NYC!

Oh how I love NYC! It all started in 1996 when my family took a train to see the Big Apple for Spring Break. We took in all the sites, and I saw my first two Broadway plays.

I returned again in 1998 with SRO, my high school drama club and in December 1999 with my dad to ring in 2000! Lynne took all the "Bender" girls in December 2006 for a week long Christmas adventure.

It had been 8 long years since I had enjoyed all the City has to offer so when Wesley suggested I join him on a work trip to NYC, I said "YES!"

Thankfully, Jack and Lynne were willing and able to come watch the kiddos for us and I set out to plan 4 perfect days.

We arrived on Friday and had a day filled with eating, exploring, walking, and more eating! It was great!

Pizza at John's
(Recommended by Denise Dickinson)

Exploring Time's Square

Look who we found!
They are very far away from Disney World!

Behind me is the corner where my Dad and I stood to ring in 2000!

Dinner at Cookshop
(Recommended by Adam Copeland)

Deviled eggs and oysters for appetizers

Chicken and Squid for dinner

After a great Friday, we learned the Cumming Benders weren't having near as much fun as we were -  the stomach bug had hit Philip! Oh no! Jack and Lynne assured us they would all be fine and told us to go enjoy our trip.

Wesley had to work Saturday until mid-afternoon so he left early to meet with the Lutheran congregations of NYC. I was planning on going to the Today Show, but it was so cold, and my bed was so warm so I stayed in!

After breakfast, I ventured to Lincoln Center to see a Sesame Street exhibit and then to the Booth theater to see "Elephant Man" staring Bradley Cooper. I had heard great reviews for the play and Cooper's performance. Although the play itself wasn't one of my favorites, Cooper did an amazing job. His acting was unbelievable as he transitioned his body into a deformed "Elephant Man" right in front of my eyes.

Wesley and I meet up after the play and his work engagement and got ready for our Saturday night plans - Swing Dancing. Our babysitter, Sydney, had recommended this dance club - Swing 46 - so we gave it a try. It was so much fun and a highlight of the trip!

Breakfast before work - Peanut butter banana pancakes

Wesley's working with the Lutheran congregations 

Breakfast before play -
Hampton Inn's finest selection and a little Xmen

Lincoln Center 

When I heard about the Sesame Street exhibit at Lincoln Center, I knew I had to go see it. Sesame Street was my favorite show when I was little and I knew I would enjoy the exhibit. I didn't however know they would have all the characters on display. I was stunned when I turned the corner and saw Big Bird standing there in all his glory! I'll never admit I actually teared up!

And yes, I asked someone to snap my picture with him!

And since I had already gotten a picture with my favorite character, I decided to go for #2 as well!
Leanne and Snuffleupagus

Like the hundreds of other audience members, I waited for a glimpse of Bradley Cooper as he exited the Stage Door. About 15 minutes into our wait, they came out to announce he would not be coming out for signatures and pictures. It was FAR too cold! 

Wesley visited FAO Schwarz & The Apple store after his morning meetings.

Getting ready to dance the night away! 

Sunday morning, after checking on the Georgia crew who now counted Jack and Philip among the Stomach Bug victims, we headed out to see the 9/11 memorial and the new World Trade Center building. Then, Wesley's coworker, Tom, joined us for brunch at Bar Americain, Bobby Flay's New York restaurant. After stuffing ourselves, we walked to our next show - It's Only a Play - and then went back to the hotel for some Super Bowl watching! 

As you exit the Subway, all you can see is the new World Trade Center tower and it is beautiful! 

Brunch consisted of: an assortment of bread, chips and blue cheese dip, deviled eggs

Chicken pot pie with a sweet potato crust, Kentucky Hot Brown, French Toast, and hash browns. 

Bar Americain was my favorite place to eat this trip! Yummy! 

"It's Only a Play"
It was an All-star cast with Martin Short, Matthew Broderick, and Stockard Channing

We had front row seats for this comedy

Pretzel Truck - we knew Jackson would enjoy seeing this! 

Monday morning, we woke up to a snowy New York mess. It was so much fun to venture out into a City which doesn't slow down for a little snow! We walked through the wet mush to get to The View. We had tickets for the show (with Special Guest Jeff Bridges) and nothing was going to stop us - not the snow nor the bitter cold!!

Our view as we waited for The View

While I held our space in line, Wesley went to get us coffee, a bagel and a donut. 

Right before they started filming! So fun!!!

Finally - a New York hot dog! 

After grabbing our lunch, we went back and packed up for the airport. While we were packing, Wesley received word that our flight had been delayed because of the snow and ice. Rather than spend that time waiting in the airport, we made the best of it and decided to catch a movie.

The Imitation Game

While in the movie, we learned that our flight had been canceled. After calling to tell Jack and Lynne the news, and learning that Elizabeth was now down with Philip and Jack, we called the Hampton Inn to see if there were any rooms available. There was one left so we snagged it and then decided to make our extra night in the City awesome!  We grabbed tickets to Jennifer Nettles opening night in Chicago and had dinner at Guy Fieri's Time Square restaurant.

We woke up bright and early Tuesday and headed to the airport. We waited and waited for our plane to load. The delay in boarding was due to a frozen door! We took off only to arrive in Savannah 15 minutes late for our connecting flight. Two hours later, we finally got on the plane to go home. Though we hated to end this wonderful trip, we were anxious to see the kiddos and relieve Jack and Lynne of their new jobs as nurses!

We are coming home!