New York and Emma

A few years ago, Brent and I decided to start a family tradition.  When each child turns 13, they get to go on a trip with mom and dad. There are several reasons we think this is a good idea.  We hope to have some good, bonding memories before the busy and emotional teen years set it.  Spending one on one time with our kids reminds us how much we love them.  With only one child, we aren't getting pecked to death every minute and we can actually have a whole conversation. These trips will also allow us to be able to spend some time with them before they're too cool to hang out with us. We are hoping to send the message to them that we love them, we are fun, we think they're fun, and we are on their side in life. Plus, Brent and I have the added bonus of being able to travel every few years (a built-in parenting perk).

So, we included Emma in as much planning as possible.  We let her pick her destination (New York City) and we gave her a small list of things we were requiring her to do while there (The Statue of Liberty and 9/11 museum were on that list).  Then, we let her do the research and plan the itinerary.  It was so much fun!  And a very needed break from our previous nightmarish month.

We also tried to make it a learning experience.  Much to Emma's dismay, we required her to write a one-page report on every place we visited.  That made me feel a little better about the extravagance.

Taking a picture of how high up our hotel room was.

One of our first stops was Coney Island.  We, of course, had hot dogs for lunch (this is where hot dogs were invented), walked the beach, and spent a few hours at the amusement park.  Brent and I learned that we are getting too old for roller coasters.  Emma learned that she is NOT getting too old for them.  This may have been her favorite thing we did the whole trip.

 

We also saw all the necessary New York sites.  Because of her reports, Emma was able to tell us a bit about each place.

On Liberty Island looking at New York City.

Standing on the Empire State Building looking at the Chrysler Building.

One the boat to Liberty Island

One the Chrysler Building.  It was almost midnight and we had been going for over 14 hours.

Showing off the NYC library.

At the 9/11 museum. This place was kind of emotional for me.

Another highlight of the trip was the Broadway plays.  They were so amazing!  We had only planned on seeing one (Aladdin).  Grandma Robertson surprised Emma with some spending money for the trip and she decided to use it to buy a ticket to School of Rock (We didn't have to think twice about joining her).  Then, we ended up getting some great same-day tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  They were all so fun!

This was probably our favorite play.  It was so full of energy and talented musicians.

In line for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The Oompa Loompas were so fun!

The sign above us says Aladdin

Emma was very excited when she found out about a big ice cream fundraiser happening while we were there.  All you can eat ice cream for 8 hours.  It only took us about 1 1/2 hours to be sick.

We took a speed boat tour on the Hudson.  Also a highlight for Emma

And I made sure we stopped often and got sweets.

In China town: This ice cream was flattened, frozen and rolled up. 

A famous bakery in Grand Central Station

We stopped at a park in China town and Emma tried her hand at ribbon dancing.

Emma went to her first professional baseball game. New York Mets vs. San Diego Padres.  Brent taught her all about the game. 

Emma also chose to hit up a small yarn shop to see if she could add to her crocheting addiction.

 We rented bikes and rode across the Brooklyn Bridge.  We also rode along the harbor and did some site seeing.

We spent many hours riding the subway.  I am so grateful for Brent when we are traveling.  He does all the research on how to get us from place to place.  We didn't even get lost once.

Doesn't she look like she belongs in New York?

Just resting my eyes at the end of a long night.

We promised Brent that we would stop at B & H Photo.  It's the only brick and mortar store for huge electronic/photo company.  He was pretty much in hog heaven looking around there.  Emma started playing with this toy. 

After a bit, people were crowded around watching her draw.  She is kind of amazing like that.  

We had the best time with Emma.  It was so fun to experience things with her.  I think the trip was a success!