NYC!

 I sat in my car one day, preparing to drive to work, when I realized how ridiculously warm it was for February, the coldest year of the month. 

We had no plans for February break. We normally find an ocean, but this year we moved that to April.  I texted Jeff. "Do you want to take the kids to NYC next week?"  

He texted back.  "Yes."

Done.  By the end of the day we had transportation and hotel reservations for NYC the next week.  A previously undesirable location in the dead of February.  

We had one stumble block in our plan.  Dyl came down with a stomach virus the night before, before we were supposed to leave.  It was bad.  That poor baby's body didn't rest for 10 hours.

Luckily, other than weakness and exhaustion, he was ok to travel.  

We took the train.

Totally the best way to travel.  It was spacious, comfortable and relaxing.  

Our hotel was 2 NYC blocks from Penn Station.  It was a great hotel.  The room was not a closet, not that we spent much time in it!

Hotel staircase

After settling in, we decided to find the Empire State Building.  Things have changed since I have been there last.  Now there is an entire museum leading you up to the top. 

Meg Ryan just went in an elevator and pushed a button.

There are interactive exhibits, stories to hear, photo ops, etc.

But the view is very cool.  We summited just before dusk.

After the ESB, we had dinner reservations.  I chose a trendy place midtown, not too $$$$$.  I chose well.  Food is delicious.  I love to eat!

luc

At this point, train, dinner, ...we kind of thought all was smooth sailing for Dyl.

Totally we thought wrong!  He spent the majority of his time in a comotose sleepless state during Wicked.  Even the brief interruption of his father spending $150 on drinks couldn't shake him from his slumber.  

I can just imagine what the people above us in the theatre were thinking.  Entitlement.

Eva LOVED Wicked.  So even though 1/4 of us slept through the performance, it was worth it to me.

I love New York.  I had such a good time.  I love the pulse of the city.

And I am all about street food!

The next day we took a boat tour that let us explore the lower Manhattan/Brooklyn area.  Dyleva got to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.  

Have I mentioned I love NY?

After that morning, we walked through lower Manhattan.  Exploring the city streets.  We were trying to find the popular request of Chinese food for lunch, but we couldn't find a restaurant; only take out. 

When, all of a sudden, in the middle of Chinatown, a beacon calling me forth (with a bathroom) an outdoor Mexican eatery.

It was sooo good. 

After that, we walked around.  We found some thrift stores.  We did a little shopping, and then eventually headed back you our hotel.  

We briefly rested.  And then I tood Eva to the Broadway Muesum!  This is a brand new museum that opened up during Covid.  The boys went to a Rangers Game in Madison Square Garden. 

The museum was a little interactive.  It definitely encompassed the history of Broadway and so many shows!

Here are some highlights:

We had a great time.  I was so impressed to see the number of musicals represented throughout the museum.  

After the museum, Eva and I found an outdoor Irish pub.  It had a delicious menu!  We ended up getting all appetizers but it was sooo good!

Eva tried falafel for the first time.  

Our restaurant had a sky bar.  We decided to check it out!  So cool!

We explored Macys and other shops in Midtown.  We found Herald Square.  We found Milk Bar!!!

The boys had a great time at the Rangers game!

Next morning, we decided to visit the Natual History of Science Museum.  I may have messed up that name.  

At first... we were a little skeptical.  It was a lot of "look at this ancient display behind glass".  

But it did get better as we continued.