More New York....

Day two in New York City went a little like this....

We started the day with a walk around Times Square.  The boys decided that M&M World was their favorite shop.  I have to admit, you can buy some pretty funky colored M&M's there.

We then took the subway up to the Museum of Natural History (which was exciting for the boys since "Night at the Museum" was filmed there).  Here are the boys and Jackie on the front steps (Ben is hiding behind the lady on the left as he was angry that we had to go outside for this photograph!).

Here are Ben and Jackie next to the biggest mosquito ever found.  Apparently is was found in the Amazon valley in 1962 (although I might be making that up).

Here, the boys and I pose next to some statues made by somebody (hard to keep it all straight, that place is huge!).

Jacob poses with his favorite flightless waterfowl.

Ben and a giant wheel he says is from "Indiana Jones".

And of course, even in New York, the boys have to play a few video games.  The third floor of the ESPN Zone is a great place to play them since they also have a bar!

After all that activity, Jacob, Ben and Jackie had to take a bathroom break at a Subway restaurant before the family embarked on.....

...the night bus tour of New York!  This is a self portrait as the bus pulls out of Times Square.  It was a two hour tour that hit many of the highlights of the city (including the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, views of the Statue of Liberty and much more).  What a great way to end the day (along with the slices of pizza we picked up on the way back to the hotel!).

It certainly was a great weekend and the entire family is looking forward to a return visit next summer.

Yankee Stadium!

We were at the Stadium yesterday for the big Yankee comeback!  Here are a few pictures from the day:

Jackie and the boys before the game.

The Yankees had a special message for Jackie!

The view from our seats (first row of the upper deck above the Phillies on deck circle).  Great seats!

More from NY later....

Sunday at ChuckECheese!

Hey folks, it's me, George, dropping in to blog on our Sunday birthday party experience at ChuckECheese (it was a party for one of Ben's friends).  Here's some of the action:

Ben wasn't sure exactly what game he wanted to play but he sure was happy (can't you tell from that smile?).

In the end, he most loved racing against his mother.  Jackie was able to edge him out in the race, but just barely (watching the race, I had to wonder which of them held an actual license).

Ben needed a little comforting from Erin when the real ChuckECheese made his appearance as he is not a big fan of costumed crazies running around (luckily Jackie was there to comfort me as well).

And of course Jacob and his best buddy Brendan managed to run through about $30 of tokens in a half hour, converting them into tickets with which they were able to purchase roughly $2.37 worth of merchandise.

All in all, a great time.  What better way to spend a Sunday?

Out with the Girls!

I got away this weekend with my girlfriends from college to shop until we dropped at the Brimfield Antiques Fair.  This was my second time there so I knew what to expect and was no longer a wide-eyed newbie.  We had a fantastic time.  I found some great (and useful) treasures and had fun with the girls.  We also made a stop at a super Homegoods/TJ Maxx.   A few glasses of white wine also added to the fun.  Here are some pictures from the day.  Kathy and Laura - can't wait to do it again in September.  (Julie - you'll be able to join us too!)

Kathy and Laura posing for the camera with Laura modeling an apron she bought.

Kathy checking out the dishes.

Laura contemplating a purchase.


Not sure why these mannequins were there....but I had to take this shot!  Very odd...

The Deck is Done!

Over the winter I decided I had to do something different with our outdoor deck.  Last year I had a table out there with chairs and an umbrella.  We seldom used the space and I knew that I needed to mix it up this year.  A brand new set of outdoor furniture was out of the question so I used what I had, with a few new pieces and 3 cans of spray paint, to set up more of a seating area.  I like it and hope to spend more time enjoying the deck this year (while continuing my quest for the perfect summer cocktail!).  

I hate Black Flies!

This was a nice cup of coffee I was trying to enjoy outside until I was attacked by the black flies, Mayflies, No See Ums, or whatever else you want to call these nasty insects!