Webb Family Vacation, Day 2

Take me out to the ballgame...

Friday July 22^nd, 2011 - New York

Our day started around 8:30. We hit the New York City streets early and we were welcomed with a hot, muggy day. One of the hottest they have had in nine or ten years.....just so happy to be a part of it!

We walked to Rockefeller Center and caught a distant glimpse of the Today Show set. We were too late to get in on any of the action or live TV shots. We grabbed breakfast nearby and then headed up to the Top of the Rock observation deck. 

The kids prior to heading up to the Top of the Rock

 The top of 30 Rockefeller Center also has an awesome observation deck – 70 stories up above the New York City streets. We could see straight across to the Empire State building, all the way out to the Statue of Liberty, over Central Park....everything! It was a great view of the surrounding sky line and well worth our time and money.

Chad, Payton, Jess and Owen with the Empire State Building
in the background

Our first family taxi ride in New York City.  Chad was in the front.

 From Rockefeller Center, we hailed our first taxi and headed to FAO Swartz. From the first time I ever stepped foot into FAO Swartz, I knew that I would be bringing my children back someday....this was before Payton had ever been thought of. It was pretty much like I expected – he seemed to be immediately amazed by all the larger-than-life toys and the over-abundance of everything sort of toy you could ever want....ever!! We walked through most of the store and had fun playing with lots of different toys, including the big piano. We picked up two new books – Jack and the Beanstalk and The Beeman! Owen had fun playing with all the HUGE stuffed animals and wanted to take home a large bear. When I offered him a smaller plush toy he pushed it away!

Payton was really excited to find a big "Z.Z."  Z.Z is the tiny zebra
Payton sleeps with at night. 

Making a little music on the BIG piano!

 From the toy store, we headed across for a quick stroll through Central Park. Carson was excited to see lots of the areas that are used in Home Alone. We also pointed out the bridge used in Stuart Little. By this point, we were tired and HOT and completely soaked.

  We had a little trouble finding our next taxi but finally grabbed one and headed to lunch at Juniors. Lunch was great.....but the dessert items looked even better! They are most known for their cheesecake.

After lunch....naptime! For the boys....Mommy was busy getting ready for our evening activity. 

Payton has been talking about the Yankee's game for months and tonight was finally the night! We decided to tackle the subway to get to the game – most of our experience was pleasant – yes, there was a little confusion, one angel sent from the heavens above to point out to us (just because she had overhead us talking) that we were on the wrong level and waiting for the wrong train (who knew there were multiple levels!!), a few crowds, one train with mechanical difficulties, and it seems that I may have lost my small camera on the New York subway (my fault for trying to tackle too many things at once). We made it to (and all the way back) the game on the subway unharmed and in pretty good time. We had great seats. Two home runs were hit to our section. There was "record scoring" by the Yankee's and the game got a little long – the kids got a little hot and the mommy got a little worried about the impending meltdowns. Owen and I made more than one long walk around the stadium!! 

The gangs all here!  Go Yankees!

Derek Jeter

We had to leave somewhere around the 5^th inning – but, that was after 2.5 hours of baseball. The Yankee's won and we cheered for the hometeam! We didn't eat any ballpark food (other than popcorn) because it was too hot to do anything!

We finally made it back to the Westin about 10:45 – sweaty, fussy baby, and no dinner – the best cure for skipping dinner is to make up for it with dessert. Chad and Allen made a quick trip back to Junior's for a slice (or five) of cheesecake. It was better than lunch! After getting Owen to bed, cooling off a little and having some cold water it was just what I needed.

The night would have been almost perfect except I realized I had lost my camera just before bed.....luckily, I don't really remember what great shots I might have had on there – I've been snapping with my small camera and big camera along the way. I just SO MAD at myself for letting that happen. Although I often misplace things, I've never actually lost anything of significant value before.....live and learn.....and wear fanny packs when traveling in New York with kids! I'm sure I dropped somewhere between 42^nd Street and 161^st street.....sheesh!  (**I found my camera the next morning, it was tucked into a small fold on the stroller...and, truly amazing that it made it back from 161st street!**)

Finally, the boys are asleep and I'm still typing away so I don't forget all of these memories!

This morning we asked Payton his favorite part of his day (first flight, Toys R Us, M&M, etc) – his response: Carson!

Tonight, I asked him his favorite part of today (Observation deck, taxi, Central Park, FAO Swartz, the Yankees, etc.) - his response: singing. Singing where (thinking he meant at the game...he did sing at the game)? Meme's room, I sang my ABC's.

Sheesh....all these lights and sounds and so far, his favorites parts are Carson and his ABC's! He and Owen have been pretty good – especially for all the walking and heat. Payton is having a blast and gets really excited to see all the new things. I did love watching his face light up today in FAO Swartz – that was my favorite part of the day, the big toy store!!

Tomorrow, we'll take on a bus tour and a trip out the see Lady Liberty.

Better get some rest!