City Trip {Part 1}

This past week, our entire family took a few day trip to NYC and I don't think any of us could have anticipated what a blast we would have. We picked a few things each day to do, knowing that with our big group and lots of little kids we wouldn't be able to do more than that. We walked for hours each day and felt totally relaxed as we picnicked in Central Park, browsed through FAO Swartz, rode multiple subways and traveled the ferry several times. 

And the food. Oh, the food. We cooked a few times and packed our own picnic, but couldn't resist the local fare for other meals. There is not a more delicious, carb-filled city than NY. Trips were made each morning to the local bakery to indulge in still warm bagels smothered in cream cheese. Pretzels from street vendors are a must because they are chewy yet soft, not dry, huge and half the price of Auntie Anne's. And the gyros? I almost cried. Literally. The grilled pita bread, the seasoned tender lamb topped with lettuce, tomatoes and smothered in the best tzatziki sauce I've ever tasted. After they wrap it, they hand it to you with a fork stuck inside because there is no way you can possibly stuff it all in with your hands. We finished off our nights with an Italian Ice place that was a short walk from where we stayed. Chocolate chip creamy Italian Ice? Yes, please.

Of course the best part of all (which goes without saying) was the time spent together as a family, all 18 of us (my brother couldn't make it). We laughed until our stomach's hurt, made scenes on subways as obvious tourists, laughed again and drank in every moment of being together. Never once were we stressed or overwhelmed with having such a large group and little kids. We relaxed and enjoyed it all!

We stayed in Staten Island, so our commute to the city was close to 2 hours and included driving to the ferry terminal, ferry ride and then transferring to the subway with tons of walking in-between. Central Park was our very first stop and the weather could not have been more perfect. 70 and sunny--not too cool, not too hot. Dad packed us chicken salad sandwiches that we ate along with fruit from a local fruit stand. Ashley and Peter live in Queens, so they met us for lunch. It was truly a perfect day! 

After our picnic we all walked a short distance to FAO, which was conveniently located next to the Apple Store--my husband was thrilled! My dad street preached along the way and we sang outside of the Apple Store. Once again, we took in every sight and loved it all. We have all loved the city since we were little, so it was even that much more special to go back being older.

The Plaza Hotel where Eloise lives ;)

Best workout ever was walking up flights and flights of stairs while carrying a double stroller. After all we ate, trust me, we needed it. ;)

I'll be back soon with the second day of our trip. I already want to go back!