New York, New York, New York

So, I had to visit NYC for work (tough life), and on a last minute whim, my mom decided to join me. We haven't been to NYC together in almost 10 years, so we were very excited to explore the city and have some one on one time together - sans babies! Our hotel was in a great Midtown location, so we were able to walk almost everywhere we wanted to go.

(Obviously) I watched Serendipity on my flight there, so I could arrive with the hopes and dreams of all NYC has to offer. My mom has never eaten at the actual restaurant, so that was a first stop. (Amazing)

Then we took the Staten Island Ferry for a spin... My mom read this was the best free way to see the Statue of Liberty, and it honestly was! I have been to NYC a few times and never gone to see it - so this trip was a must - and totally worth it.

When we got back from our boat tour, we went to the Financial District pay our respects and honor the memory of those lost on 9/11. The statue of "Double Check", also know as "the Survivor", faces the site of the attacks, and if you Google it you will see that the statue was the only thing standing in the midst of destruction. Then the office building nearby is still completely covered in smoke damage. Erie feeling on those grounds.

 

We also took a stroll down Wall Street. The entire time, all I could think about was the movie The Wolf on Wall Street..... I was sure every man I passed was up to something (illegal).

That evening for dinner, we paid a visit to the iconic Carnegie's Deli. We split one of their sandwiches and a side of onion rings - and didn't even eat half of the half. HUGE. Then of course, we had to get a slice of their world famous cheesecake!

One of my meetings was at the Estee Lauder headquarters, and I have to say, provided the best view of NYC and Central Park. Such a beautiful city.

Really not sure how mom and I never managed to take a picture together, but I will chalk it up to the fact that we were having such a great time exploring that we just rarely thought to stop and document.

We went to the Toy's R Us in Times Square and I bought Fisher all 4 Ninja Turtles, which is apparently the thing right now for 3 and 4 year olds. Mom and I did a little shopping, and a lot of walking. (a LOT of walking) It was such a great few days, and now I am ready to go back again!

Oh, and of course, on the way home.... watched When Harry Met Sally. Like any respectable NYC tourist would do.

Success.

Viva Las Vegas

So. Las Vegas was not only on the list of places I never thought about going to, but it was actually on my list of places I never wanted to go to. (Yes. I watch way too much CSI Las Vegas. I know what happens there.) (And also how to solve the case.)

But lo and behold, I had to go there for a work trip. (I travel a lot for my job. And I realize having to go to Las Vegas is nothing to complain about.) With Las Vegas being on Tanner's "I have to go there" list, he immediately made plans to join me. This obviously made me way more excited to go... I LOVE traveling with him.

So plans were made, and we were off.

First stop upon arrival.... In n Out Burger. It is one of those places you always hear about, so obvi you have to give it a try. I would say prices are comparable to McDonald's, but the food is way better. But at the end of the day, its totally just a fast food burger. And it was worth it! Especially given the fact that as we ate, we realized it was the equivalent of eating a hamburger and french fries at midnight back home. (Super healthy.)

Then we made our way to The Venetian where we were staying. I LOVED our hotel. Right in the middle of everything, had shopping and restaurants (including Carlos' Bakery.. from the Cake Boss.. which was awesome), amazing decor, 2 casinos in house, and the really cool wax museum of celebrities.

We made a trip to the Hoover Dam and made countless references regarding dam bait and dam tours. (Which they clearly hear 268431 times a day, because they did not find it nearly as funny as we did.) The Hoover Dam is quite amazing for modern day, but even more amazing when you think about how long ago it was constructed and what materials they must have been working with.

See that bridge? We climbed to it and walked across it.

Nevada/Arizona border.

View from said bridge that we climbed to.

We also walked the strip and went into all the major casinos (Harrah's, Bellagio, Ceasar's Palace...), we watched the Bellagio fountain show (loved it), accidentally found (scary) Old Las Vegas and saw the Little White Chapel.

This isn't the real Caesar's Palace is it? I didn't think so.

Ole Dolly was our lucky machine for this trip!

To end the trip, we stopped at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign for the obligatory picture.

For someone who never wanted to go to Vegas, I have to say, I would actually love to go back. We had such a great time, and it was so nice to be able to get away... just the 2 of us. (Although we referenced Fisher 500 times a day and FaceTimed him at every opportunity..... : )

Happiest Easter 2014

I love love love Easter. I love doing special things with my boys. I love how big my family is, and that they flock from all over to spend the day together. I love the fact that Jesus saved me in spite of my countless flaws.

We (of course) made it a weekend affair.

Saturday coloring eggs (after a family reunion and a birthday party)... This was Fisher's first year helping with the eggs, and it was a blast! From dropping the tablets in the cups, to adding the vinegar and water, to dropping them (with no caution) in the coloring.

Before Fisher went to bed Saturday night, he wanted to discuss the Easter Bunny. He asked how big he was, but was already convinced he was huge and scary. I diffused the crisis by assuring him the Bunny is no bigger than Madison (our 10 lb Maltese). This seemed to comfort him to some extent, but he still requested that I ask the Bunny to leave his basket on the porch and to not come inside. (Side note: SO glad we didn't take him to Bass Pro to meet the Easter Bunny. Holy meltdown.)

So once he was asleep, Tanner and I assembled the basket and put it by the front door so we would remember to place it outside in the morning.  Glad we did, because F didn't forget our conversation. He meant what he said about the Bunny not being welcome inside.

After we allowed him to eat a chocolate bunny for breakfast, we got dressed and left for service. As much as I want Fisher to have fun with each holiday, I more so want him to understand the true meaning of why we celebrate.

This makes my heart smile.

Church was followed by dinner and an egg hunt with my family. This year, we had 196 eggs. We found 194, so good luck when my Aunt finds the lost two.

Lots of babes!

Big man found the golden egg! $1 and he thought he was LOADED.

My Grandma in the middle, who just had her first Great Great Grandchild.

We went home that evening with full hearts, full bellies, and a sugar crashed 3 year old.

It was a very Happy Easter.

The Amazing Weekend 'Adbenture'

This past weekend was quite honestly the American dream.

Tee-ball, fishing, and a fish fry.

Done and done.

We kicked off Saturday with Fisher's second tee-ball game. HUGE improvement from the first game. (And by huge improvement, I mean he didn't run off the field crying about someone getting the ball instead of him. Not once. And man was he proud of that accomplishment.) It was also our turn to provide team snacks. I will admit that this is something I have looked forward to since becoming a parent. I remember when I was a tot, the best part about a weekend ball game was the snack and drink that would follow. Caprisun was BOGO the week before, so I already had the drinks.... And the evening before, I took Fisher to Publix to select the snacks. Did we just get enough for each child to have one? No ma'am. We had three options. And enough for each child to have one of each option. Obvi. Fisher goes big.

It was also team picture day! See how sweet he is in the individual picture? Now see how confused he is in the team picture? That would be because the photographer barked at the children. I understand the goal was to get them all to look at him. But honestly. He barked. I was just as confused.

That morning, Tanner had gotten up early to get the boat packed and ready to go immediately following the game. He hooked it up to his truck, and we rolled right up to the field ready to take off as soon as the final run was scored. (Dads all over the park were jealous.)

We hopped in the truck, stopped at Publix for subs, and headed to the coast.

To say it was a beautiful day would be a harsh understatement. And this was also the first time just the three of us took the boat out for a Saturday 'adbenture' (as Fisher calls it. And its too cute to not repeat. At every opportunity.).

I took my book (Divergent. READ IT.) and layed out on the back of the boat while my boys caught speckled trout like a boss.

Then we headed in, pulled into my parent's house, and had a family fish fry.

The. Best.

Fisher is still talking about it, and we are eagerly awaiting next weekend so we can do it again!

(Our house is in a constant state of disarray. But hey. We are eating fresh fish.)