I love NYC

Warning: This post may be all over the place.  We got back from NYC, head over heels in love with the place.  I must say, I am quite surprised.  Before we left I must have thought a dozen times "We'll either love it  here or really not like it."  Brett and I are rarely lukewarm people, in fact, almost never.  We left early in the morning last Saturday and I read a thriller type of book (which I NEVER do) to keep my mind from going to a place of fear, flying without the girls.   Upon arrival we had a shuttle booked and you all, as soon as we started to drive into the city a NYPD helicopter hovered over the road, ready to capture someone.  I mean really?!  Unbelievable.  Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!

We were staying near Times Square at the Hampton Inn Times Square South, which was so incredibly nice and the people were so helpful as soon as we got there, taking our bags for the afternoon.  The first place we headed was Times Square.  It was crowded and I fell in love immediately.  And really, my reasoning for "why" goes for the whole entire city. SO many different types of people and languages being spoken and clothing types.  Old people, young people, and everything in-between.  I've never seen so many different types of people all in one place before and it was simply beautiful.  Plus, all the neat lights and sights! 

We spent the rest of the day wandering the big touristy spots.  We walked so, so much! It was incredibly fun to see places we'd only seen on t.v.  

There were police men/women everywhere, the city was crawling with them! We felt more than protected, even when you could only shuffle through a crowd because it was so thick. 

Later that night we headed to see a broadway show called Something Rotten, a musical about the first musical.  I picked it out after seeing one of their songs during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I decided if we were going to see a show I wanted to laugh and laugh. Not go anyplace serious in my mind and cry.  Just laugh. 

Something Rotten definitely made us laugh a million.  Our seats were great and I made friends with the lady sitting next to me. 

We discovered a breakfast spot down the road from our hotel that we ate at two mornings in a row.  Rustic Table was first and foremost, absolutely delicious.  I had a salmon omelet and salmon sandwich (one each day) and both were mouth-watering good.  Plus the decor was gorgeous, the coffee perfection.  We just loved this gem of a place so much!  

After breakfast Sunday we wandered over to the Circle Line boat tours because we'd bought a pass that included a ride.  As we walked up they asked "Want to ride the 10:00? It's about to leave!"  We quickly said "Sure!" and hopped on.  My, how glad we were that we said yes!  This tour was amazing.  We got to see views of the city, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.  We stood outside on the boat the whole time and it was so windy! We were blessed with weather in the 60's while we were there so the only cold part was on this boat.  

(oops, an out of order photo….but a top favorite from the trip.)

Next we went to Intrepid.

Chelsea Market was our pick for lunch.  This was a top fave for me.  Everything was styled so creatively and there was good, diverse food everywhere we turned.  I turned to Brett at one point and asked "Is this Heaven?" I mean they had paper chains from the ceilings and a Christmas tree made from wood scraps.  These were my people folks. 

We only took the Subway once on Monday because we really wanted to wander the city and take in all the sights and neighborhoods, including stuff like this. 

I got to visit my first Paper Source!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(it was THAT good, to deserve all those exclamation marks!)

Central Park was ok…

but no match for our farm fields.

The last day was spent at the American Museum of Natural History and running into Mood Fabrics (Project Runway, anyone?!) before sitting most of the day at the airport.

Friends, we left very much in love with this interesting city.  And a lot of the reason why had to do with the people.  Everyone, everywhere, was so friendly and kind.  Everyone wanted to know where you were from and treated you like an old friend.  We made friends with a lady from Brazil while in line for a burger and she asked me "Is my English ok?"  At home I miss being around such a diverse group of people.  

This life is so incredibly different than our farm life and there's really no compare between the two.  Both are vastly different and so good in their own ways.   A favorite of this trip was having time for just Brett and I.  We held hands almost the entire trip, made decisions quickly (like to get on the boat ride or where to eat), and left the responsibilities at home, at home.  No discussing the future or plans or money.  Just being together and having so much fun.  This was my favorite trip we've ever taken.  

NYC, I hope we see you again in this lifetime!  You've stolen our hearts!

(and the biggest reason I can be so excited about this trip and enjoy it so much is because my mom-in-law watched the girls and they were so taken care of and so loved while we were gone.  Anna wasn't even ready for us to come back, lol. )