The Adventures of Barbie Dolls and Super Heroes: August 2011

4th of July 2011

We weren't sure if we would make it out for 4th of July festivities due to the fact that we didn't get home from New York until 3 a.m. on the 4th, but we decided to go ahead and attempt the Marietta fireworks. Many, many thanks to Jason, Summer, Chad and Kristin we were able to celebrate with them and stay dry. As we were leaving our house, it was very ominous looking and we even thought about calling it a night. Of course, it started raining as we approached the square, but thankfully, we were in a covered area and with super, great friends. Many people were leaving due to the rain, and rumors were floating all around that the fireworks were even canceled. Well, Jason wouldn't have any part of it, and Daddy decided that we needed to stay since we were already there...boy, am I glad we did! They did the fireworks after all...in the rain and I can't even tell you how excited you two were when you saw them shoot into the sky. Nolan, you freaked out when the first one shot off and started screaming, but once we got a hold of you and you saw what was coming from the noise, you wouldn't stop yelling at them as well as, "Oooo-ing and ahhh-ing". Mack, you found a cozy spot in Daddy's lap and while you had your ears covered, you were smiling from ear to ear and thought the fireworks were so pretty.

You and sweet Maddie playing around.

Just a people watchin'.

It was getting late, everyone was tired and wet, but they sat so patiently waiting for the fireworks.

July 4, 2011

In A New York Minute

We decided well before our trip to New York that we wanted to take one day and go into the city. Since we were already going in that direction to visit Gramma Edee, we thought we should just make a day out of visiting her and then seeing the bright lights of the city. After we left Gramma's, we found a train station back on Long Island, via Google and decided to catch the train there. One problem, it wasn't an actual train station with parking. We had to actually park on the side road of residential streets. The man who ran the convience station right next to the train said we could park in the load/unload parking, but that we could possibly be ticketed for it. He gently tried to convince me that 90% of the time, the police don't show up to ticket, but that they might. Well, after we drove around and finally found a legal parking spot, and as we were walking up to train station guess who was giving out tickets to illegally parked cars?! Yup, the police. We were able to catch the 3:45 p.m. train that was jammed packed with Yankees and Mets fans due to the baseball game, but we had so much fun on the train. Mack, it was your first time on one, and you were having so much fun! You could hardly contain your excitement. You thought it was so neat to watch all the buildings as we chugged along.

We arrived to Penn Station shortly after 4:30 p.m. and purchased our subway tickets for the World Trade Center. It so surreal to see those words...World Trade Center. Once we made it to street level, the first thing we did was get dirty water dogs and pretzels! Daddy and Uncle Matt were really disappointed in the lack of memorials at the 9/11 site, but I will say, the new buildings are beautiful.

For most of the day, I wore you and you were so content.

A little bit of GA right in the middle of lower Manhattan.

After a disappointing visit to the WTC, we hopped back on the subway. I was very proud of your Daddy for taking the subway. You see, when were in NYC in 2001, he refused to take the subway anywhere, which meant that we had to walk everywhere.

Nolan, you were a riot on the subway, all you wanted to do was talk to everyone and crawl all over the seats. We got off the subway at 42nd St. and proceeded to Central Park. This was one of two highlights of the city visit for me. Mack, we found the most fun playground that had this built in to the ground slide and you went up and down that thing for some time. It was so neat to see you playing with children for all different backgrounds. At home, you don't find much culture differences other than our own, so to watch you play, was touching.

Gramma took you, Nolan, over to some swings, and all of a sudden I heard her shouting for me. I thought something happened, and when I reached you two, Nolan, you were fast asleep in the swing! It was the cutest thing.

On our walk over to Times Square. Mack, your face is cracking me up.

This is how we traveled with 2 kids and one "carriage" in NYC. It worked.

Mack, I think you were over it at this point. What do you think?

Our last stop in the city was to visit Times Square. Daddy and I had an ongoing disagreement on whether or not the city had closed down the street in Times Square. I read an article that said the road was closed to car traffic, and they had tables and chairs set up now. Daddy insisted that it was still open, because when he watches Good Morning America in the mornings, he can see cars driving by. Well, we were both ~~wrong~~ right. One half of the road is open for cars and the other side is closed. Here's where the second highlight comes in. There are all of these huge LED screens for all the companies right there in Times Square. Well, Nolan, you spotted the Disney one that had Cars all over it. You went nuts! You started shouting and pointing and yelling at the screen. And the closer we got to it, the louder and harder you shouted and pointed. It was hysterical to watch you. We actually turned the stroller so you could see the screen head on and you just, "ooo-ed and aww-ed" at it.

It was starting to get late and we had such a jammed packed day, so we were trying to find the nearest train station to catch it back to the Island. Uncle Matt and Daddy found 2 very nice police officers right in the middle of Times Square and wound up carrying on a conversation with them. One of them asked Uncle Matt what branch of the military he was in, mind you, he had on street clothes. Uncle Matt said The Marines and the police man kindly asked Uncle Matt to conceal his pocket knife that he had clipped onto his pocket. We thought it was neat that the cop was so nice about it, because all you see on T.V. and hear from people is that the NYC cops are corrupt. This cop actually not only helped us, but was also nice to Uncle Matt.

On the train ride home, you guys were getting tired, hungry, and antsy. We made silly faces to pass the time.

Once we got back to the car, we were all starving. A dirty water dog does wonders, but won't hold you over. We went to get some pizza. And of course Nolan, you decided to fall out of the booth and hit the corner of your eye pretty good.

July 2, 2011

Down Port, a Street Festival, and Ice Cream

The day after your wedding, we all slept in and decided to take it easy. We started the day off with a drip down Port. Port Jefferson is where Mommy grew up and I always make it a point to take you guys there when we visit. I have fond memories of watching the ferry come in from Connecticut as well as playing at Rocket Ship Park.

Only on vacation is it okay to eat chocolate chip cookies for breakfast in bed while watching tv!

Daddy thought it was funny to wrap up in towels.

I'm so sorry buddy, but I had to! And Granma bought the hat for you!

Happy boy.

Watching your shadow.

Watching the boats come in.

Here comes the ferry!

After visiting Port, we went to a post wedding BBQ at Aunt Barbara's and Uncle Kerry's. It was nice to just relax and visit with family.

The water was absolutely freezing, but that didn't stop you from getting in and playing with the big boys.

Nolan, you were so funny. Aunt Barbara was holding you and every time she talked, you would just stare at her with your mouth wide open. I think you thought she talks funny. Silly yankees.

Once the BBQ was over, we went to a street festival in Patchogue. We met up with Granma's life long best friend, Mark, his girlfriend, and his son. It was so much fun!