Back At It!

I'm a little lot behind on updating the blog. With Kyle done with his board exam and his nose out of the books we've been spending every moment playing catch up on our list of places to go. So where have we been? Well, this isn't everywhere (look for more posts to come), but it's a start.

First up, The Plaza Hotel. A fancy, and pricey, place to stay during your visit to the city, it's located across from the southeast corner of Central Park. We didn't come here for a room or to spy on rich old ladies sipping tea, we came for the food court in the basement. This is one fabulous selection of eateries with gourmet delights. The perfect place to grab a quick, yet delicious, lunch. 

Next up, FAO Schwartz. If you want to see whiny kids, hopped up on sugar, begging their parents for every toy imaginable, this is your place. I have to say, we were definitely children again as we gawked at some of the coolest toys we had ever seen. A toy store on steroids, this place is awesome. The large keyboard from the movie Big really does exist and you can wait your turn to run across it and play a tune. 

Grand Central Station isn't just a place to pickup a train. It has beautiful architecture, fun shops, and a spectacular food market. I'm always in awe of the organized chaos that occurs in this place.

 

Coney Island is a mysterious playground I had always heard and read about, but had never seen. Home to sideshows, the Cyclone roller coaster, Nathan's hot dogs, and a large boardwalk it's a Mecca for families throughout the summer. 

 

Our impression, not impressive. It reminded me of the Arizona State Fair. The people, the food, the atmosphere. I don't know what I expected, but a run down amusement park full of trashy people wasn't it. After an hour and a half, we were on the train back to Manhattan. 

Last up, Fraunces Tavern.  Currently a bar, restaurant, and museum, it was the site of George Washington's farewell to his troops on December 4, 1783. Kyle was quivering with excitement and in awe of the magnitude of the history made there. My history buff claimed it to be one of his favorites things in the city. I guess I'm not too surprised. 

So that's it, for now. I'll get my act together and get you all up to speed with our other adventures. 

Take me out to the ball game...

Kyle's exam is long over and we are still celebrating with weekend outings and evening adventures. We're back to seeing as much as we can in the months we have left here. As always, so much to do and see, so little time. 

A big must-do was a Yankees' game. Luck would have they were playing the Twins this weekend and we decided to cheer on the Twinkies, Kyle is a fan/I dont really care, with a Friday night game. After a 73 minute rain delay early in the game, we called it a night around 11:00 pm at the top of the 7th. Yanks won. 

Yankee stadium, the original one, had so much history and was a true American landmark. The new stadium looks like an updated replica and really didn't live up to its hype. I'm glad we went as we had a fantastic time, but I don't think we plan on going to any games in the future. 

Test Day

Kyle has had many very important exams throughout his med school journey and this isn't the last, but it kind of feels like it. This test is technically the 2nd to last exam he'll have to sit for. His last one isn't until after graduation and residency applications and interviews. With all that stuff out of the way the pressure just won't be as great. 

Today, I left for work and Kyle left for his test. I am BEYOND excited for this day. Because it's Friday? No. Because I get my other half, my partner in crime, my best bud back! I have prepared a laundry list of activities for us over the next few weeks in order to make up for the months of lost time. I've done too much on my own lately, including Costco trips, laundry, museum trips, and even an afternoon at the movie theatre. Sad, I know, but it is what it is. 

His exam will last about 8 hours and contains over 350 questions (I'd lose focus by #48) so say prayer or two throughout the day wishing him luck. He has his own luck on, you know the 49ers shirt. It's been worn during every test thus far and this creature of habit isn't about to mess with his routine. 

Best of luck Mr. Kyle! 

A Wedding Weekend in Northern AZ

In the midst of Kyle's 14 hour study days, we escaped to Arizona for a family wedding

and quick visit with everyone we could possib;y see during our short trip.

My cousin Chip married his beautiful bride, Ashley, and we wouldn't have missed it for the world. The wedding was held in Pinetop, AZ where the air is crisp and cool! Just gorgeous!

 

The rehearsal dinner was a fun backyard BBQ at the cabin.

My mom and grandma did a beautiful job putting together the pre-wedding festivities.

 

 

Catching up with family is always good too!

My cousin Edie's little munchkin, Tobi, has grown so much since I saw her last.

 



 

How's the food fellas?

 



 

 

Congrats to the happy couple! We love you Chip & Ash!

 

 

Celebrity Billiards Tournament

For the second year in a row we got to rub elbows with some of NY sport's biggest names. The Justin Tuck Billiards Tournament was held at the end of May and since we know the insiders of the billiards part (Thanks Gail and Tony) we were able to get tickets. 

It's such a fun event where athletes, actors, and other celebrities and CEOs come together to play pool and raise money for Justin's RUSH for Literacy charity. We saw people like Eli Manning and Jason Kidd.

Here we are with our friend Jared and the host of the event Anthony Anderson. 

My cousin Gail and I ran in to Dolvett, one of the trainers from The Biggest Loser.