"I love Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn"

New York here we come. Stephen and I headed out on Thursday for the Big Apple. Cole spent the weekend in shared custody between both sets of grandparents. We arrived in LaGuardia about 5:30 p.m. after a layover in Chicago. SWA doesn't have a direct flight (I will have to talk to The Chad about that...). We met Marisa at her office building and then headed to the bus station. Normally Marisa would walk, but it was a tad chilly and Stephen and I had luggage in tow so we cabbed it. After arriving via bus in Secaucus, NJ we met up with Allan and headed to dinner at a little Irish Pub. After dinner they took us to a park that had an awesome view of the city. Here are the pics from their favorite lookout spot. Dinner in NJ

Looking towards the city

We also drove into Hoboken so I could see Carlos Bakery; the location of one of my favorite shows on TLC.

On Friday we got up early and headed into the city with Marisa. She had to work, so Stephen and I went sightseeing while she was at work. We took the bus into the city, walked to the Empire State Building, cabbed it to Columbus Circle, walked to Central Park, The Plaza and FAO Schwarz...all before meeting Marisa for lunch at The Burger Spot. After lunch we cabbed it to Rockefeller Plaza to see the tree and did a little window shopping.

Bus Stop in Secaucus

Empire State Building

Central Park

Rockefeller Plaza

Later Friday afternoon, we met up with Allan in Times Square. That place is a mad house. We tried to have dinner there once Marisa got off work, but we ended up in an Italian restaurant in NJ instead. It was great...home cookin, friendly, family owned and operated establishment.

Times Square

Grand Central Station

Saturday we headed to see Lady Liberty, Ground Zero, and the Financial District. We were headed to Chinatown for lunch and ended up in Brooklyn..one wrong turn and we were on the Brooklyn Bridge...at least there is no toll for that one. We were going to eat a Grimaldi's but the line was down the block, so we ate at Ignazio's instead. It was delicious. After lunch the boys headed to the Staten Island Ferry and Marisa and I went to see West Side Story. The musical was awesome. I'm glad we had a chance to see it. We did end up in Chinatown for dinner and did a little purse shopping after. Stephen had never been into a secret back room. It was definitely a little shady.

Lady Liberty Ground Zero


Stephen and Allan in the Financial District
Taken during Stephen and Allan's Sunset Cruise

Sunday we went to Rutherford for breakfast and then to see Marisa's grandma. She lives in a beautiful old home in an adorable picturesque town. After our visit we headed to Liberty Island to get an up close shot of Lady Liberty. After the park, we went to Yankee Stadium and then in town to Serendipity. There was a three hour wait so we ended up at Patsy's and had pizza...again. After lunch Marisa and I made a quick run in and out of Bloomie's then we were off to the airport.

Allen, Grandma O'D, Marisa

The Bronx
Serendipity

We had such a fun time. Speacial thanks to our tour guides. Love you guys... Can't wait to come and visit again...maybe in warmer months...I was freezing, even with my long johns, sweater, big coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.