The kids were excited to fly. It was a super quick flight. We landed about 9:30. Boy oh boy was it a bumpy landing from the wind. There were lots of nervous chatter and maybe a few Hail Mary's from me. Mere kept asking me if I was ok lol . (They weren't too excited to fly home because of the landing. Meredith said it made her feel like she was going to get sick. Max still almost 2 months later doesn't ever want to fly. ). Once we landed we took the train to Nick's family in New Jersey where we were going to stay. We hung out a little bit but then turned back around and headed to NYC. It was about an hour to hour and half train ride each way from where we were staying. But none of us minded. The train took us right to Penn Station. We explored Broadway and Times Square. The kids were in aww of all the bright lights of Times Square. Macy's at Herald Square is just across the street from Penn Station. We walked over and checked out the Window Displays (most of the store's windows are decorated with spectacular Christmas displays). Nick and Max had to stop at the hot dog stand ! From Times Square we headed to Rockefeller Center. Along the way, you can check out NBC Studios, the Giant Christmas Ornaments, Radio City Music Hall, and more. Lots of great photo ops!!
We were so excited to see the giant Christmas tree and the ice skating rink. We would have loved to ice skate but it was super expensive. Maybe next time. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller is definitely best seen at night with all the lights.
We walked across the street to St. Patrick's Cathedral. This church was breathtaking. The kids had to light candles. They had a beautiful nativity scene and Advent wreath.
From the church we walked to a little whole in the wall pizza place. I think we ate pizza pretty much the whole trip lol. After we ate we took the subway to the 9/11 museum. I was worried about how the kids would do here. I thought maybe they would be bored. Meredith said this was one of her favorite things and wanted to go back. Nick's life dream was to be a fireman in NYC. He tested a couple times and got close when we found out we were pregnant with Mere. Needless to say we stayed in the Bluegrass State. As soon as you enter the museum you immediately get cold chills. No one talks above a whisper. It is like entering a church. I was so proud of our kids. They were respectful and well behaved. One of the volunteers came up and talked to us as we were looking at some of the fire displays. Her brother was a member of the FDNY and died that day. She told Nick that he reminded her of him which gave me cold chills. The whole experience took you back to that horrible day. I would add the museum to your must see!
We were worn out by the time we were finished and got the next train back to New Jersey so we could rest up for our fun filled Day 2!!
