The Big Apple

Chad asked me a few months ago if I wanted to join him on his yearly work trip to NYC, leaving a few days before his work conference started so we could see the City together. At first, I was hesitant, having left our kids just a few months ago- our trips have been all at once around here- but i knew it was probably a once in a lifetime experience....so, after asking Marsha and Alan, whom I can't thank enough, for watching the kiddos, we left Thursday and I got home Sunday night.

Hence, there was much to see and fit in a relatively short amount of time...we got off our flight Thurs. evening and headed straight to the stites: Times Square (our hotel right there), Rockafeller Square, Empire State, NBC Studios, and to dinner at a local Pub. We did a little shopping of Fifth Ave. and Wow- is this city happening or what? They really don't sleep...



THis is one of my fav pics because this trip was so much fun to be with Chad

Chad hadas been to NYC a few times, but right when I got out of the Taxi, which I feared for my life, I saw this (above) Stimulating, huh?

And this- I had never seen such enormous buildings in my life

Rockafellar Square

NBC where Today show is filmed the sets are tiny

And of course, the Empire State Building- we went to the Top and the View is AMAZING

Just outside Radio City where the NFL draft was taking place

Looking down from the Empire State and to think the Twin Towers were even taller

Absolutely amazing view

The next morning we had to get up pretty early to see the "Regis and Kelly " show, which I have always dreamt of doing- I lOVE Kelly- and my cute mom had a connection and got us tickets. I was so dang excited and it was the day of the royal wedding so everyone except for a few of us (didn't get the memo) people dressed up. We were actually on a few times, especially when they showed the Prince William look a like, whom sat right in front of us.

Again, the set is tiny and they cram a lot in. REgis was so outgoing to the crowd, which I was suprised. I thought Kelly would be moreso, but he was especially outgoing. The camera man was so nice to me- he let me go down and get a picture...

THe producer had to tell us when to be loud and how to make special noises, ha ha

Watching a show filmed Live was so cool- something Chad and I will never forget

Here is the prince william look alike and his quieen mother

And the nice guy sitting next to me yelled out to Regis and Kelly saying what a big fan I was, so he gave them his magazine for them to sign for me. Regis asked my name, being "Kelli" and he said, what a coincedence, Kelly, and asked if I was married. He was so nice and signed the magazine- from Kelly too. What a nice guy the gentleman next to me was to do that- I'll never forget that. WHat a neat day so far:)

THen we walked to get tiickets to "Chicago" Broadway show and walked around the pier. It was beautiful. And grabbed a bite to eat.

I realize how blessed Chad and I are to get to travel to many neat places. this trip was especially neat being it was just us- we planned it together and decided where to go together- for me, it really hit me how lucky I am to be married to him. Seriously, I take so much for granted. And also, what a beautiful Country we live in- to see it is amazing. And coming home makesme realize how lucky I am to have my kiddos and be with them:)

THe next day we wnet to The World Trade Center, which I had no idea the impact it would have on me emotionally- I mean, you hear about it, read about it, but wow when you SEE the people's faces and the heros who have given their lives. It really hits you. Ironically, Bin Laden was killed the night I went home...

To see the remains they found was unforgettable

And now what they are already rebuilding- the new buildings
We walked to Battery Park- this guy was cool. so was his snake:)

And there SHE is- the one the symbolizes our freedom- very neat

Can't go to NYC and not ride the underground subway- that is real NY And very new to me of course- to ride to Chad's favorite place: CHinatown, which I hated. THey were pulling us left and right to buy their purses and glasses. And they were aggressive. But it was cool to hear chad talk in Cantonese- he still has it. But I wanted outta there after a few hours, I felt smothered.

That night we were off to the fabulous show, Chicago with Christie Brinkley. She can't sing worth a wit, but she is a great entertainer and beautiful

Chad in his elemement in Chinatown

And we explored the city- shopping til wee into the night- so much to do- M and M store for the kids, Hersheys, and more

Then to Hardrock to eat

Cool view from the shops in Times Square

The next day we went to a Yankees game. We got a little lost on how to get there- ended up in a scary part of Harlem where some guy took my hand and asked me if he could have me as his wife (Chad was off trying to get a taxi) It was a very sad, scary part of NY. But here we are outside Yankees sadium and enjoying the NY best pizza

The stadium is beautiful and the energy is incredible. It was a blast being there, thanks Chad

Then, we had one more night after the game to fit in Central Park- beautiful Central Park- where we had to go out in style so we went on a Carriage ride.

The guy that took us around was from Russia and told us how hard they have to work in NY just to pay their rent- which was astounding- One thousand a month for a small, one-bedroom apt and that was in the poor part of NY...eye opener

That night, many demonstartions going on, one being those from China saying "free China now" and out of all the pictures, Chad really wanted to be in this one below- pretty funny guy. But I'm sure glad I'm home now with all that is going on with Bin Laden and pray Chad gets home safely this week.

NExt morning, we had Brunch with Chad's boss and I was off to JFK home. This trip was an experience I will never forget. Coming home always makes me realize how blessed I am and thankful for all I have- especially the freedom I enjoy and take for granted each day and for those who have sacrificed and still do for that freedom.