Some more NYC

After our mishap with the parade route, we made our way to the highly entertaining China town and all of the tradespeople shoving laminated papers of knock off purses, jewelry, DVD's and every other thing, into your face. I was glad that Heather was an adventurous sort, because we got to see some of the back rooms of the shops there. Oh, I mean those don't actually exist... but I did learn who Jimmy Choo is!

We had lunch at Novella's in Little Italy- we had the most amazing pumpkin soup and gnocchi ever! We followed up lunch with some more walking. We walked our little feet off, experienced 5th Ave, FAO and Heather's amazing piano playing, saw lots of window displays and paused at Rockefeller Center to watch some ice skating.

We ended our crazy shopping day eating yummy stuff at Serendipity! The lemon ice box pie with raspberry sauce, whipped cream and fruit was astounding- you should try it!

Day 3 was great, beginning at the temple- no better place for peace in the big city.

Shopping near Penn Station, a walk by the Empire State building, a quick jaunt through Central Park, and a nice visit to the Metropolitian Museum. It was cool to see the art from the American wing housed in visible storage while they are finishing the space. I can't believe I didn't take a picture. Then to finish out the day, a very long wait for the M72 bus, taking us to Patsy's Pizzeria (on the upper west side) and finishing it off at Crumbs bakery.

Day 4- Sunday, final day. Plan was... check out of the hotel, go to church and spend time with NYC friends, go to St. John and depart- myself a few hours earlier than the others. What actually happened was: check out of hotel, take bus to Port Authority, get downstairs and realize I left a bag on the bus- run back upstairs and just miss the bus heading down the ramp back into New Jersey. Sad face comes upon me- have to wait for another bus to bring it back to the terminal an hour and 15 min. later; wait around- go and look at Times Square during daylight, walk by Bryant Park, go back to wait for the bus. Some communication issues- bus driver went to a different place, then left. Another hour and half wait. Hop on subway to take Carrie and Heather to church, hug friends quickly, head back to Port Authority. Wait an extra 30 min beyond meeting time, finally get bag. Race back to the church in time to change clothes and catch the subway north and get to the bus taking me to the airport. Mental note- never leave anything on the bus!!

So the comedy of errors comes to a close, well not until after Carrie and Heather get back to the airport to find her car battery dead in the parking lot........

Closing up October

Well, I haven't posted much lately, but I have been keeping busy. I had the opportunity to go to Time Out for Women in Kansas City with my sisters Anne and Barbara, and technically, Amy (sis-in-law). We met up with friends from Springfield and Warrensburg and I even got the chance to see some friends from the Lawrence days! It was great to spend the weekend being filled with inspirational messages and music. The line up was fantastic, though I have to admit my favorite was Kris Belcher, who is blind, talking about her challenges and experiences in a down-to-earth manor, and not just that but down right hilarious! Her sense of humor nearly made me keel over with fits of laughter- she is someone I would like to know!

I couldn't have enjoyed myself any more- unless you could have made Kenneth Cope disappear, and a whole village of workers make our lunch at the hotel restaurant more quickly- at least the food was really good! Such a great time- I can't believe I have never been before now!

So next, we have just passed that sugar laden holiday called Halloween. I made the kids fend for themselves this year as far as costumes go, for school Zach was an old man with glasses and suspenders and the whole nine yards- but as the day went on he had a desire to go to the dark side and opted to be the Emperor instead of a nice old man. Last year was great since we were in NYC all we did was get some funny masks from the Met. Museum Store and went to a fun party with some friends from church. The next day (actually Halloween) we just went for a walk and saw all the crazies dressed up riding their bikes through Manhattan.

.

I totally lucked out this year too, on Friday I only had to help out in Bella's class with some games and snacks, then that evening we had our awesome ward party with potluck soups and fresh scones, where everyone got to dress up, and the kids got to play some games and have a few treats, then we came home. No one really mentioned going trick-or-treating the next day- hooray for me! We just worked on some projects at home that have been postponed for a little while, then as evening came upon us the kids wanted to play Dance Dance Revolution, which we had found earlier on that day. So, we have found another home to live in where no one comes trick-or-treating!!!! (Bah humbug, right!!) The kids were just as happy as clams to get candy after they had their turn on the D.D.R.- it was sheer bliss- they didn't even fight about taking turns! Try it, you might like it!

Now I am just getting ready for my next fun adventure......... more to come later!

Another Eli-ism

Well yesterday Eli commented that he didn't want to get the "Slime Flu"! I have to agree with him there- it sounds just terrible!

Anyone have opinions on the vaccine?

Columbus Day

Ok, for some reason I could not get it through my head that this was a holiday. My kids were in school and Joe was at work and I had a thousand things that I have put off that I needed to get done today, but alas I was reminded again and again.

After dropping the kids off, I had to run some errands, first thing on the list: mail a package at the post office- there were cars there and people coming in and out, so it didn't dawn on me that they would be closed- ah yes post office box people, nice! Right after that I loaded up Eli and buckled him in the van and turned right around for my next errand- right over to the bank. Oh brother! But from there I went to Wal-mart which is always open.

Later in the day after a nice lunch with Joseph and Eli I came home and gathered the library books that needed to be returned, we picked up Zach and Kaija from school and headed to the library. The parking lot was full and I got the last good parking place right in front of the entrance, then we saw the note on the door, CLOSED! Now you would think that it would sink in by this time, but after a short visit to the park and a stop to pick up Bella we drove up by the house and I stopped like I do everyday, for Kaija to get the mail! Yes I am obviously not giving Columbus the attention that he deserves! It is almost too embarrassing to admit, but I will get over it soon enough!

Well to close this fine day of forgetfulness, we had the opportunity to go and see Kim Peek, the savant who the movie Rain Man was based off of. And yes he remembers everything- how I wish I could have some of that rub off on me! It was a great thing for our whole family to see, people asked him their questions about any number of things and he answered in his very unique way, sometimes breaking into song or sharing a joke. He has a great sense of humor! I really admire his father for dedicating his life to caring for his son so lovingly.

Check out this clip of him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2T45r5G3kA

My Buddy

This is my buddy Eli- I took a few pictures of him last week when he started Preschool. We opted not to send him to the University Preschool, instead I am taking turns teaching with a couple of friends who also have kiddos the same age as Eli. He loves it, and so do I!

Joe suggests that Eli and I just have way too much fun together!

The Plaza Arts Festival

The Plaza Arts Festival

The moth/butterfly that wanted to come home with each of us!

Kaija's interpretation of the events:

Before we told her not to take pictures of the artwork

My favorite for sure!

(Not the one of my hind quarters, the one of Joe and the street!)

Wings and Things

So last weekend we went to the Kansas City Art Festival (on the Plaza), it has been a few years since we have been able to go and I was very glad for the diversion- I just love creative people and their wares!

As we were driving down the road we came across an establishment called "Wings and Things"; now I don't know what that conjures up in your mind, but we were all completely grossed out. What is... "and Things"? I would like a bucket of wings and throw in 2 cups of beaks and some feet.... or a hammer. We are just not sure about it- has anyone ever been and what are these Things they speak of?

We are getting ready for our semi-annual trip down to Ozark to watch General Conference with Joseph's sister and her family; it has been a long time tradition for us and we look forward to it every six months- the kids have been counting down, so tomorrow evening we will bid Warrensburg adieu for the weekend- I love Conference. So for all of you who have a hankering to go and get some "Wings and Things" Kansas City is the place for you, but as for me and my family- we will be having Andy's Frozen Custard in Springfield!