...in all things love: NYC day 1

NYC was such a fun adventure. Nate was asked to help his Professor with the Oceans Law Conference there at the UN, so they so kindly agreed to let his family come along as well. Mason talks frequently about his love for NYC and says it is his favorite city. He remember well from our visit last summer and again at Christmastime. His favorite thing was when his Uncle Jason bought him candy from the huge candy store (that can't be topped!) Something about NYC that is magical at Christmas, so he was pretty excited as you will see. Driving there was a bit of an adventure, since our GPS tracked us to a different location in Brooklyn. Driving through the poorer parts of downtown Brooklyn at midnight in a large rented SUV full of boxes for the Conference was less than ideal for me - but as always, Nate calmed the tempests and we arrived in midtown safe and sound. Something about being a Mother that makes me feel a little more protective, even though I'm sure there was no actual real danger :). Just a little different scenery than I'm used to, I suppose. So here are some picture of our adventure day 1. Beautiful weather all week, but this first day was off the charts. I want to apologize in advance for the plethora of pictures. There were just so many moments I wanted to hold onto and remember.

Just outside the Hilton where we stayed on 42nd street most of the week- down from Union Station and the Chrysler building. Such a fun spot to spread our wings and explore the city.

Nate showing Mason the Chrysler building who apparently doesn't seem to care too much at this point ).

this city!

Rockefeller Center

first stop

fun for Mason to watch this lady decorate a cake while Nate stood in line to get us breakfast with Stan. Through the window she let him choose the colors. It was the sweetest thing.

feed the birds!

The original

You know what they say - don't mess with big mama

OK - so Nate has the real muscles...

St Patrick's cathedral was captivating

something about those face dimples that just get me.

and that banana pudding!

we also found a monkey in NYC

I think it's safe to say that Stan likes banana pudding. Also, somewhere back there I think is the Empire State Building

Later that day after unloading boxes at the UN and landing safely at my cousin Laura's beautiful NYC apartment for a couple of days, she graciously offered to let our boys play there while we checked out the Tenement Museum. This place! I left with a whole new appreciation for immigrants, NYC, and the dream and promise America holds. Forever grateful for this blessed land that allowed my ancestors to enjoy freedom of religion.

This area of town is not the prettiest - but you really get a feel for what people went through to live here. Several families living in one apartment with no toilets, and just living on bear bones. But that guy right there - he always makes everything a little brighter!

Katz Deli. um...hello! yum.

Pastrami on Rye bread with mustard. If you order Pastrami any other way - it's just sort of, unacceptable. Doesn't look like much, but this sandwich could easily feed two, and is full of flavor and melts in your mouth.

my sunflower boy!

We went back to Laura's apartment again - gathered our peeps, and took off to the Swedish festival at Battery Park. I have some Swedish ancestry through my Dad's side of the family, so when Laura mentioned she wanted to go I was totally on board.