Finally, I convinced at least one sister to come for a visit! My siblings tend to love a warm, sunny beach and so far, New Jersey didn't entice them. Until....school let out! Karen (one of the twins), Mike and Gavin ventured north to see what it was all about. We anxiously awaited their arrival.
We spent the first day at my neighbor, Diane's, pool. It was a glorious sunny day. Perfect temperature, no humidity. Now, we are talking! Kobe missed Aunt Karen and Uncle Mike, but especially Gavin.
The 'trouble makers', of course, found the tween's air guns and took them as their own. I didn't know they made these things anymore?! They disappeared to the back playset and trampoline hoping we wouldn't take them away. Not sure if they even worked, as they were found at the bottom of the pool! Ha!
They hunted fireflies and screamed in utter joy at being together again! It was a perfect summer night!
Sunday, we took them into NYC for Gavin and Karen's first trip! Exciting. It was our first time seeifng the Statue of Liberty (up close). We took the 'Shark' boat, a 30 minute ride, to see her, along with Freedom tower and lots of other NYC landmarks, via water. It was the perfect trip, an early afternoon on the water, getting a bit of spray, music pumping, the whole nine yards! We loved it.
The boys had to ride where they would get the most spray.....
Jen, Karen, Olivia, Dave and Mike.....fun!
Lunch by the pier. As long as Olivia had BBQ ribs (and Aunt Karen), she was a happy girl.
Jennifer and Mike...chilling out.
A trip to Toys R Us....and a trip to FAO Schwartz
Central Park
Rockefellar Center....LEGO store
Times Square
Recharging at Dylan's Candy Store....oh, the candy and ice cream we ate!
Dave scored tickets for us to see a taping of the Colbert Report (Comedy Central). It's one of our favorite shows, so Diane was nice enough to let the kids stay with her to swim. We headed back to NYC for an afternoon and evening of fun.
Sunset in NYC outside of the studio
Dinner at The Standard in the Meatpacking District...highly recommend. I'll be at the Beer Garden next time!
Zach begged to take the Smith's to Matthew's Diner close to our house. Diners are a NJ standard. No one was disappointed. Afterwards, we were on our way to the New Jersey Shore....Avon by the Sea. Again, thanks to Amy & Dave O!
We played at the pool much more than the beach ( you have to pay to go onto the beach). Also, it was a windy, almost stormy day from the tropical depression, so we sat on the boardwalk and let the kids play...for hours.
Gavin! Where are those other troublemakers?!
Alas, our the trip was over and we had to drive them back to the Newark airport. Saturday through Wednesday sounds like a long time, but it wasn't! A repeat is in order. We'll see them again in Canada for our brother's wedding! Watch out Canada...they may not let us cross the border with these hooligans:-)
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