Ellen's Visit

We love having family visit. The kids love it! I love it! And when Lyndon is home he loves it! My sister came up for her spring break and she brought spring weather to the city. The first thing Cosette did when she saw Aunt Ellen she ran up to her and gave her a big hug. I'm sure Ellen's heart was melting. It was sweet. We have been going non-stop since her arrival. She came at the best week of the year so far. The temperatures warmed up for us, even getting to 60, melting a lot of the snow and making it possible, bearable, and necessary to be outside! She has visited us several times, but we still managed to have a lists of first for her to experience. I love New York City. It's always an adventure no matter how many times you come, even for us locals.
We were able to go to a play ground! It's been months. Both kids were so happy to be there.
Starting spring off right with the cupcake of the day at Georgetown Cupcakes. Probably our new tradition when visitors come. Who can deny the best cupcakes in the city when it's free?
Dragons in Chinatown. Going to Pearl River Market is one of our traditions. 


Found this awesome subway mosaic for my little horse lover. 
Wall Street Bull. Cosette wanted to ride it, but the thing is huge! Kind of impossible for her to climb up on and no time since we had to literally push our way through to get this picture.
Brunch at Jacob's Pickles. Biscuit French toast. Need I say more.
The dresses from the Cinderella movie were on display at Saks! We were in girly heaven. Wish Bethany could have been there to see them since it is her princess. 
The Fairy God Mother's Dress. Cosette said that this was her dress. 
We made a stop at the American Girl store because we are American girls. 

My future chef. We could not pull her away from this little patisserie play set. 
My little dog lover. I didn't capture it, but he was giving it kisses. 
He had just as much fun as Cosette did. He is obsessed with babies right now, which is a good thing right now. The Bitty Baby section was a fun place for both of them. 
We just happened to pass the Balto statue in Central Park and of course we have to take a picture. 

We are zoo people and Ellen is too. We hit up the Central Park Zoo, another first. So glad we could take her. The sea lion show at the Central Park Zoo is the best. It is always so fun to see what these creatures do. And cool side note: the NYC Zoos breed sea lions, so most of them are born and grow up here. Pretty cool.
The red panda was out scurrying about.
Look closely and you can see the snow monkeys hanging out on the rocks. Ellen was pretty ecstatic to see them. We decided that we are going to take a trip to Japan and see them in their natural habitat. I can't wait! Huge bucket list thing for the both of us. 
H and the snow leopard! So excited to see it this close since we have only seen it once before way off in the back of the exhibit. Such a beautiful animal. 
The grizzly bears replaced the polar bear at the CP Zoo. I love their exhibit. There are so many different view points to see the animals and it's huge so plenty of space for them to roam around. 
My favorite picture of this boy ever! I love him to pieces. I'm so grateful to be his mamma.
We went to Brooklyn on the nicest day of the year so far. 60 degrees people! It was gorgeous!

Ellen has been here several times, but we have never made it to Brooklyn. Walking across the bridge is cool. You have to start from the Brooklyn side because then you can see the city skyline. So cool. 
Cosette wanted her picture taken. I love her. 
We had lunch with Lyndon and then walked over to the World Trade Center. Another first for Ellen! It's really nice area and so well done to preserve the memories of those who died. We both were a little emotional. We have a lot of friends who were here when 9/11 happened and we have been told that the smoke came all the way up past where we used to live by Columbia. I'm so grateful to live in this amazing wonderful country! God bless the US!
The museum is now open! We haven't been and will have to make it down there sometime. Excited to visit it. 
We were really touristy and went on a carriage ride through the park!
The kids were so excited. We did not get to choose our horse which was kind of sad because we had picked out a sparkly purple one per Cosette's request. You have to take the one at the front of the line, but we lucked out. Our driver was really nice and gave us a good tour. We now know where Beyonce lives.  Henry was the cutest and said "hi" and waved to everyone we passed. It was adorable!
And our horse was beautiful! His name is Chestnut. Cosette has been telling Daddy all about Chestnut and naming every horse she needs Chestnut.
Group picture on the carriage!
We were so sad to see her go. It was a really fun week and we established some new traditions. City Bakery hot chocolate and Strand Bookstore are going to be our new tradition. Come back soon Ellen! We love you!

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