Our Last Day in New York

Wow...this trip went by fast! I can't wait for the opportunity to go back.

Here is a quick run-down of our last day in New York. First, we overslept - we wanted to go to the Today Show, but didn't wake up until 7:30. So, we quickly packed our bags and hopped on the train - made a transfer to the Subway, and speed-walked to Rockefeller Center. We arrived at about 9:20 am, and it worked out great. They had two more segments they were planning to do outside, and most of the crowd had already left.

After the first segment, Ann Curry came over, gave Alyssa a big hug, and talked with us for a while. She is so genuine and down-to-earth - just a really nice lady - it was fun to get to see her in person like that.



We also got a fun picture with Mr. Weather, himself, Al Roker.



After the Today Show, we made a stop at the NBC Experience Store - what a fun place! They had T-shirts, mugs, and all sorts of other memorabilia for all of the great NBC shows (ER, House, The Office, etc., etc.) - and, of course, the peacock (filled with M&M's!).



Next, we walked north to Central Park. In the photo below, you can see the small patch of green trees in the middle of street - that's the south end of Central Park.



We didn't have time to really explore Central Park the way we would have liked, so we opted for a horse-drawn carriage ride to give us a quick glimpse of some of the highlights.





Our final stop of the trip was the famous F.A.O. Schwartz Toy Store - what fun we had!



I bought myself a Limited Edition collectible Steiff teddy bear - I've always wanted a Steiff, and this one just "spoke" to me.



Just past the Steiff collection, we happened upon The Muppet Whatnot Workshop. "What is a Whatnot?" you ask. Well, they are all of the Muppet Extras - and now, at F.A.O. Schwartz, you can design your own! Well - I couldn't resist - having grown up with the Muppets, I thought it would be a great gift for the kids. So, Alyssa and I designed 3 Muppets, and brought them home!



From left to right, we have: "Mike (without a Bike)"; "Wendy" (that's what the "W" stands for - it's not a U of W cheerleader uniform!); and "Ann" (named after Ann Curry).

Well - that's about it. I have lot's more pictures - maybe I'll post a few more as I get them edited.

Even though our New York trip is done, I will continue to update the blog to keep you all posted on our family happenings. Soon to come...Halloween pics...check back soon.