my kids" and get emotional thinking about them, what they've accomplished, and how so stinkin' little they used to be!

East Coast Vacation Part 2

For our second day in New York we all went to the Queens Zoo.  This was nostalgic for me because it was so close to our apartment and easy for me to take the girls to.  There is a part with exotic animals such as crocodiles and sea lions and pudus, and a separate section for feeding farm animals.  Matt was so surprised that I was so generous to buy ice cream for everyone (let alone just for our kids), but in reality I was so happy to be "home" that my cup overflowed...with cash. :)

East Coast Vacation Part 1

Two days ago we came back from probably the best family-visiting vacation that I've ever been on.  For 2 1/2 weeks we were on the east coast soaking up the love of family, best friends, messianics, and sunshine!
The two weeks leading up the trip were spend cleaning house, washing clothes, packing summer clothes (because we don't wear them here), prepping travel activities, and enthusiastic anticipation.  Every time that I thought about seeing the lights of Manhattan, hugging family, and riding the subway I would tear up!

We arrived at JFK on Sunday night, June 26, after a long, but pretty smooth flight.  There was a lot of turbulence, but the kids didn't get too antsy until the last couple of hours...nothing a little ice cream (from compassionate Delta flight attendants) and Jake and the Neverland Pirates couldn't remedy!  The next day was spent playing in the sprinkler with cousin Rachel, as Jake and Heather were already on Long Island.  Matt's extended family came from New Jersey and we celebrated Ty's upcoming birthday, and everyone got gifts!  It was such a great day!