Night one in NYC

Our amazingly cheap flight was direct! Doesn't get better than that, folks!

Our car service was totally the soup nazi. Kasey followed the specific directions found on yelp and had all our info ready. The call was 20 seconds long with a crazy Asian woman, "What day? What time? What flight number? You have luggage? Ok you call me when you land. Click" Kasey got off the phone and said in a soup nazi voice, "next!". Hilarious and so true. Surprisingly, a car came for us and Bung Tung, our driver, was the sweetest guy who joked with us about the soup nazi dispatcher and the very accurate yelp reviews about her phone etiquette. 

Our hotel view at the UN New York hotel is nothing short of incredible. I can't even get half of the panoramic shot on my phone. Here are the Twin tower lights. 

The Empire State and Chrysler buildings. 

It was past 11 when we checked in, but being only 10pm Ar time, we opted to walk around the corner for late night sustenance. We found it at the macaroon and gelato bar. I bought the most heavenly $6 tub of fresh pineapple I've ever eaten in my life, and some $5 bottled water and pretzels and hummus. 

We walked a little further down to Duane Reade drug store and picked up some bottles of water and other essentials (candy). We found a lot of healthy "chips" for sale (dehydrated beets and sweet potatoes) and expressed our gratitude that the region of the good ole US if A where we live has offerings like bacon and Mac n cheese flavored Lays.  Cuz if you're gonna eat chips, eat some dang chips.  There were also a lot of cookies that aren't actually cookies. The ingredients listed in the back if these, for example, included "pressed barley" and "sprouts". Pass, folks. Go hit the macaroon bar and get yourself some real cookies, stuffed with Nutella to boot. 

Dinner, personal space, and indifference in the NYC

Dinner at Max Brenners was a fun adventure!

 The interior is decorated a bit like a willy wonka chocolate factory. We sampled some unforgettable fudge covered caramelized pecans during our wait for a table, and I scored a shirt that says, "chocolate is good for you."

Everything on the menu sounded incredible, but we'd heard so many good reviews about the burrito with the chocolate mole sauce, we knew we'd have major regrets if we didn't try it. The burrito was excellent, but I discovered I'm just not a huge fan of mole. Luckily, I ordered it on the side, so dinner was still great! Dessert did NOT disappoint. We opted for the  banana split waffle. It was like bananas foster and a Belgian waffle got married and had an ice cream topped baby. Incredible. 

Fun experience! New York dining is nothing like in the movies, where couples enjoy a cozy corner to themselves. Our table had 3 inches of space on either side, and to be seated, the server would pull the whole table out into the aisle so you could squeeze in to sit, and then do the same for you when you're ready to leave. Other places we've eaten, we actually sat with 2 complete strangers at a 4 person table. It's like there's an invisible wall that people ust put up between themselves and others. I think it's just a necessary survival mechanism because they're forced to share personal space so often as they walk in crowds, take the subway (armpit in your face, anyone? At any given moment on the train today I was physically touching 3 people...and that's on a weekend non rush hour), and even while dining, that it's natural to pretend that there is more space or some kind of sound barrier between you and the other people around you. Otherwise, you'd just itch all day and be emotionally drained from nonstop social interaction.  NYC allows you to "opt out" of social interaction at any given time. All you have to do is throw your wall up and look another way. 

Even though I know this hardness is a necessary part of social behavior in the city, I feel like it also creates a free pass to ignore other problems. Who addresses and tends to all the homeless and mentally ill folks crying for attention on the streets and subways? No one, because it's easier to just pretend the people don't exist. 

I really don't like this about New York. There was one "crazy" on almost every train we took on our first day in the city. I did see some compassion expressed for these individuals, but it just isn't enough to really change anything. Crazies, pan handlers, addicts, and homeless are just accepted as part of life and culture here. For personal safety, I too avoided eye contact or talking to the ranting, tweaking scary people who approached me too. But I'm sad and bothered that it has to be that way. am I felt warmth and relief every single time I witnessed someone (always a male in his early 20's) approaching these people and offer help or kind words. Gives me hope that the future of humanity isn't completely doomed for a state of indifference to suffering. 

Friday in the city

This is part of view from our room. 

Breakfast was New York bagel (everything bagel with schmear) at Zuckers. Yum. 

So this pic is super not flattering but so worth posting because Minnie Mouse came out of nowhere to pose. There were tons of characters out in front of the Good Morning America studio. Taping had just finished, so we thought they were somehow related to the show. Uh no. As they approached, we realized these were B rated characters in knock of costumes, posing for pictures do panhandle. I smiled with "Minnie", and then "Mickey" came out of nowhere and in a creepy baby talk Asian accent kept saying, "ok I love you I love you! Day cheese in the middle for you! I love you! as he pushed me between them. Kasey lol'd and took another picture and I squirmed out of their gross hands. We leave and Minnie's sweet "I love you" turns into a deep angry, "hey lady!" I turned around and she throws her Minnie head off and shouts, "we work for tips!" And holds out her hand. I swear I was on an episode of Arrested Development and Tobias and Dupree are going to arrive in their b team costumes. 

We hit radio city music hall, Rockefeller center and Broadway Ave.

We took the train southward and hopped on the Staten Island ferry. 

Quincy's one and only request when I left town was that I "take a picture of Lady Liberty." You got it, Q!  The ferry was awesome. It was a beautiful, clear sky, and we had lovely views of the ny skyline,  statue, Ellis island, and Brooklyn bridge, all for free! 

Photos find do this one justice. It's really a magnificent structure. 

After the ferry we went over to the financial district to see the 9/11 memorial and the new One World Trade Center. I expected this to be full of anger and frustration, or somber and saddening. It was a place of healing. The memorial is well designed and so beautiful. We sat in the shade to rest awhile and took it all in.  It may just be because I am pregnant and we had just been on a stifling hot and crowded subway, and had already walked several miles that day, but I noticed that this is the first of all the touristy places we've been that had a lot of space designated to just sitting.  I think that's one way it feels so different than the other spots. No one ever stops going in Manhattan, but here at the memorial, there is room for stillness, reflection, rest, and recovery.  This wasn't on my original "must do" list and now I am so glad we stopped. Well done, New York. 

Kasey and I got pretty good at reading subway maps and getting where we needed to go the most efficient way. That's what happens when two type A besties vacation together. Greatness! 

One story from today was when we got on a super crowded, humid, dirty (given), 100 degree train. Like, smell your neighbors armpit because it's in your face crowded. A college aged kid looked at my belly and said, "here man, want to sit down?" And a wall street dude totally jumped inbetween us and stole the seat. 

We all looked at each other like, seriously guy? Yep that just happened. 

Leave it to a guy in an armed forces uniform to call mr Wall Street out and offer up his seat to the sweaty pregnant lady.  Mr Wall Street never moved, until a mother and her exhausted 3 year old and an old woman boarded. I asked them, "would you like to sit down?" And then gestured to me Wall Street to get up. He did, grudgingly.  Dude, for grandma? For a little boy? So far, New Yorkers are extreme: incredibly kind and generous, or so rude it's shocking. 

Lunch was amaaaazing! Artichoke pizza to die for. 

Final stop, the main terminal at Grand Central Station. The energy in this space was an amazing experience. Everyone had somewhere they need to be and is in a hurry to get there. It was SO busy, and everyone inside differs SO much from one another other than their one common goal to get somewhere. People were rude, but other people were also very kind to one another. There was good hope for humanity in the main terminal at Grand Central Station. 

Dinner at Max Brenners in the next post...

Attack of the Billion Tomatoes

Well the kids brought in 105 tomatoes the other day, and then I picked another 90 yesterday, so I decided canning was a must do, this year. I know I'll be grateful in winter. Hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds) of these beauties are blessing our home, and many others, this year.  Hooray! 

The sister missionaries called and asked to come by. They had about two hours between appointments to do some service and asked if there was anything they could do for me. Why yes, yes there was! They had never canned before so it was a fun learning experience. Together, we chopped up and froze about 20 bell peppers and then we blanched and peeled and sliced and filled 14 quart mason jars with tomatoes. I set up the steamer last night and processed them all while I packed for my trip. 

While we chopped, I multi tasked and taught them how to make baguettes and homemade roasted tomato soup. 

The children came home from school and did homework at the table and it was just pleasant to hear and see my kitchen so full of happy sounds and sights. It felt good to be so productive. Canning gives a feeling of self reliance and accomplishment that I really can't describe with words, but other people who have canned totally understand.  It's exhausting work with a peaceful (and yummy!) reward. 

The sisters were so grateful to learn a few new skills, but I know I am the lucky one! I never would have gotten so much done in 2 hours without their offerings of service.  Thanks again, sisters! 

Take off

Can you tell I'd been crying? Leaving the kids was just as difficult as I expected it to be, but now I'm on a plane and ready for adventure! 

Soren turns Two

I can't get he video to post but I will add it later because it's one for the home video books. Reese, Quincy, and Corbin waited anxiously to hear Soren on the monitor Saturday morning. At the first sign that he was awake, they burst info his room, full volume and started singing the most enthusiastic version of the happy birthday song ever performed.  The startling, noisy bombardment terrified Soren and he curled into a ball under his blankie in the crib and just sucked his thumb and cried until they stopped. Happy Birthday, Soren. We love you whether you like it or not! 

To foster a little responsibility, selflessness, and fun, we gave the kids full control over birthday planning, from agenda to cake, decor, and presents. Their job was to make sure Soren had a perfect day that HE would like. 

He was fed leftover movie popcorn for breakfast (and loaded into the van with no shoes and yesterday's clothes. They did go back in the house and grab a change for when we hot there. 

"There" being the one and only place 3 kids age 5-9 would chose to spend the day celebrating their baby brother's grand entrance to toddlerhood: Chuck E Cheese. 

They burned through a gazillion tokens, are pizza, frolicked in the germ fest that is the climbing structure, and helped this guy play everything. He loved it. They loved it. Aaron and I high fived each other for a successful stress free bday. 

Continuing with our redneck ghetto bday party theme, we are boxed Mac n cheese for dinner. The nutritional value of the weekend officially dropped into the red and guess what? We all survived and it was easy and delicious. Sometimes, kid food is where it's at. 

Then there was the cake. Oh the cake. Let's talk about that for a minute.  We all loved my nephew's fancy pants fishy-palooza for his 2nd bday bash, and the children requested a fish cake for Soren, too. So using Nico's cake for inspiration (see way below), I ordered a fish cake with ocean waves. I picked up this: 

What. the. heck, Arkansas. 

Are those bass and trout plastic rings shoved into a perforated chocolate cake with blue squiggles piped right over the top? Yes. Yes they are. 

Not quite what I had envisioned. 

I think the only thing missing from our special Akansas cake were catfish and crushed beer cans. And perhaps the words woo pig sooie piped on there someplace. 

There was no way I was going to bust out a cake in the 100* humid gross weather.  Just whatever. I rolled with it. 

Big kids loved the redneck cake and Soren was indifferent. He was afraid of the candle once we lit the fire, and kept saying, "I fall? I fall?" Once we put him in his booster seat. Because he is traumatized for life, obviously, 

Presents were great fun. While we wipes up the cake mess from the table, Soren wandered into the living room and opened 2 of his gifts without is noticing! Sneaky sneak! He got a cute whale bath toy fountain and a little basketball net for the bathtub from the kids and Aaron and I, and grandpa Hal and Grabdma Lynn gave him an adorable color sort  fish game that he plays with all the time. 

Soren, I may have been a bit of a wicked witch this last week, but one thing is certain: "Because I know you, I have been changed for good."

You are joy. I love you so much I annoy my friends and family talking about how much I love you. You make me laugh every day. You climb walls and make me sweat. Your little talking voice/expression of demands is the cutest thing I've ever heard. You still plant kisses right on the lips, and request that owies be kissed "all better" no matter where they are, earlobe, neck, arm, toe, etc. You prefer to say the 2nd half of words as opposed to the first. "Arrr!" = Car, "rink" = drink, "ing-nong" = ping pong. "opsicle" = Popsicle, and so forth. You are very good at wood puzzles, you can stack blocks, sing. Bunch of songs with actions, get any of us to give up in a battle of wills and give you your way instantly, no matter what you want. 

You are the birthday king 365 days a year. You are a sweet snuggly lover of a baby dude. You just discovered Elmo and  ask to watch "a show" all the time. Your favorite books are the Spanish touch and feel farm animal book, the singing little people book, and the colors board book. 

You love the cozy coupe cars, your orange owl blankie, doggies, balls, and drawing on your legs with pens and markers. You love my orange water bottle, ping pong, shoes, and soda and hate band aids and actually stopping to get dressed. You love your daddy and siblings and call them by name but everyone else in your world is "MOM! Mom mom mom mom moooooommmm!!!" with a constant hand pat too.  

I love being at your beck and call. I get to be your first responder and I get to be first to see what thing you are so excited to show me immediately. You are smart and joyful and full of love and life. 

Happy Birthday, Saunchy! 

Labor Day 5K in the Rain

Dad of the Year ran a 5K with Reese this morning at the ward Labor Day breakfast/fun run. It was pouring rain the whole time and they were soaked to the bone before they even started. I'm so proud of them, not just for sticking it out and finishing, but for having a great attitude about the rain and making it fun. Way to go!