NCY

My parents celebrated their 40th anniversary this month. They wanted to celebrate by spending a day/night in the city (and as crazy as it seems wanted to bring us and the kids along too!). I just love going in the city during Christmas time and seeing all the traditional sights, I know Brooks would have loved this too and was sad that he had to miss out because of work. Here are some pics from our adventure into NYC.

Stopping for a snack - big pretzels are my absolute favorite!

We went to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. I was a little nervous about how Lily would do (you know with the screaming thing and all), but she did great! Before the show she let out a scream and the older couple in front of me immediately turned around. I assured them that if she did it during the show I would escort her out. As soon as the music and dancing began she started bouncing around in my lap and was just so happy. I took her out for a couple short breaks, but was able to sit and watch almost the whole show. I have to say I was impressed with her especially because the show was at 3:30 and she hadn't napped at all that day!

Gracie loved the show too, especiall

seeing Santa and the the Rockettes dancing.

After the show we took a walk to see the Christmas tree and ice skaters at Rockafella Center. The girls took turns in the stroller because the double stroller I had was just not going to work with all those people and snow...

Nana and Lily

Lily loves her Aunt TaTa

We even got to see Elmo in the city! After wondering why we kept seeing random characters walking around the city (which Grace was not too excited about), Elmo held out his money bag to collect some cash after his visit with Lily...

From there it was out to dinner to celebrate! Grace fell asleep before we made it to the restaurant and slept through the entire dinner. Lily did a great job and allowed me to eat my whole meal - the food was delicious too!

Happy Anniversary

After dinner we walked through time square. Lily was loving all the people and lights, I think she is our city girl! After a long day and no nap (and being on her best behavior!) she finally gave in and fell asleep in my arms a few minutes after taking this picture...

The next morning we took a

walk to FAO Shwartz and the kids had a blast.

Grace really enjoyed dancing and

running around on the piano with her cousins!

Lily loved running and around and exploring the store. Too bad this elephant was hundreds of dollars, lucky for me she settled for a ball instead.

Thanks again mom and dad for fun times

and memories that will last forever!

Congratulations Kristen and Steve!

Kristen and Steve had the most amazing wedding! The church was beautiful and although they had 5 flower girls, I was a little nervous that Grace wasn't going to make it down the aisle. With no nap, she was in rare form by 3:30 and had to be bribed with the promise of lots of chocolate to perform her duty. As she walked down she waved and shouted in that sweet little voice, "Hi Daddy" which nearly brought a tear to his eye. She also sat quietly (for the most part) during the ceremony, unlike Lily who had to be escorted out by Brooks (the girl loves to scream when she is excited!). The reception was picture perfect and we had lots of fun. Grace was really tired after a long week and fell asleep while I was holding her on the dance floor. We had a wonderful time and are so happy for Kristen and Steve.

The Newlyweds

Dad and Mom

Poppy and Nanny

Thanks to Mary K for taking lots of pictures and

sharing them on FB (most of these are hers)!

Daddy and Lily

Our hands go in our mouth when we

are not in the picture taking mood...

Photo Shoot at the Lighthouse

Sisters

Jen and Dennis

All the Kiddos

Nana and Grace

Three Generations

Getting very sleepy...

Alli on the Drums

Morgan had the Moves

Sadie the Bridesmaid

Rehearsal Dinner

Thursday came fast and it was time for the rehearsal dinner already! The food was great and it was lots of fun. The only part of the night that was a big dissapointment was when I discovered my camera was broken. I think it must have been dropped earlier that day at the nail salon without me knowing. It still took pictures, but I was unable to see them and I wasn't really sure if they were actually taking . Thank goodness for Facebook because I've stolen lots of pictures that other people posted from the wedding...

The Cute Couple

The Girls

Morgan, Gabby, Alli and Lily

Nanny and Poppy

Just loved being able to spend time with them!

Jake is just so sweet and helpful with the girls!

Lily loves her Papa

Morgan made sure her front tooth was out just in time for the wedding...

Wednesday in NY

Wednesday we spent the afternoon on the Reale's boat. I just love being on the water, especially with them! Grace had lots of fun playing on the boat and swimming in the water.

The Girls

Help me Daddy

She loved going in deep without her life jacket...

Captain Grace

While we were having fun on the water, Nana took care of Lily and Papa was the airport shuttle for family arriving for Kristen's wedding. Once everyone arrived we went out to dinner to start celebrating.

Nanny and Poppy

Uncle Frankie and Aunt Lois

The Bride to Be and Morgan

Friends in NY

I feel pretty lucky to still have a great group of friends that I grew up with in NY. Although we don't see each other much, we always have a great time when we get together. I just love seeing the kids play with each other and since my mother watches most of them, they are all pretty comfortable at the house!

Do you think she has enough floatation devices?

Lily loving the water!

Kiera and her Daddy

Lauren

Gregory (AKA Batman)

Batman decided to put all the dads in jail that night

(I don't think Brooks minded as long as he could bring his beer).

Owen loves cupcakes!

Anthony and his Daddy

Congratulations to Sally and Jorge who are

expecting their first baby in November!