Early Birthday Present

I have loved Chicago mainly because I found a wonderful friend right away. The first time I did something with Linsey I came home and told Chris I really liked her and would love to do more together but I thought I was a little much for her. She was so soft spoken and so kind I felt like I was loud and too much compared to her. Maybe that's why we work so well together:). I cried when I found out Linsey was going to move and cried when she did. Days when I was having a bad day or just out of the blue I'd burst out crying and say, "I miss Linsey!" She is the sweetest, soft spoken person you'll meet and I loved parenting with her. We were constantly at each other's places eating dinners together without husbands, spending countless hours at parks and the beach, and watching each other's children on a whim. Our kids got a long great, she has three: Anna (6), Peter (4), and Sophie (2).

They moved last October and I have missed her dearly. Well I guess I've complained enough that Chris surprised me with tickets to go see her in Connecticut! Woot! Woot! He told me Wednesday night that I was flying out Thursday and my amazing friend Beth was going to watch the boys till he got home. (Chris had court that week and he was thinking it would last Monday and Tuesday for sure and maybe Wednesday. Well the judge had something on Wednesday so they couldn't proceed until Thursday. And if the jury didn't come up with a verdict then he'd have to drive back Friday morning early (before 6:00). A little stressful but it worked out that everything got settled Thursday and he was home Friday).

So Thursday I enjoyed a kidless flight and read. Flying into the city was amazing. It was dark and the city was lit up. I had a perfect view. I don't know how to explain it but it was like a movie. The crisp lines the street lights made, the Yankee stadium lit up, and the magnificent skyline, it was just awesome. At the airport I was welcomed by these cute kiddos! (this picture was taken when they took me to the airport Sunday. When I got there they were all sound asleep:)
Thursday night we stayed up late talking and catching up. It was so natural talking away and felt like I lived a few blocks away. On Friday after dropping the kids off Linsey treated me to a pedicure and lunch in New Canaan and then we shopped.

Linsey drove me around showing me around the area and later in the afternoon we visited and watched her kids play outside. While outside some of her neighbors came out and started chatting. It was so nice to be able to get to know the people around her. They were so genuine and nice. I loved one of her neighbors, Yanni, she had a lot of spunk. I could totally see her as a friend if I lived close by.

Friday we set off for New York! Chris' gift was perfect for two reasons: #1 Linsey, #2 I'd never been to New York before. I had a list of things I wanted to do and we knew we'd be running the whole day. The rest I'll tell mainly through pictures:

Grand Central Station

I went home Sunday the night Bin Laden's death was announced. Would've been cool to be there afterwards.

The Statue of Liberty is to the left in the distance. I opted to not to a ferry to save on time.

New York Stock Exchange

Model in action. She was hideous but totally something you'd see in some magazines. Her mannerisms, walk, and figure were everything I'd would think they'd be. In between pictures she'd chomp away at her gum. I must say I was very intrigued and watched till the end of the photo shoot (5 mins maybe).

Brooklyn Bridge

On the other side of the bridge was suppose to be this amazing pizza place. Well it must have been amazing because the wait was an hour so we opted out, strike one. We hopped on the subway and went to the Frick. No pictures were taken but I loved this place. It was a billionaire's home that had been turned into a museum. The amazing thing about it was that all the art in there was a single person's collection. There was a lot in there and a lot were well known artists. Very cool. The biggest disappointment was the video they usually showed on Frick was not being shown because of an event they were setting up for. I had been told it was a good informative video and I was looking forward to it. Strike two.

By this point all Linsey and I had eaten was a pretzel that we shared. We had a huge long list of places that were recommended but most were out of the way and we, I, didn't want to take the time.

So after The Frick we hit Central Park. We only strolled through a small portion but seriously this park is gorgeous. Loved the landscaping, looked so natural (is it?). I would totally love running through this park.

The boat house

Where John Lennon lived

One of the places lower on our food list was a hot dog place that was close to Central Park. (it had Papya in it's name, weird name for a hot dog place.) We decided to try it out since we hadn't eaten much. Well they weren't bad but nothing special. The drinks on the other hand must be what they're known for.

Next stop Times Square

Then Rockefeller Square and the Today show's window

We were hungry and were seated right away at the Carnegie Deli Restaurant. We split our sandwich and good thing to. Look at that beast! And that's half.

We finished our evening with Mamma Mia! Chris had bought our tickets and arranged everything.

When he first told me I was little disappointed. I wasn't a fan of the movie and I thought I would've preferred Phantom of the Opera. But I LOVED it! The cast, girls, were great! The male cast really struggled but the women totally carried it. I was so exhausted I wondered if I'd have to fight staying awake but that wasn't a problem. It was great, catchy, and lively.

Afterwards we went to Serendipity. I wanted to try their frozen hot chocolate. But... strike three. Another hour wait. It was already 11:00, and if Linsey didn't have church responsibilities the next day we would have stayed but we had to face reality and sadly go home without our cravings left unsatisfied. I guess I've gotta make it back;)

Sunday we went to church and had a relaxing time before she took me to the airport. As much as I would have loved to take Linsey back with me it wasn't a sad goodbye. I feel better knowing where she's at and I'm glad I got to meet some of those around her. It makes me feel better to know there's good people there. And although our lives will never be like our Chicago life I've added a sister for life! You're the best Linsey!

Back at home my family picked me up and it was so good to see them. I felt loved and appreciated and Miles wouldn't let me go. He always wants Chris to put him down for the night but for two nights he wanted me. Being away was good. It made me realize I could be gone from my kids without being paranoid or worried (it helped that Chris was watching them otherwise I'm sure I'd worry more, probably for the babysitter). And I realized my family doesn't need me as much as I thought. Although my kids missed me they were totally fine and didn't have any meltdowns. (this is also probably because Chris was watching them and he said they could play the wii without paying any tokens. That just doesn't happen when I'm home). Chris survived and kept the house in order and fixed meals and everything. He just didn't get a lot of work in but hey, being an at home parent is a full time job!

Thank you Chris for your wonderful gift. I loved it and it was perfect!