The Beloved and I were able to escape from real life to do a little touring in NY and of course to also witness the marriage in Central Park of The Beloved's brother to his new little wifey.
We stayed in a fun little apt just a few blocks away from Time Square and the first night there The Beloved and I felt like true New Yorkers when we ordered food and had to buzz the delivery man in. We're growin' up :)
So do we look like tourists or what? I think there were a total of two babies in Manhattan - Ours and The Beloved's brother's. :)
Above is a collage of all the wonderful sites we were able to see during our grayline bus tour of NY. During the tour we also viewed various surrounding towns. I didn't take any pictures of Chinatown but The Beloved and I were shocked to find out that probably over half a million Chinese live in this tiny district that takes up only a couple of blocks. They reside in cramped spaces called sardine housing and the majority are illegal aliens. It was sad yet fascinating at the same time because it really felt like we had magically transferred through a portal to a foreign land.
Ground Zero.
The building at the top shows one of the new towers under construction. It will be a magnificent structure. The picture on the bottom right is a glimpse of the 9/11 memorial. You have to purchase passes to enter the site months in advance so we are viewing it from a window in the World Financial Center.
On the bottom left is a fence filled with tiles surrounding a mechanic's shop. After 9/11 children began placing their decorated tiles for the loved ones they'd lost in the fence. The owner of the business never took them down and if a tile falls off he replaces it.
9/11 was tragic and I felt a hole in my heart when it happened. I was angry and sad that our country was attacked and heartbroken for the poor families who had to endure the actual events. But it's a whole different story when you're actually there. I felt like I was treading on somebody elses business - gawking at their despair. I looked around at the employees working around the memorial and at the World Financial Center and realized that this was there life. This happened to them - it affected me - but it HAPPENED to them.
God Bless them.
How horrible would that be?
We found out on a tour that approximately 300 firefighters died that day; 60 of whom were not on duty. We walked by various fire stations and saw the memorials to the heroes who lives had been lost.
I knew this stuff before but to see it in real life was eye opening.
I love America. I wish we could always have that feeling of camaraderie and hope we resonated in the days following 9/11.
The Baby loved all of the lights, busy-ness, and attention. Above, he is completely absorbed watching a show in the Disney store. Below, he is shocked when I alarm him by saying his name and is brought back to real life outside of the television screen.
The Beloved's brother and his family in Time Square.
I took this picture of Tad's Steakhouse for my cousin and her family. You're famous!
On Friday we went on a cruise tour with The Beloved's parents. It was so beautiful to view Manhatten, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, The Bronx, and Harlem atop the water.
Oh - my Lady Liberty! Isn't she beautiful?!
Below you'll also see Ellis Island, Grant's tomb, the tram (like in Spiderman :)), great views of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, and the pier where, if I remember correctly, The Titanic was supposed to arrive but of course, never did.
On Saturday morning we had the opportunity to attend a session at the NY temple. I cannot describe the feeling of walking around a crazy, busy city and then the peace and reassurance that you feel when you look up and see the House of the Lord. The site seeing in NY was grand but truly felt like a distraction when compared to the tender spirit found in the temple.
Meet the BEST BABY IN THE WORLD! I almost feel guilty - he was so so so so good. The smile you see on his face below made an appearance almost the whole journey, he slept on all of our flights and made parenting feel easy.
The Beloved at the Salt Lake airport feeling exhausted yet happy to be almost home.
Taking a quick nap at Grandma and Grandpa's before we make the drive home.
We loved bonding with this little monkey -
but were so delighted to return home to these little monkeys as well!
Thank you to my parents and dear friend Rami for watching over our munchins!
Next post will be -
The Wedding Photos!
How Fun! :)
P.S. It may take me a couple of days though because the downside to going on vacation is coming home to a full week of dirty laundry. Plus there is an impressive, nasty smell being unleashed from my fridge that I need to tackle. Loooove it!
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5 comments:
Your trip sound like so much fun! Andy's brother used to live just a couple of blocks away from the temple, and we loved every minute while we visited there (especially the temple- like you!)
Your baby is a.dor.a.ble!!! Seriously. Love his cute, cute, cute face!
The Beloved's brother looks so much like him! At first I thought it was him with his arm around another woman... made me laugh-- then I had to re-read what you had written to figure it all out :)
New York city is so exciting and sooo exhausting. I have never been so tired as I was when I got home from my trip there. How fun that you guys got to go experience it. And your baby boy is sure growing up and looking so adorable just like the rest!
Thanks for the special picture. My husband defiantly is famous:) The baby has gotten so big and is so cute! Don't you just love to kiss those cheeks all day long? Glad you had a good trip. And with your husband that just sounds like so much fun.
Well if I had to lose a chance of seeing you I am glad that you had some good fun. love the pictures!!
Great pictures! I love the monkey hats!
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