Mary Blake takes Manhattan

Almost 2 weeks after returning back from vacation my family flew up for Labor Day weekend. Now normally a trip would not be planned so close to when I'm south, but it all started b/c I wanted MB to come visit before she turned 2 (and had to pay for a plane ticket) and then it just all worked out with some generous friends who let us stay in their apt to me having a long weekend off work and you get the picture.  Gary stayed home to work but everyone else was able to come! 

The weekend was full of lots of parks, including Central Park, Riverside Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Washington Square Park.  We ate at some of our favorites (Alices Tea Cup and Cilantros) and I introduced them to a couple new places! We rode the Carousel in Dumbo (how cool is it that there is a carousel out over the water btwn 2 bridges) and ate pizza at Grimaldis! We made the usual stop at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, which is my all time favorite icecream and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge.  For my sister's birthday (a little early) I took her to see "Once" on Broadway which I would highly recommend going to see if you want a great show with great music!  My dad and I did a double decker bus tour one night which was actually a great way to see the beautiful skyline and lights of the city and learn some cool history.  We took the path to Hoboken New Jersey one day and visited "Carlos Bakery" (home of Cake Boss) and got lots of delicious pastries. We went shopping in Soho and my sister and visited a couple different street fairs.   We did lots and lots and lots of walking and played with the Blakester and enjoyed the beautiful weather in the city!  

Although I can't say doing the city with an almost 2 year old is the easiest thing (I have a new respect for all the moms in this city who carry strollers up and down subwy stairs), Mary Blake did really well!  She is such a spunky little girl with lots of personality!  I think one of our favorite moments of the weekend was when we were walking through Columbus Circle where some street dancers were getting ready to do their performance. MB, who LOVES to dance, heard the Cupid Shuffle playing and stopped right there and danced her heart out.  I mean danced enough to draw a small crowd. Even one of the street performers was impressed with her.  It was completely awesome! Too bad we didn't have a bucket....we could have collected some money!  Just Kidding:-)

Pictures from the weekend....

Time Square really is like no other place in this world

We taught MB about throwing pennies in the fountain. She LOVED allt he fountains in the city

 Notice the man in Bethesda fountain helping himself to all the change that has been thrown in.  That's NYC for you!

Hand in hand walking through Poets Walk

Hanging out in Sheeps Meadow

MB LOVED all the playgrounds. I tried to take her to several while she was here!

Such a little city girl.  

Watching the sunset over the Hudson River

It's always fun to have my family in the city and show them my world. I spent the whole weekend trying to teach MB to say Manahattan and New York. She never really got it, but even without saying the words I think deep down she really loves this city of mine too!:-)I am so thankful Catherine is willing to bring her up to see me!

I know this is one big, fast paced, exhausting, and expensive city to come visit, but thankfully my family still makes the effort to come and we always have a good time! 

It was a great Labor Day weekend!