Hamilton...

I took a trip up to my office in NY a couple weeks ago and got an amazing surprise of getting to go see Hamilton on Broadway!!! I really have the best boss in the universe! We met up with a friend of his (she's an actress and she's got a sitcom she's writing that just got accepted into the Austin Film Festival - so exciting - hope it comes to our tv screens soon!) and his daughter Chelsea, who I always love getting to see. 

I really had no idea what to expect with this show as I had avoided listening to any of the music - not sure why but I guess I was just waiting for the day I'd get to experience it fresh and in person! Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Those performers are incredible and I don't know how they do that eight times a week -it's insane! 

I bought the soundtrack on my way home from NY and can honestly say I haven't stopped listening to it since. It truly is a history and civics lesson rolled into a masterful piece of art. Even Harper has learned the words to some of the songs! I have a new found thirst to understand our nation's history and I can't wait to read more about Alexander Hamilton - and even more excited to learn more about his wife, Eliza. 

What a night and I can't wait to see it again!! 

Bucket List - Brooklyn Bridge Walk...

For whatever reason, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge has been on my bucket list. Maybe it's because of its prominence in the "Sex & the City" movie, maybe it's just because I'd never even seen it before, who knows. But, it was on the list so it had to be done. Luckily I had the perfect opportunity to do just that two weeks ago when I had to head to my NY office for a whole week. I arrived on Sunday and talked some co-workers into doing it - NY natives and they'd never even walked it - so it was a request they were happy to fulfill. 

It was a beautiful day in NYC and as always my first view upon leaving Penn Station was the Empire State. Always a fun site, always makes me snap a photo. It wouldn't be the only photo that day. The walk across that Brooklyn Bridge is amazing. The bridge itself is a work of art and everywhere you turn the views of Manhattan are jaw dropping - especially when you turn your head and suddenly see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. That got my attention. 

Of course the walk back across proved even more breathtaking with Freedom Tower rising above it all. A beautiful site that always makes me pause. 

I heart NYC & I also heart knocking this item off my bucket list! 

Christmas in New York!

This year we decided to bring the whole family up for my office party. Somehow the idea of taking Adam into Manhattan on the train to see all the Christmas décor was just not something I could see turning down.  We kept the trip a secret from our little buddy and boy was he excited when we surprised him the morning of with the news that he’d be tagging along.

I attended my office party on my own. Andy was just as happy to let me hang with my co-workers in the afternoon while he hung out with Adam at the pool.  We were all able to then hook up that evening at the hotel restaurant, and boy was Adam the hit of the party! My boss, Gary, and his daughter Chelsea couldn’t get enough of our sweet little guy and as he was tossed around the table he made quick friends with the rest of my crew. Stan even taught him how to play thumb wars – he’s forever grateful!

The next morning we were up early and at the Tarrytown train station in time for the 9:05 express train to Grand Central. Adam was so excited! Before we knew it we were in the Big Apple and headed for magic!

Somehow we were blessed with tepid temps in the mid 50’s. Andy didn’t have a jacket on. Hello, wonderful! It made our 6+ mile stroll through the city so much more bearable! 

We hit Rockefeller Center and the tree of course. Even in the daylight it was gorgeous and oh my the aroma of so many pine needles! Yankee Candle could do well to bottle that exact smell of and name the candle Mistletoe Rock. ;)

Then it was time for a trip down 5^th Avenue. Gorgeous store fronts and Andy promised if I just had somewhere to wear it we’d have gone into Harry Winston to buy one of the gorgeous necklaces they had on display in the window. Note to self, find a way to be invited to a State Dinner...

Then we had “Breakfast at Tiffanys” because, you know, that’s what you do.

FAO Schwartz was next on the list and somehow we managed to make it out of there without one single purchase. Adam figured Santa knew the address, so we were good. He also made friends with the resident Toy Soldiers.

Central Park was next and oh my was it beautiful. It helped they had Christmas Markets set up…hello perfection!

Lunch was a quick cab ride away in Time Square at Guy Fierri’s place. Touristy? Perhaps. But I knew from previous experience it was really good, clean, and bonus – clean bathrooms! Washing our hands after a morning on the train, opening doors, romping around Central Park and riding in a cab felt amazing…it really is the little things.

 After lunch it was a crowded walk through Time Square, a glimpse of the Empire State Building and a more extensive tour around Grand Central Station before our train departed.

The train ride back to Tarrytown was the most magical with lots of empty space to spread out and a conductor who punched an extra special ticket for Adam to keep. His “Polar Express” dream come true.

Ah New York, you truly are a wonderful city for hearts young and slightly younger. :)

A Dream Come True...

You know how people who are experiencing something that seems too good to be true will often say, "pinch me, I must be dreaming?" Well, that's exactly how I felt on my last trip to NY when my boss took a few of us into the city to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular! Oh. My. Goodness. It was amazing and I didn't stop grinning all night. 

Best I can describe it is that it was like a Christmas explosion. Trees and twinkling lights everywhere, Santa taking photos with kids in their best holiday duds, even my wine came with a light! The Rockettes were unbelievable, never missing a beat. The show ended with snow falling over the audience, m.a.g.i.c.a.l.

Afterwards we walked around a bit and while the tree at Rockefeller Center wasn't lit up yet it was still fun to see it and to see the ice skating rink. We wrapped up the evening with some white chocolate martinis. What a perfect night in NYC!