New York is not a city, its a world!

YES!! Our parents finally agreed that we were old enough to start traveling more, IF we could hold ourselves together and not complain too much when we carried on the family tradition of "Forced Marches". They both agreed we were at a stage in our lives that we could begin to absorb all the benefits. Lets back that up - they agreed that I was ready and they hoped that Morty would be able to hang if we planned it just right. So off we want from STL - LGA! ......NYC!

First we visited some awesome Public Art at Lambert (China China by Zhu Wei)

It was a pretty quick flight and then it took nearly HALF the time of the flight to get to the hotel.! They weren't kidding about the traffic in NYC! Once we arrived it was all worth it. Our hotel had art EVERYWHERE, even on the sidewalk next to the front door. They had a Botero Cat!! so cool. 

It may have been a dreary day when we arrived but I was instantly mesmerized by the view.  It was like San Francisco, but even MORE packed.

Dad is an amazing travel partner when you want to see A LOT of stuff in a short amount of time. If he has his mind set on it - its going to happen one way or another.
Day 1: Dad had a plan for us to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, The Saks Fifth Avenue holiday window displays and visit Grand Central Station. WE DID IT all!

I might have cried when I was pushed around in the crowds

But now that I think about it - it was awesome!

Who knew there could be so much magic in just one small space!??

MAGICAL!

                     

When we made it to Grand Central Station, I think Dad was quite pleased with himself because he was showing Mom his "bird fingers"and "Zoolander face" - whatever that means. Morty and I were a bit more civilized and had a hot chocolate and at chat. 

The Birds in flight. Nice Dad. 

DAY 2

The next morning Morty was being a right turd. All he wanted to do was watch TV in the bath tub (yes, you read that correctly) and he wouldn't eat breakfast and was making everyone quite miserable. I took this opportunity to be the golden child who just sat on the window sill and sketched all that I could see and hear.

When Morty Finally got his act together, we decided that walking to a Museum seemed like the best idea. Of course, Mo didn't agree but that didn't stop us. Until.... We got to MORTON street. It seemed only right that we force him to point like the tourists that we were.

Next Stop was the Whitney!! It was incredible from top to bottom - including the food and of course the gift shop!!. 

Mom and Dad took turns with each of us. It wasn't the easiest destination for Mo but I loved every minute. 

Art is everywhere!

I loved the roof top because of the sculpture and the endless views. 

Morty loved the roof top because there was cold air, a place to sit and hug (a rarity for him) and  it meant that the next elevator ride was the final one... out of the building. 

A rare family capture!

After we went home for a quick reboot and a snack it was nearly time for dinner with some of our favorite NYC peeps.

Our last stop was dinner with Alexa & Nick. I wish we could do this ways more often. When we hang with them, its french fries and iPads for all. What could be better?

adding Ice cream too, yes that is better, I agree!

After a long and awesome day, it was time to call it a wrap. 

Day 3

 There is soon much to do in NYC but there are some things that one MUST do. Dad was the creator of the schedule but we all agreed that it would be pretty awesome to see the Statue of Liberty up close and personal.

It was quite a long walk and we saw soon many things that I still have questions about. to this day The line was crazy long JUST to get on the boat (1.5 hours long!) but in the end it was worth all the freezing and waiting.

Mom made it on the bat and didn't yack - success!! More importantly, we climbed inside and read all about her journey here to the USA, how they built her base, how they put her together piece by piece. 

All 5 of us!  It was really awesome to see a USA symbol that represents so much  to so many.
I hope she always stands tall and proud. 

Until next  time Ms. Liberty!
Our trip to NYC was officially at its end nut our winter break was only beginning! Off to Cape Cod we go!.....