We did so much in one day that it felt like a week. I needed to honor Mary for the amazing woman that she is and my daughter for making me so proud this year and what better way to do it than a day in NYC. With a birthday on the 10th and 12th it was just too perfect.
First stop was St Patrick's Cathedral (Ash Wednesday and all). It was amazing to be able to show them that gorgeous structure that I had taken for granted all those years. Sometimes I have to remind myself that what was just regular for me growing up is pretty darn special for the others who did not have that chance. The stream of tourists reminded me. People from all over the world snapping photos all day snapped me back to a kid bouncing through the streets of Manhattan.
We cruised through Rockefeller Center for a peek at the ice and a photo with the flags on our way to a warm breakfast at McDonald's. We all know the woman needs her coffee! This little break prepped us for what was about to happen. The Amercian Girl store....
The revolving doors brought us into a world I had not known existed. I've heard of the place but had NO IDEA. My (almost) nine year old's face throughout made it all worth it. We took in the history, checked out the outfits and laughed quite a bit. At one point when we found earrings for the doll I made a joke about taking her to Piercing Pagoda at the mall. Our laughing fit went on for some time and we were shushed by the child only to find out at the register that we had to take the doll to the salon for a piercing. Mary's reaction to this was one that will stick with me forever when I am in need of a laugh. The entire event was an SNL skit in the making. My daughter was thrilled and I have to say I didn't mind watching my (growing up so quickly) little girl have so much adoration for a doll.
A brisk walk down 5th Avenue beyond the diamonds and models and couture brought us to our next destination...FAO! I told the children their heads might explode so we were prepared for anything. A parent enjoys certain moments and THIS was truly one of them. The wonder of it all was not lost on these little guys. We scoured every aisle and corner of the store and took photos of the lego wookie, etc. Ethan came out with handcuffs and a sheriff badge...only my kid would find those essentials in a store like that.
No trip is complete without a slice of pizza. This was followed by a walk through Times Square to our theater. After all of this it was funny to finally reach the destination that sparked the entire birthday trip...Wicked at the Gershwin. The morning had brought us so much excitement that we couldn't imagine it getting any better. But OH, did it!!!
It was the first Broadway show for the three of them and my first time seeing Wicked. I now see why people go back time and time again. It was truly amazing. Truly. Amazing. Amazing. Truly!
Oh and let the record show that though Mary had to run across the street for a hot dog from a cart at one point...I spent the entire Ash Wednesday in NY...MEATLESS. Wasn't easy.
As we drove by the staples of the city I loved watching them take it all in. Buildings that my Dad had helped make beautiful were right there in front of us. Places I have been to time and time again felt new and different with my new guests. Some things have changed...NY is a prettier city than ever before. Cleaner and friendlier. The stores are a sight to behold and the people are larger than life. The pizza smells still stop you in your tracks. We walked for quite a bit without complaint of little legs being tired or feet getting sore. There is an energy in the city that feeds you as you pass along the sparkling sidewalks and gorgeous buildings. This day was perfect. It was everything I wanted it to be for my new tourists. A seed has been planted as was demonstrated on the way home with plans for future adventures pouring from their mouths. We waved goodbye to the Empire State Building and promised the island we would be back again soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment