Webb Family Vacation, Day One, part 2

New York, New York

July 21st, 2011

We were quickly whisked from the airport to the Westin to begin our 4 day stay in New York. Payton and Owen both stared out the windows in amazement at all the sights and sounds. Payton didn't have too many comments – I really think he didn't know what to think or what to say.

 After getting settled, we headed for a very early dinner – after all, we had skipped both breakfast and lunch and Chad's parents, sister, etc had been awake since around 3 am. We had a fabulous dinner at Carmine's. Family style italian was just perfect for our group. Owen and Payton must have been starving because I'm fairly certain they both ate adult servings.

Enjoying dinner at Carmine's in Time Square.

After our meal, we headed onto Broadway and into the middle of Times Square. It was HOT and it was crowded. We pointed out all the tall building, bright lights, super sized billboard signs and ever changing television screens. 

 The kids eyes were wide with excitement! We made our way to the Disney store, the M&M store (were we made our 1^st tourist purchase....an expensive bag of “create your own” M&M's).

An entire wall of M&Ms!

 Who can resist an entire store of M&M's!?! 

 We crossed the street to the Hersey store. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! Finally, we made our way to the GIANT Toys-r-Us store. For today, we decided to only ride the ferris wheel – yes, an indoor ferris wheel. Chad and I rode with all the kids. It was fun – but we were all growing tired and more and more hot by the minute. We grabbed a sweet treat at Roxy's and headed back to the room for the night.

My favorite parts of the day:

• seeing Payton on the flight (worst part was Owen crying on the flight)
• his amazement at the big buildings
• Owen pushing his head against the windows – on the plane and in the room – to get a better look at all the new sights
• finally getting to take them into the big toy store!

Worst part of the day:

• Owen crying on the flight and not being able to help him at all
• DID I MENTION IT IS SO HOT HERE???

We had to get rested up. Friday was going to be a BIG day.

The plans include the Today Show, Rockefeller Center and the observation deck, Central Park, lunch, an afternoon nap, and an evening cheering on the Yankee's!

It is probably going to be a long week – and the kids are probably going to be wild and cranky with different routines and sleep schedules – but I am certain I will leave here happy that we made this trip. Payton (and Owen...though he will have no memory) has already been able to see a few of the sights that amazed me most when I made my 1^st trip to New York – in my mid-twenties. On my first trip, I just kept thinking that it would be SO fun to see New York as a small child – so much excitement and amazement – and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to give this experience to my children. If only the heat wave would give us a break.......so, yes, I may be cranky a few times too and I may think “what were we thinking?!?!” a few more times before this adventure is over, but we are here to enjoy it and that we will surely do! 

 Good night from the Big Apple!