New York Trip: Summer 2016

Just 4 days after we came home from Seattle we turned around and left for New York. We flew on a red eye and I was nervous it was going to be crazy but in reality it was not terrible.  In the grand scheme of things, it just made the trip feel more like an adventure. Here are the highlights.

1.  Gigi having all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren home at once!
I am not sure when the last time my sister and my cousins were all together but add Brady and Brody to the mix and it was one special gathering. We got to spend tons of time at GiGi's house.  The kids were so funny and did not skip a beat.  They remember all the things they played with on previous trips at GiGi's house and they went right to them.  They love to use use her arm extender/grabber thing to pick up various items,  put on all the gloves and scarves (particularly funny on August), and get the hidden stuffed animals out from her bedroom.  We also got to play cards, play with Aunt Stacey and snuggle with some seriously cute puppies. Visits like these make it seem like less of a big deal that we live so far away because I see how many memories are cemented in the kids minds.

2. Fishing  

We got to go fishing at Auntie  Barbara's house.  The kids had never been fishing and it was super special for Tickle Grandpa to take them fishing for the first time.  He bought them rods and picked up worms and off we went to a magical stocked pond in Barbara's yard.  The kids were so excited to go fishing but I fear we have completely skewed their understanding of what fishing is.  Seconds after we cast the line into the water, a fish would nibble the worm and get caught on the hook.  The water was so clear that we could sometimes see three or more fish fighting over the same worm on the end of the hook.  It was incredible. I am so curious how they will handle the next time fishing when it takes more than 30 seconds to catch a fish!

3.  Swimming in lakes

While in NY we took advantage of the various mountain lakes and swam away some very hot days.  After our amazing fishing experience the boys were a bit confused about swimming in water where they saw so many fish swimming beneath the surface.  They thought they were going to get bitten just the ways the worms had.  After seeing how afraid the fish were of them, they became braver and swam with no worries.  One afternoon the four of us headed up to Bethel to swim and tour around the Woodstock site.  It was fun to be a tourist where I grew up and to see the area in such different eyes.  

4.  Seeing great friends

While were on on the east coast we were able to visit with some of my dearest friends and attend my 20th high school reunion.  It is amazing how these visits can really fill your bucket and make you feel so so good. We had a magical date day in NYC and ended the day with a fantastic dinner with Christine, Jerry, Danielle and Joe.  I wish this was something we could do once a month instead of once every 10 years!

5.  All the games

The boys got used to playing game after game after game this week and (Brady especially) could not get enough of the concentrated game attention.  Cards, trouble, hungry hippos.... the fun was endless and they ate it up.

6.  Fun with Auntie Ray-Ray
Auntie Ray-Ray come home to the boys as many times as she could.  They could not get enough of her silliness and funniness!

7.  Celebrating Nana's Birthday.

We were also lucky enough to be in town to celebrate Nana's birthday.  We went out to a very nice dinner and got to enjoy time together.  This summer we somehow managed to be able to celebrate both my mom and dad's birthday.  I think this is amazing. It was a wonderful and relaxing trip!