Thanksgiving and The Big Apple

We were lucky enough this Thanksgiving to be with ALL of Andrew's immediate family members (that's quite a task seeing as how they are well spread out from Washington to Maryland). Andrew's parents used to live in Manhattan and, later, in New Jersey (they moved to Ohio when Andrew was about 8). It was a tradition for them to take their children to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every year. This year the kids wanted to take their own children to see the parade and so the planning began. We stayed in the Poconos (about two hours away) and took some trips into NYC. We also were able to bless Luke at a small church building in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. It was a great week and we are so grateful that we were able to be with family.

Luke's first subway ride.


Here is Times Square. Both Andrew and I were reminded of our missions while we were in New York (I served in Tokyo, Japan and Andrew in Milan, Italy). I think it made us a little homesick.

Central Park

Here we are with Andrew's sister Jessica and her husband Doug.

We also stopped by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. My favorites were the Impressionists and the Rembrandts. Although, I have to admit I was a little distracted because Luke kept projectile-spitting-up all over the floor. In fact, I can still hear the horrifying "SPLAT" noise as it hit the nice wood surface. Sometimes I'd miss it and a sweet foreigner would come up and try to act out something that looked like throwing up while pointing at the ground. We didn't blend in very well.


Luke loved FAO Schwarz.

Luke's cousins had a blast on the famous giant piano.


I don't know what this is, but it was on the sidewalk and we think it is was meant for pictures.

We had dinner in "Little Italy" at Lombardi's. Andrew said it was very authentic.

And then, Thursday morning....there was....(drumroll please)


THE PARADE!


At first, our view wasn't so great. But who cares?! We're at the Macy's Parade! Here are Alexis and Karrine up in a window seal. They made sure to tell me when Hannah Montana was spotted.

It was the first time that I actually was glad to be the shortest person in Andrew's family...no one wanted to sit on my shoulders.


Eventually, we pushed and sweet talked our way into a better view.


Luke was obviously enthralled by the whole experience. But it's okay. We have pictures to prove he was there.


I love this picture because you can see the back of the parade going down Central Park West.


We enjoyed some "New York style" hotdogs. Very tasty.


I decided while we were in New York that I could TOTALLY live there. As long as we lived across from Central Park in one of these swank homes.


The LDS (Mormon) Temple in Manhattan was very close to where we watched the parade.


Andrew got some great pictures of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the New York skyline, etc.

As if the day wasn't exciting enough, Andrew and the guys drove down to Philly to watch the Eagles game. Andrew never misses an opportunity to show his true devotion to the Cougars. The ladies went back to the cabin and had a rockin' girls' night with mud masks and everything (sorry, no pictures).


At first, Luke wasn't sure what to think about all these new people in his life. But he warmed up to everyone eventually and now he seems lonely with just Mom and Dad around all day.


Luke and Ammon


Luke and Amber (it's too bad that Luke is crying in this picture because he actually grew quite fond of Amber).


Luke is REALLY starting to like books these days. He was probably staring at this book for 15 minutes while cousin Karrine read to him.


Saturday we had the annual Pinata event. The Stacey's have a tradition whenever they get together. They have to break the pinata but no blugeoning objects are allowed (this rule is sometimes bent a little). Instead, they have to think of creative ways to destroy the pinata. In the past, there have been blow torches, giant slingshots, spitballs, Coke bombs...you name it.


There was also a talent show. Here is an American Idol skit with Simon, Paula and a really little Randy.


Luke had a photo shoot with the other cousins (I don't have the pics with the other cousins but I can't wait to see how they turned out).

He already has a little gut.


And last, but definitely not least, we were really grateful to be surrounded by family (at least half of Luke's family) as he was given a blessing by his Dad. (For those of you who aren't familiar with our religion, it's basically a special prayer...we can tell you more about it anytime).

Luke's Grandma Stacey knitted this sweater for him to wear. She got the button for it while she was in Israel the week after he was born. Thanks Delta.

That's a wrap folks. We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We definitely had time to think about all of our blessings and especially feel grateful for our family and friends who mean so much to us. I love reading your blogs (for those of you who are my blogging friends) and reading about the things you do and the things you care about. I admire how you look for the positive or at least laugh through the difficult times (as we all know, the blogging world is always rosier than real life). I love it even more when I get some real life contact with a good friend...I'll try to get better at that. I'm grateful that I'm surrounded by people who inspire me to be better. Thanks.